Anyone know if this will work to convert optical out of an HDTV to an old style stereo receiver via "conventional" rca cables. I assume 12vdc can be supplied thru an old atx power supply.
Thanks
Yes as long as the optical output is PCM. However, I do not know if your TV outputs PCM or, more likely, DolbyDigital. If the latter, it will not work.
This one is pricey but probably what you want:
Kal
It may, at least for programs whose audio is being provided in (or can be downsampled to) "linear PCM" format. This board uses a Burr-Brown PCM1728 stereo-audio converter chip, which will handle data sampling rates up to 96 kilosamples/second. I can't tell from the eBay description, whether this board is designed for just one sampling rate (e.g. CD) or whether it's capable of locking onto a bunch of different sampling rates.
This board will almost certainly *not* handle Dolby Digital, or other multi-channel digital surround-sound formats. If your HDTV tries to send this format of data, one of two things will probably happen: the converter will go mute, or it'll start making horrible noises. You should set your TV's audio mode settings to "linear PCM" only.
Probably not a good idea. ATX supplies are intended for much higher current levels than this board is likely to need, and tend to require a fairly substantial minimum load on the 5-volt line. Without such a load, they either won't produce 12 volts at all, or will produce too high a voltage (poor regulation). They may also be noisier (electrically) than you would want in an audio application.
The board probably doesn't draw more than an ampere at +12 - buy yourself a 12-volt linear (transformer/rectifier/filter caps) "wall wart" supply.
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Thanks both for the info. All I really want is some improvement over the sound, especially bass, of the built-in speakers. 2.1 is fine don't need/want 5.1. I have looked for PC speakers with a decent sub and optical input but they are very expensive and I dont want to spend 100's on a HT setup as I already have a decent receiver and speakers. Looks like I may need to source a decent used receiver/amp with optical inputs and use my existing speakers.
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