A quick digital coax question (1 Viewer)

[LawrenceZ]

My digital cable box has an output labeled "SPDIF" and I have an available digital coax in on my receiver. I'm wondering if this is the digital audio out of the cable box and if I need a special cable to use it. I tried a standard RCA cable and it didn't work. Also, for bonus points, can anyone tell me what SPDIF stands for (I like knowing the acronyms).

 

[Brad Marcus]

SPDIF = Sony Philips Digital InterFace

The cable to use is a 75-ohm coax (video cable). Do not use audio cable as you are transferring digital data, not analog audio.

 

[LawrenceZ]

Great, thanks for the help.

 

[PaulT]

Read the info in this other forum in regards to what may be output from your cable box's S/PDIF output.
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hreadid=105407
I have to assume you use Shaw in Calgary. Here in OK Valley the Shaw rep I spoke with didn't even know if they were broadcasting the Digital surround (a la 4th year Soprano's episodes) or not. I have not hooked it up myself even though my receiver will auto sense.
Rat Shack has a 12 foot cable for 40CDN (p/n 42-2681), London Drugs audio departments carry them (Monster brand) in various lengths and price ranges. If it doesn't work the way you want, you will have a spare cable....