Home audio & video forum: LG 42LGX surround sound problem.. Help!

So what would be the easiest way to get video to the tv and audio to the receiver? I know the PS3 has a optical out but my HTPC does not have an optical, just HDMI and headphone jack. Would it be possible if i bought a sound card with optical out to get a splitter and plug the ps3 and HTPC both into the receiver and it would just run whatever is on? I am really not very knowledgeable about audio set ups so I just need the cheapest most convenient solution to get the surround sound working.

Page 13 of the manual, Item 4.

http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201104/20110420092354545/HT-z320_XAA_3-24%5B1%5D.pdf

"External Digital Optical Input Jack"

Sorry but it appears you don't know your own gear. Maybe you can ask the folk that set it up for you to try again?
Bob

Here is my current and perspective setup I just want to know if this will work I guess I will have to get a splitter that has to be manually switched since I dont want to shut off PC just to turn on PS3.. or see if anyone has a better idea.

The second should be fine. However I haven't seen that splitter so I have to defer to those that told you it would work.

For example http://www.amazon.com/CCM-SWOPT2-Optical-Splitter/dp/B0002MQGR2 has good and bad reviews. 50/50 chance? At least it's cheap.

And http://www.amazon.com/C2G-28734-Digital-Explorer-Selector/dp/B0002OF2FC/ seems only slightly better in the reviews. Only a little.

The problem is, we don't know 100% whether or not the toslink output from the back of the HDTV will actually output 5.1 from an OTA source. IME more often than not they will not, even though you think they will/should since it's apart from the restrictions of HDCP/HDMI, etc. we have alluded to in this thread and elsewhere. Trial and error is required, unfortunately.

It's the only time that 5.1 is allowed to pass through according to "da' rules" I've read to date. The thought here (mind reading?) is that since you usually don't have a receiver for OTA the only way to feed the surround is from the HDTV's OTA receiver.

I know you know this but tell it to the OP (original poster) so they can read it from other members and come up to speed on this.

After too many incidents I'm calling HDMI and HDCP out as "unfriendly." The manufacturers deserve all the calls and returns for these issues.
Bob

Yeah, by now I'm hoping this is starting to sink in a little with the OP.

The worst part is when the HDTV manufacturers don't follow the rules, even when it could potentially benefit a user. I've had the opportunity to test four HDTVs and only two would pass along OTA surround audio track. Go figure ;(. It's a crapshoot at best.

I'm excited that the OP does have a HTPC though. It's a great 'base camp' for HT stuff of late.

I will have to do some more reading before I start making any purchases but I appreciate the information you have shared with me and I should have a good starting point to find out the limitations of the TV and HDMI.

...either a cable or sat box which allows you to pass along the 5.1 surround audio track to your Samsung unit. You won't be getting it from the HDTV for the reasons Bob mentioned. Going back to either a PS3 or HTPC won't help in this case since they aren't doing the tuning.

Replied above.

...you left out the crux of the matter just to be 100% specific. Please add the source of your cable or sat signal. E.g. small box indicating wall jack, and run a cable to either the HDTV or to the HTPC, if that's what's doing the tuning of your stations. This matters a great deal so we know all your options .

Sorry I should have been clear in original post, I do not have cable or sat. I am pretty cheap so I cancelled my cable sub and use netflix for streaming as well as DVD's so what is pictured is all the input besides the wifi coming into the HTPC. I have read your other posts and will have to do some reading so I can fully understand the references you have made about what gets passed over HDMI and what gets passed through the TV to finalize my audio set up but I get the feeling I will end up buying a sound card for my HTPC either way. I will also have to make sure I have a better understanding of my needs and limitations when picking out a motherboard on my next HTPC build

Indeed- Netflix won't be streaming out in 5.1 via digital optical, nor any other way, unless you can find a workaround with a tuner card inside your HTPC. YMMV.

If you need any more help feel free to ask. Without a doubt this stuff can be quite convoluted(!)

I also view lots of downloaded content so I should be ok on that, and I will have to see what I can do about netflix. I figure if your not shelling out the money on a product to do the thinking for you, you are probably going to have to do the legwork.

You shouldn't have many issues there, as long as you have an adequate video & audio card on board.