Digital Coaxial Question

ChrisMatchem · 10-23-2003, 11:27 PM

This may sound dumb but im desperate to find a solution to this

My receiver has room for only one Digital Coaxial cable
Right now I only need one going to my DVD player
Im actually using a standard video cable as the digi-coax and the 5.1 signal shows up and the sound is still very high quality so im not complaining

My question is this
Is there some sort of splitter I could use with digi-coax to use 2 cables running into the same input
Like just one cable going into the receiver, then a splitter with 2 cables, one going to DVD, other going to Digital Cable
Even if its not ACTUAL Digital cables im using, as long as I can get the sound quality imgetting now from my DVD player

I hope someone understands what im talking about

Thanks

Chu Gai · 10-24-2003, 01:34 AM

There was a nice long and informative thread on video switching that may have some relevant information for you.
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hreadid=110726
Some of the products that were mentioned did more than just video.

Also, PartsExpress sells a variety of products like optical splitters as does Radio Shack. If you can better formulate what it is that you want to do, then maybe someone has knowledge of a specific product that can meet your needs.

Bob McElfresh · 10-25-2003, 12:13 AM

You really dont want to use just a "Y" splitter. The coaxial-digital connection wants a 75 ohm cable and the "Y" adaptors are not typically 75 ohms.

Get a video switch-box. Use one of these to toggle between the various inputs. Video cables & connections should all be 75 ohms. (This is why Chu recommended a Video thread to your request for a problem with coaxial-digital cables.)

Chu Gai · 10-25-2003, 01:37 AM

That was a real good thread you had there Bob.

Bob McElfresh · 10-25-2003, 12:52 PM

Thanks. I saw too many people considering trading in some very good receivers just because they ran out of component connections. (That's why the thread is in the "Receivers" section.) $150 for a switcher seems expensive, until you realize the cheapest HD capable receiver with 3 inputs runs about $2,300. Not only did that thread help people, but I learned a lot as well.

Chris: did you get your answer?

**HTF Ads**

ChrisMatchem · 10-25-2003, 04:25 PM

Yes, I did get my answer
Im researching various products now
You said I need 75 ohm, i found a splitter that claims to have 75 ohm

Will that work?
Isn't that coaxil for TV cable?

A video switch-box will let me use digital coaxial for audio?

im still a little foggy

Chu Gai · 10-25-2003, 08:03 PM

why not post a link? you got a budget on this?

ChrisMatchem · 10-25-2003, 09:28 PM

Yea, i tried to post a link the first time, but it said i have to post 15 messages first

Chu Gai · 10-25-2003, 10:55 PM

well you could write h++p instead of http.

Bob McElfresh · 10-25-2003, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Will that work?
Isn't that coaxil for TV cable?

A video switch-box will let me use digital coaxial for audio?

Ok, lets get back to some basics:

Most "RCA cables" are made with coax. If you cut one, it would look just like your CATV coax.

Video cables are made with something called "75 ohm" coax. The video electronics expect this.

Audio cables can be made with ANY of the more common coax: 50/75/110/300 ohms.

When they designed the coaxial-digital connection, the designers decided to specify a "75 ohm coaxial cable" - A common-as-dirt video cable. (They did not want you to have trouble finding one).

So you should look for VIDEO cables and VIDEO switch box's to hook up your coaxial-digital devices.

But many connectors, splitters, and RCA cables are made for AUDIO which does not care about the impedence. This is why I cautioned against buying a simple "Y" adaptor - it could be built with Audio in mind.

The best advice I can give you is this:

Go to Radio Shack. Buy a inexpensive $39 Video/Audio switch box. Run Video cables from your 2 different coaxial-digital sources into the Video inputs on the switch box. Run 1 more video cable from the video out to the coaxial-digital input on your receiver.

Use the buttons/switches on the switch box to flip between your 2 sources.

The switch box will prevent the problem of having both your sources trying to shove digital connections to your receiver at the same time.

Does this make sense?

ChrisMatchem · 10-26-2003, 01:07 AM

Bob McElfresh · 10-26-2003, 09:11 PM

Quote:

I guess I was afraid to ask for someone to explain the basics

Dont be. Our forum rules protect people from flaming you, and one of my main jobs is to catch people who would put others down and ask them to stop or remove them.

We do ask that you try a search first, or take a look at the Beginners Primer & Faq. Most of the basic questions are answered there.

Glad we could help.