Optical Digital Audio

Mandaro

Hello, can someone please tell me if I would be able to connect my LCD TV to my sky+ box using the optical digital audio connector? I'm not sure if the ODA is for audio only for connecting to hifi. I'm getting confused with all these different connections.

OK_Sauce

The optical cable carries audio information only, usually to a decoder of some description. This will decode Dolby Digital discrete signals such as the 5.1 surround sound carried on most HD channels. It will also carry PCM audio information. The main advantage in connecting it to your tv is if it has a built in surround system. However the usual HDMI connection will also carry the same signal (along with video).

penrhyn

The optical connector on a TV is usually an output, as is the optical connector on the Sky box.

Mandaro

OK - thank you both for your replies. I thought I could use the optical digital connection instead of using scart as I don't have an HDMI port in my sky+ box, although I have an HD ready TV with HDMI port.

KillerWatt

Mandaro wrote: »

OK - thank you both for your replies. I thought I could use the optical digital connection instead of using scart as I don't have an HDMI port in my sky+ box, although I have an HD ready TV with HDMI port.

Your TV will pass whatever audio is being played through the optical out at all times, all you need to utilise it is an amp with a built in decoder.

almillar

Your TV's optical port may be an input or an output, have a look at the labelling on it at the back, or of course the manual. But if you're looking for an HD picture, you won't get one out of a Sky+ box, you need a Sky HD box. This will have an HDMI socket to plug into. Try phoning Sky and threatening to leave as you want to get a FreesatHD box and see if they offer a free upgrade of your box.