Digital HDTV into Analog stereo receiver

[Boom Boom]

I asked this question on another thread, but someone suggested I should start a new thread just on this question.

Does anyone know of any way to play a (digital technology) VisonQuest Picasso HDTV through my 1992 SONY analog receiver?

Nothing I've tried works.

My old SONY analog tech TV played through the analog stereo great, was easy to hook up (just two cables!) but unfortunately the tube burned out.

Or is it just the case that digital and analog technology are simply not copmpatible and I have to get a digital receiver?

I emailed VisionQuest every week for a month, still haven't had a reply from them yet.

(oops - I had intended that angry smilie to be at the END of my post, not at the header... )

 

[MDS]

So this TV doesn't have any analog audio outputs? If it does have a digital audio output then you need a DAC (digital to analog converter).

Here is a rather inexpensive device to accomplish what you want:
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=4907

 

[Boom Boom]

Yes, the back of the HDTV has about eight audio outputs, but all for digital accessories such as DVD, etc.

Your link looks exactly like what I need - thanks so much for posting!

 

[TLS Guy]

Yes, the back of the HDTV has about eight audio outputs, but all for digital accessories such as DVD, etc.

Your link looks exactly like what I need - thanks so much for posting!

You have described inputs not outputs. Go to your TV and see if it has an audio analog out. Most do.

 

[Boom Boom]

My HDTV only has a Digital Audio Out - no analog audio out. I don't even have a cable that fits the Digital Audio Out, so I have to order that, too.

 

[Pyrrho]

So this TV doesn't have any analog audio outputs? If it does have a digital audio output then you need a DAC (digital to analog converter).

Here is a rather inexpensive device to accomplish what you want:
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=4907

Rather than spending $80 on a device to convert optical digital to two channel analog, I recommend that you consider upgrading your receiver to something new. Most broadcasts these days feature multichannel audio (sometimes DD 5.1, other times just 4 channel DPL encoded into 2 channels). And most DVDs (and Blu-Ray discs) also have multichannel sound that you could listen to if only you had the right equipment.

My idea, however, would cost you more, as you would not only need to buy a new receiver, but you also need new speakers to deal with the extra channels.

 

[Boom Boom]

With the converter and cables I'm already looking at $100US. I wonder how much a cheap digital receiver costs? I could play the TV/digital receiver through my old existing speakers - right?

 

[Pyrrho]

With the converter and cables I'm already looking at $100US. I wonder how much a cheap digital receiver costs? I could play the TV/digital receiver through my old existing speakers - right?

Yes, you could use your current speakers with a new receiver, assuming that your speakers are an appropriate impedance for it. You could add the other speakers later, if you did not have the money for them now. Keep in mind, however, that the main (and perhaps only) advantage to the new receiver will not be used if you don't buy any more speakers. A new receiver, however, is likely to cost more than just $100. But it is possible to get one at that price, and you could also buy a used model, if you needed to save money. However, used models will not have the latest features, and a new unit that you could get for $100 would not be great. Still, I think a used model would be preferable to the converter, if you can find one at an appropriate price locally. Surround receivers lose value rapidly, as manufacturers are always coming out with something new that the old ones can't do. If you are careful, you might also be able to get a good deal on eBay, but there is always some added risk in buying used remotely.

My advice is to check out some new receivers to see if you would prefer to go that way. If not, then you can always go ahead and spend the $100 to get the converter. What you don't want to do is buy the converter and then look at new receivers, as your converter will probably not have much of a resale value, as no one with a modern receiver is likely to want it.

So, do some research on the question, and then decide if you think it is worth it or not. It does not matter that I think that surround sound is a good thing to have; it is your money, and you will be the one listening to it.