Applies to
Boston Digital BA735 Speaker
Requirements
Windows XP
Author
Boston Acoustics
FileName
n/a
FileSize
n/a
Driver Date & Version
n/a (n/a)
Description
If you are having problem with you Boston Digital BA735 speaker after you have upgraded to Windows XP, it is most likely that the Windows XP driver does not support digital output on the dual-mode analog/digital capable sound card for Windows XP.
Here is the explanation on Microsoft website: After you upgrade to Windows XP, the digital output on the shared digital/analog port is not enabled.
The integrated sound card is set to analog output only mode, and there is no way to switch to digital output. Microsoft solution: contact sound card manucafturer to obtain a Windows XP driver that supports digital output on the dual-mode analog/digital capable sound card.
Similar solution is offered in Boston Acoustics site: Here is Boston words: Since the introduction of Windows XP, we have been receiving e-mails from customers like you regarding the inoperability of their speakers. The Boston digital speakers do not directly require drivers to work but rather rely on the soundcard for processing.
This is where the problem lies. If the speaker system was functioning properly before the system upgrade and both green lights are illuminated, there is likely nothing wrong with your speakers. You need to make sure that the soundcard is configured for digital output.
If the soundcard is configured for digital or if your computer manufacturer has informed you that you need to upgrade drivers in the system, you will need to contact the manufacturer of your soundcard for these drivers. Below are links to both Creative Labs (SoundBlaster) and Gateway. There you will find new drivers that will allow your sound card to work with Windows XP.
For instructions on how to perform the driver installation, please contact your soundcard or computer manufacturer.
I have a new Gateway SX2840-01 with Windows 7 and my
Boston Digital speakers BA735 are not working. Can I download
a new driver to fix the problem? Thanks for your help
I have a new Gateway SX2840-01 with Windows 7 64bit and my Boston BA735 speakers are not working. Can I download a new driver to solve the problem? Thanks for your help.
Hi carla, I have the Gateway dx 4831 desktop with Windows 7, and am having the same problem. As of yet I have not found any driver- I fear that the problem is the actual card reader in the speakers. This may not be fixable. I just tried using the digital output from my computer and going through a coaxial converter to the speakers, but am only getting an awful humming noise. This is what makes me think it is the card- a signal is going through but the speakers can’t interpret it. Let me know if you come across anything.
Rob
Carla- got my speakers to work after talking to someone at Boston Acoustic. It takes some tweeking but is easy-
I looked at your computer specs online- you have an output that is called SPDIF. This is the connection you will have to use, since it is the only digital output you have (the speakers can only read digital signals). The main problem is that the outgoing signal from your computer has to be converted to the right digital signal before going to the speaker. No worries, I had to do the same thing. All you need is the converter (anywhere from 15 to $20 on amazon) and the right cables. I bought all of these on amazon.com for $30. It’s all on this link (look under “frequently bought together”)
http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Go-40019-Optical-Converter/dp/B0002GV876/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1268791236&sr=8-2)
Next, your sound card has to be tweaked. It has to be defaulted to “digital” as the output device. Then, the format of the output has to be set to 16 bit, 44100 Hz (or 44.1 KHz). That second part is what I did not do initially and it gave me a weird hum bc the sound card was defaulted to 5.1 surround format. I am pretty sure your computer has the same sound card as mine- if you go to the bottom right corner, there should be a brown speaker that is called Realtek audio manager. Click it. The manager menu should appear. click on Digital output (optical). Click on set default device. Then click on Default format. Then find 16 bit, 44100 Hz and highlight it. That’s it! You can probably actually select a higher sample rate for better quality- I toyed around with it and my speakers sound great at 24 bit 48000 Hz. Let me know if it works…
Rob, you seem to be good at getting the Boston BA735 speakers to work. I just boughtan acer Aspire 7551-5358, what can i do to get the speakers to work. Do I need to get the converter and cables and tweak my system likw you described above.
Hello Rob… was wondering if you could steer me in the right direction… I have the Boston BA 735’s and get no sound out of my new computer; its a Dell Vostro 230 32 bit Windows XP… I know I need to download something but unsure of what.. if you or anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated
Hello!
I have just installed BOSTON DIGITAL BA735 Speakers that were given to me as gift on my New COMPUTER HPE 112Y, Desktop Computer with Windows 7. I am not sure If I need to download the drivers for Speakers ? Please advise someone.
I have an Acer PC and Boston Digital BA735 speakers. I have the same question as Troy in question #5. Please respond.
Hi Stephen, let me summarized Rob’s finding.
1. Make sure your system got SPDIF (read your system specifications, not every system has it)
2. Get a converter to convert digital signal to speaker.
3. Set speaker default to “Digital”
To-date I have not found a solution to my query, I would thingk with so much advancement in Technology, someon at BOSTON Digital will come up with a Software hat can resolve the Issue, I once again post my request of January 4, 2011: I have just installed BOSTON DIGITAL BA735 Speakers that were given to me as gift on my New COMPUTER HPE 112Y, Desktop Computer with Windows 7. I am not sure If I need to download the drivers for Speakers ? Please advise someone.
I think some of the users may have a solution. Please see #5 by Troy. Thank you.
Thank you Rob! Your advice saved me a zillion hours. I have an HP pavilion 6720f. Same output etc as you talked about in detail above. I didn’t need to buy the converter, but your sound card tweaks made these speakers play. These are excellent sounding speakers. Cool!
Yes they are good speakers, provided that they work ;)
I have the same problem with my BA735 speakers with Win7. IMHO,what this boils down to is Boston Acoustics is selling speakers that don’t work. They need to provide a fix!. Frank
Had my Boston BA735 speakers connected to Dell computer with windows 10 and were working fine and suddenly they stopped working. What do I need to do?
I would suggest to test the speakers on another machine and see if it works.
I have an old gateway that has Windows XP. My Boston Digital BA735 works beautifully with this Gateway computer. However, I upgraded my computer and purchased an HP Envy that has Beats Audio. My Boston Digital BA735 do not work with my HP Envy. I still have the CD software for the BA735 speaker swhich states SB Live Value Millenium for Win98, 2K,ME,95 & NT4. Obviously the software does not work with my HP Envy which uses Windows 10 Pro. Does anyone know how I can use my BA735 speakers with my HP Envy? The sound from the AB735 is amazing. I don’t want to get rid of them.