You forgot to mention that this CRAP is software emulation of the real thing (creative).

For me, it is sad that there is no Linux support yet, but it seems that Asus is one of the best linux supporters, so they might fix this soon.

As for the real thing ...
I do prefer dedicated hardware, but the fact that it can encode multichannel stream to DD or DTS stream over optic is great.
Currently i have 3 cables going from computer to receiver and it's mess .

Make it PCI-E, add linux support and i'll buy it even without "Real thing"

I keep thinking that some one will create a card that will allow the creation of a high end HTPC that can serve as a pre-pro (like the Integra DTC-9.8). It l needs to accept HDMI inputs and peel off the audio portion and decode to 7.1 channels of output and then pass the HDMI signal on to the display. I know that a pre-pro like this costs about $1500. Am I the only one that is looking for a product like this?