How to convert 5.1 channel into optical?

Question

My receiver only has separate 5.1 inputs (6 RCA inputs, one for each speaker), but my DVD player have optical audio outs (but not 5.1 RCA outs), so I would like to use that if possible. Is there any adapter or connector that will convert an optical audio signal into 6 separate RCA plugs for a 5.1 input?

Answer 1

This is a very tricky problem. There really should be a cheap and easy way to do this, but there isn’t. I am an audio engineer, so I have some experience with this type of issue, and ill explain to you your options. As it has been said before, the very easiest way to solve this problem would be to buy a newer Receiver, one with optical input, or to buy an older DVD player, one with analogue 5.1 output. As I got the feeling that you don’t want to do either of these (I love my older receiver with no optical inputs too!), here are your other options.

The very best tool I have seen for this is a Klipsch ProMedia DD-5.1 Digital Decoder. I have only ever seen one of these, but it preformed beautifully. It is a smaller box that takes an optical or coaxial input, and puts it out in analogue channels. You simply select the type out signal you want (5.1, 6.1 so on) and it outputs it. Unfortunately, they do not make them anymore, now that DVD players don’t put out analogue 5.1 anymore. Here is the link to it.
http://www.klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=433&dmore=True&rmore=False
If you find one on E-bay or something it could be worth your time. I have not seen one new in a few years.

The other option was mentioned to me by a fellow sound dork that happened to be over at the time I read your question. Unfortunately neither of us has actually seen one in action, so we can’t vouch weather it works well or not. Creative labs put out the Creative Decoder DTS-100 for use with their sound cards in conjunction with a home theater. However, it is a stand alone unit and does not require a computer in any way. It basically solves your problem, and puts out analogue channels of 5-7.1 (as pairs using headphone jacks) when given any number of inputs. If you do decide to do this, you would also need to pick up 4 1/8” stereo to dual RCA cables from your local target or radio shack. The DTS allows for all the luxuries a digital receiver would have and goes for about 150.00 US dollars. Here is the Link:
http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=4&AID=10274033&PID=440939&product=9468&subcategory=136

I hope this helps..

Answer 2

My recommendation is to not waste your money on a converting device or a new DVD player with seperate 5.1 outputs and instead invest in a new receiver with several digital audio inputs (optical and coaxial). This will keep you up to date with future equipment upgrades and allow you to connect the digital audio output of your sat/cable box as well.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

I don't believe such a device exists. The easiest and most affordable fix would be to buy a new DVD player.

Answer 5

It would be cheaper to replace your amplifier at this point. A Toslink to Analog converter would be expensive.

Answer 6

http://siig.com/product.asp?query=coaxial+to+toslink&pid=568

Here is one and the price I could find that was best was $25 bucks, much less than a new Player.

Hope this helps.