Ok, I figured out a solution that works for me and was FREE.
1) Downloaded a windows macro utility and install on MCE. Here is the
link.
http://www.download.com/Mouse-and-Key-Recorder/3000-2094_4-10191625.html?tag=lst-0-1
2) Recorded 2 macros that open the audio configuration utility that came
with my sound card. One switches to 2 channels and the second switched to 5.1
SPDIF. Be aware that if you use the
pointer reference you will need to play with the XY parameters when MCE comes
out of focus. Here is an example of the macro
code.
{{Delay 900}
{{Mouse 1, 2, 31,
179, 0
{{Delay 300}
{{RelativeMouse PCI 3D Audio Configuration, 1, 1, 15, 222, 0
{{Delay 300}
{{RelativeMouse PCI 3D Audio Configuration, 1, 1, 594, 548,
0
{{Mouse 1, 1, 168,
579, 0
{{Exit}
3) Added two menu options to MCE More Programs 1) House Sound 2ch, 2)
Surround Sound. Just create two files in the following directory
[ C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start
Menu\Programs\Accessories\Media Center\Media Center Programs ] Here is the
syntax
a. Surround Sound – file name “Surround Sound.mcl”
<application
run = "C:\Documents and Settings\mce\My
Documents\Recorder\Surround Sound.krc"
name = "Surround Sound"
</application>
b. House Sound (2ch) – file name “House Sound.mcl”
<application
run = "C:\Documents and Settings\mce\My
Documents\Recorder\House Sound.krc"
name = "House Sound"
</application>
4 ) Start MCE and go to More Programs, you will see two options. I just
click on surround sound when I want 5.1 and house sound when I want 2 channel.
And... Saved $150 on Creative's out of stock solution.
Asus Duo Core2
pvr 250
geforce 6600
HDA Mystique 7.1 audio
on the skinny and it works just fine