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Redstorm
Prince of Bugs




Registered: 10/08/02
Posts: 44,175
Last seen: 6 months, 29 days
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Surround sound system question
#8724212 - 08/04/08 01:05 PM (15 years, 9 months ago) |
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I recently got a new television that I would like to plug my surround sound system into.
The only problem is that the only audio output from the television is Toslink and the only plug my surround sound system has is 3.5mm miniplug (M).
I've done a little searching, and I'm thinking a 3.5mm miniplug female to Toslink male adapter would work.
Something like this:
http://www.cablewholesale.com/specs/fiber-optic-adaptor/30f2-79902.htm
Anyone have any ideas?
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Wronguy

Registered: 03/05/05
Posts: 4,450
Last seen: 12 years, 10 months
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Re: Surround sound system question [Re: Redstorm]
#8724301 - 08/04/08 01:23 PM (15 years, 9 months ago) |
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Can't you plug the source of your viewing into the stereo receiver instead of the TV itself? Example: I have satellite and my PS3 going as my two sources of TV watching. I run all audio from the satellite and PS3 into the receiver, not the TV into the receiver.
I accomplish the same feat you're wanting, but with better connections (DD5.1, DTS, etc...) and works great. I guess this wouldn't work if you're receiving terrestrial broadcasts for your primary viewing.
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Redstorm
Prince of Bugs




Registered: 10/08/02
Posts: 44,175
Last seen: 6 months, 29 days
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Re: Surround sound system question [Re: Wronguy]
#8724331 - 08/04/08 01:28 PM (15 years, 9 months ago) |
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I don't have an actual receiver. It's just a cheap pc surround system that I have grown fond of. It sounds great, but the problem is that is doesn't have a receiver.
So, I guess in summary, I'm stuck with a miniplug jack and a Toslink plug.
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Wronguy

Registered: 03/05/05
Posts: 4,450
Last seen: 12 years, 10 months
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Re: Surround sound system question [Re: Redstorm]
#8724374 - 08/04/08 01:34 PM (15 years, 9 months ago) |
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I'm a little confused here. So you have a PC sound system that only has a 3.5mm analog jack for input? My only pause would be whether or not your TV Toslink output would require decoding, as a receiver would do. Not sure it would work to be honest, especially if the signal coming out of the TV is digitally encoded.
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Redstorm
Prince of Bugs




Registered: 10/08/02
Posts: 44,175
Last seen: 6 months, 29 days
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Re: Surround sound system question [Re: Wronguy]
#8724482 - 08/04/08 01:50 PM (15 years, 9 months ago) |
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Yes, you are correct. I've always used the speakers with my older tv's b/c they've always had 3.5mm out jacks. I was pretty surprised when this one didn't.
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Wronguy

Registered: 03/05/05
Posts: 4,450
Last seen: 12 years, 10 months
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Re: Surround sound system question [Re: Redstorm]
#8724555 - 08/04/08 02:03 PM (15 years, 9 months ago) |
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Technology is finally catching up brother. I'm actually glad to see a TV that doesn't have analog outputs. It's about time.
Anyway, I personally think you should start gearing up with a receiver when money permits. It's your TV and your choice, but sound quality would be a lot better with a good receiver to back it up. I think I spent about $10,000 over the years on my setup and never regretted it.
Good luck to you either way. Maybe someone else can chime in here and give some better advice for you.
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Redstorm
Prince of Bugs




Registered: 10/08/02
Posts: 44,175
Last seen: 6 months, 29 days
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Re: Surround sound system question [Re: Wronguy]
#8724595 - 08/04/08 02:09 PM (15 years, 9 months ago) |
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I'm thinking about it and still might buy a new one. The only problem is that I just moved into a new place and will be starting my master's program at the end of August, so I really need to be prioritizing my money at the moment.
I might buy that adapter or give them a call first and ask them about the product and if it doesn't work then I can start thinking a bit more about getting a new system.
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badchad
Mad Scientist

Registered: 03/02/05
Posts: 13,379
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Re: Surround sound system question [Re: Redstorm]
#8724858 - 08/04/08 02:57 PM (15 years, 9 months ago) |
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As someone eluded to: the 3.5mm cable won't come close to carrying a 5.1 (or higher) sound. Thus, you won't get "true" discrete surround sound.
Digital outputs/inputs are extremely common (pretty much standard) nowadays. My receiver is 6-7 years old and has an "optical" input. All other equipment (even the HD cable box I "rent" from comcast) has "optical" output. You could find a 5.1 receiver with optical inputs extremely cheap (I just found a model similar to mine for $50, including shipping on ebay).
Once the speakers are operating as "discrete", individual channels, you will notice a tremendous difference.
-------------------- ...the whole experience is (and is as) a profound piece of knowledge. It is an indellible experience; it is forever known. I have known myself in a way I doubt I would have ever occurred except as it did. Smith, P. Bull. Menninger Clinic (1959) 23:20-27; p. 27. ...most subjects find the experience valuable, some find it frightening, and many say that is it uniquely lovely. Osmond, H. Annals, NY Acad Science (1957) 66:418-434; p.436
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