First, this is a little bit between PC Audio and Home Theatre audio, so if this the wrong forum, please bear with the newbie (me). I am in a temporary living arrangement, and it is becoming more permanent, I miss my surround sound (in storage). I cannot bring it out because we do not have enough room for all the components. I want to use my old (compact) pc surround system: Problem is 1, I do not have a compatible sound card. Problem 2 I want to use it sourced from the optical out of my TV. How can I convert an optical audio out to the requisite 1/8" analog input jacks? If this is not possible, I will probably use the klipsch speakers, with an old surround receiver (no sub though). Thanks for your help.
The optical output on tvs is for getting 5.1 surround, from local HD channels, when using the internal tuner with an antenna. Nothing else. If the tv will pass any audio from another source at all, it will downmix it to 2.0, so all you'll get is stereo, or Dolby Pro Logic (simulated surround), if connected to an A/V receiver. People try this all the time, then wonder why they're not getting surround sound. You can get a sound card for the pc, for about $30, that supports surround sound. I've seen them in the computer stores. They say they work fairly good. But then, you'll need a software dvd player that supports surround. I didn't find a free one, but that was about three to four years ago, and there may be free ones now. My computer is a free standing surround system, and sounds very good. I put more money in mine though. My sound card was $200, and so were my speakers. I'm pretty sure you're not going to be able to do what you're trying to do, the way you're trying to do it. But, good luck..........
