Optical signal to computer 5.1 signal?

Angel9 · 10-01-2005, 01:50 PM

Hello friends. I have just picked up a sweet computer 5.1 system that I want to use with my XBOX. I have an adaptor that converts the R/L RCA cables to Pro-Logic [ew], and I am looking to make the step up to true 5.1. Does anyone know of a decoding box or something of the nature that will convert my Optical signal from the XBOX into 3 1/8" Stereo plugs [looks exactly like a headphone jack]. Here is what mine does right now:

http://www.logitech.com/lang/images/0/6776.jpg

I basically need the RCA cable end to be something that is Optical. Any help here would be appreciated!

RSawdey · 10-02-2005, 02:49 PM

What you are calling 'RCA cables' are properly called an 'analog stereo pair', which uses RCA phono jacks as connectors. Analog stereo can't carry digital signals, only ProLogic psuedosurround like analog TV. You need to be digital from start to finish for true surround. What you need is a higher end PC audio card with digital I/O.

Angel9 · 10-02-2005, 03:25 PM

I understand what you are saying, but I don't think I was clear enough. I am using these for XBOX, and it has an Optical output [digital from the start] and i need to convert it into the 3 stereo jacks. That means the outputs and inputs are digital.

RSawdey · 10-03-2005, 03:26 PM

Stereo jacks are ANALOG! You'll need to decode the digital DD into it's analog channels... which requires DD 5.1 decoder.

Angel9 · 10-03-2005, 09:50 PM

Then that's exactly what I need. Where can I get one that supports this type of output?

smurfer · 10-03-2005, 10:06 PM

You can start here, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829118104
if your looking for something more higher end then go here

maicaw · 10-03-2005, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angel9

Then that's exactly what I need. Where can I get one that supports this type of output?

why not try the Logitech forum - http://forums.logitech.com/pe/action...ardID=10100204 - those connectors look like they will only work with a computer sound board - if you don't have a computer you might be out of luck

Angel9 · 10-05-2005, 07:37 AM

back again guys. Actually I SHOULD be getting a new computer upstairs very soon, so I will be able to use a sound card. However, that one you showed me above seemed to work wonders, but after reading some reviews it said that the Optical In could only be outputted through (GUESS!) Optical Out. That means no stereo jacks on that one for me

. You guys are doing a great job of helping me so far!! Could anyone help me find the correct card as I am not very technically inclined at this website.

maicaw · 10-05-2005, 12:45 PM

I don't have any idea what this thing costs but it probably is what you are looking for - an optical decoder with outputs for computer surround speakers -for people who don't have a surround receiver or computer http://www.creative.com/products/pro...ubcategory=136 and http://www.creative.com/products/pro...uct=9468&nav=1
here's where I found the info - get on this thread http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/3/110858.html

Quote:

Umer Pasha Unregistered guest Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 09:25 am: i purchased this 5.1 surround sound system for my xbox forgetting to check if it was compatible with the xbox and special AV adaptor cable which it is not
the cable for the surround sound system i have has 3 plugs, a orange for the subwoofer, black for the rear and green for the front.
i was wondering if there was a adaptor which could be used to connect these plugs into the xbox optical plug on the xbox AV cable?
------------------------------------------------------------------
Ahhhhhh well..... you either need to get a full AV receiver to do that OR get this: http://www.creative.com/products/pro...uct=9468&nav=0
which is actually also an AV receiver/decoder... but is a bit compact.
Also, I'd like to add that there is really no difference between the sound quality for a TosLink (Optical) or SPDIF (Coax). The only problem is if the data transmitted is not reaching the other end which can only happen if the distance is too large (Here Coax wins as light based data needs more repeaters in between) for which the solution is:

Angel9 · 10-08-2005, 10:44 AM

I think this is exactly what I need. Maybe I should see if my local Best Buy has something like this, as I'm not going to drop $150 for something that doesn't work for me. Thanks a bunch though!

genrex · 11-15-2005, 04:07 AM

Hi. This is Umer Pasha. Angel9, that is exactly what you are looking for for half the price of a cheap AV receiver. Mind you, the price is nothing compares to the possibilities it offers. This is a poorman's answer to home cinema! Though I myself have a high end Yamaha AV receiver

being a nut!, this device will fulfil all the needs you specified.

10-01-2005, 01:50 PM	#1
Angel9 High Definition is the definition of life. Thread Starter Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 80	Optical signal to computer 5.1 signal? Hello friends. I have just picked up a sweet computer 5.1 system that I want to use with my XBOX. I have an adaptor that converts the R/L RCA cables to Pro-Logic [ew], and I am looking to make the step up to true 5.1. Does anyone know of a decoding box or something of the nature that will convert my Optical signal from the XBOX into 3 1/8" Stereo plugs [looks exactly like a headphone jack]. Here is what mine does right now: http://www.logitech.com/lang/images/0/6776.jpg I basically need the RCA cable end to be something that is Optical. Any help here would be appreciated!

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10-02-2005, 02:49 PM	#2
RSawdey Mr. Wizard Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ferndale, Michigan Age: 71 Posts: 5,981	What you are calling 'RCA cables' are properly called an 'analog stereo pair', which uses RCA phono jacks as connectors. Analog stereo can't carry digital signals, only ProLogic psuedosurround like analog TV. You need to be digital from start to finish for true surround. What you need is a higher end PC audio card with digital I/O.

10-02-2005, 03:25 PM	#3
Angel9 High Definition is the definition of life. Thread Starter Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 80	I understand what you are saying, but I don't think I was clear enough. I am using these for XBOX, and it has an Optical output [digital from the start] and i need to convert it into the 3 stereo jacks. That means the outputs and inputs are digital.

10-03-2005, 03:26 PM	#4
RSawdey Mr. Wizard Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ferndale, Michigan Age: 71 Posts: 5,981	Stereo jacks are ANALOG! You'll need to decode the digital DD into it's analog channels... which requires DD 5.1 decoder.

10-03-2005, 09:50 PM	#5
Angel9 High Definition is the definition of life. Thread Starter Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 80	Then that's exactly what I need. Where can I get one that supports this type of output?

10-03-2005, 10:06 PM	#6
smurfer Hyperdrive Motivator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: W. Los Angeles, CA Age: 54 Posts: 260	You can start here, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829118104 if your looking for something more higher end then go here

10-05-2005, 07:37 AM	#8
Angel9 High Definition is the definition of life. Thread Starter Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 80	back again guys. Actually I SHOULD be getting a new computer upstairs very soon, so I will be able to use a sound card. However, that one you showed me above seemed to work wonders, but after reading some reviews it said that the Optical In could only be outputted through (GUESS!) Optical Out. That means no stereo jacks on that one for me . You guys are doing a great job of helping me so far!! Could anyone help me find the correct card as I am not very technically inclined at this website.

10-08-2005, 10:44 AM	#10
Angel9 High Definition is the definition of life. Thread Starter Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 80	I think this is exactly what I need. Maybe I should see if my local Best Buy has something like this, as I'm not going to drop $150 for something that doesn't work for me. Thanks a bunch though!

11-15-2005, 04:07 AM	#11
genrex What is HD? Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 1	Hi. This is Umer Pasha. Angel9, that is exactly what you are looking for for half the price of a cheap AV receiver. Mind you, the price is nothing compares to the possibilities it offers. This is a poorman's answer to home cinema! Though I myself have a high end Yamaha AV receiver being a nut!, this device will fulfil all the needs you specified.