Is It Possible?

[Big_Rock]

Came across this forum, and it looks like there's a lot of good info. Unfortunately, after searching, I couldn't find the right info to answer my question, so here goes...

My Components:
1) Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR4
2) PS3
3) Direct TV HD Sat Receiver
4) Older Sony Receiver and 5.1 surround (not sure of model, but no HDMI)

My question is, using TOSLINKs how can I connect all 3 components to the receiver for 5.1? Here's the catch, my receiver only has a single TOSLINK connection!

Setup diagram shows taking the 3 separate TOSLINK's (TV, PS3, & Dish Box) into the receiver, but since I only have one optical connection I'm wasn't sure it's possible to get 5.1 from all 3 components.

So I'm asking, is there a setup that could make it possible?

 

[MDS]

You would need an external switcher. http://www.gefen.com is an example of a company that specializes in all kinds of switches.

 

[Exit]

You need a optical (toslink) 3-position switcher with remote control. Never tried to find such an animal and haven't seen one though. I got a 4-position HDMI switcher from monoprice.com for $43 which was a good deal. I would look them up and see if they have anything. Then I would Google optical switcher and see if anything comes up. Surely your not the only one in that situation. If you can't find anything, you may be stuck swapping cables all the time or getting a better receiver.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

A new AVR is likely your best option. If your AVR is really old it may use Dolby Prologic vs. DD or DTS. You can get into a really good AVR for around 300 bucks that will do everything and have plenty of power.

A second option is this (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=180-980&FTR=optical switch&CFID=22578815&CFTOKEN=61020196) but it will involve getting off the couch!

Do you have coaxial inputs on your AVR?

 

[Big_Rock]

Thanks for the quick hit-backs everyone.

Figured I may be in the market for a new AVR, but thought I might try asking incase someone had a magic bullet. I'll look into the switcher too.

I do have a coax on the AVR. I think it's labeled FM ant. though.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

That wont help...

I do have a coax on the AVR. I think it's labeled FM ant. though.

 

[TLS Guy]

Came across this forum, and it looks like there's a lot of good info. Unfortunately, after searching, I couldn't find the right info to answer my question, so here goes...

My Components:
1) Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR4
2) PS3
3) Direct TV HD Sat Receiver
4) Older Sony Receiver and 5.1 surround (not sure of model, but no HDMI)

My question is, using TOSLINKs how can I connect all 3 components to the receiver for 5.1? Here's the catch, my receiver only has a single TOSLINK connection!

Setup diagram shows taking the 3 separate TOSLINK's (TV, PS3, & Dish Box) into the receiver, but since I only have one optical connection I'm wasn't sure it's possible to get 5.1 from all 3 components.

So I'm asking, is there a setup that could make it possible?

You have not given us nearly enough information to help you. You can use this to switch your Toslink.

http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=3108&sku=28734

However you need to tell us all the inputs and outputs on your TV and receiver, to advise you on your best option.

It's probably time to update. What you do is likely to be suboptimal and a work around, and likely not neat and tidy.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Did you just copy what I said?

Man, one day into retirement and you have already lost it!!!!!

You have not given us nearly enough information to help you. You can use this to switch your Toslink.

http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=3108&sku=28734

However you need to tell us all the inputs and outputs on your TV and receiver, to advise you on your best option.

It's probably time to update. What you do is likely to be suboptimal and a work around, and likely not neat and tidy.

 

[TLS Guy]

Did you just copy what I said?

Man, one day into retirement and you have already lost it!!!!!

Honestly, your reply was not there when I pressed the quote button. Something about great minds, think alike. I'm just slow and often have a few tasks on the computer at one. It was not plagiarism, I promise!

 

[patnshan]

You can get a "last year's model" AVR from a good brand for less than $300 with many toslink and digital coax inputs. That's where I'd put the money if I were you.

Just a tip, this hobby is very dangerous to the bottom line

Pat

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I am going to let it slide this one time but next time you're nursing home bound

Honestly, your reply was not there when I pressed the quote button. Something about great minds, think alike. I'm just slow and often have a few tasks on the computer at one. It was not plagiarism, I promise!

 

[TLS Guy]

I am going to let it slide this one time but next time you're nursing home bound

No! Send me a cute home nurse.

 

[Exit]

Getting out of your chair to operate that manual switcher might get old after awhile. I would give a good look to finding one with a remote or think seriously about getting a new receiver.

 

[Kolia]

So what's the exact model of the receiver?

I find it hard to believe it has only one TOSLINK input and no digital coax ?!?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I mean no disrespect but it is getting very difficult to find a home care nurse under 250lbs these days...

No! Send me a cute home nurse.

 

[TLS Guy]

I mean no disrespect but it is getting very difficult to find a home care nurse under 250lbs these days...

Now, now, they will get you for that!