108dB Signal-to-Noise ratio playback
No system today is complete without offering a fully immersive High Definition experience. While most motherboards are capable of playing Blue-ray HD content, not every motherboard is equipped for playback of HD audio. GIGABYTE strongly believes that in 2011, HD audio playback is a standard specification, and as such, we have made Blu-ray audio playback a standard for all of our motherboards.

All of GIGABYTE's 2011 motherboards feature the Realtek ALC889 audio codec, or better audio solution to deliver high-performance, multi-channel HD audio. The ALC889 incorporates Realtek's proprietary converter technology which is able to achieve 108dB Signal-to-Noise ratio (SNR) playback quality. SNR is a comparison of the amount of signal to the amount of noise, such as hiss, present in the signal (expressed in Decibels). A higher SNR equals a better audio experience. For example, 108dB, is a high audio specification, as this means the audio signal is 108dB higher than the level of the noise.

Another important feature of the Realtek ALC889, is it supports proprietary loss-less content protection technology that protects pre-recorded content,while still allowing full-rate audio enjoyment from DVD audio and Blue-ray DVDs. It also supports 24-bit SPDIF input and output, with up to 192kHz sample rate, offering easy connection of your PC to consumer electronic products such as digital decoders and speakers.
The ALC889 also provides ten DAC channels that simultaneously support 7.1 sound playback, plus 2 channels of independent stereo sound output (multiple streaming) through the front panel stereo outputs, so you can enjoy a completely immersive 7.1 surround sound audio experience.