digital output from set top box to sound card
 

does anyone know if it possible to get a digital out from your settop box?
i have a sound card with optical and coaxial in and would like to replace my pre-amp with my computer as the master controller in my multimedia setup.
there are only two outputs left on the 'box, they are both computer style interfaces, one looks like a parallel connector and the other looks like a serial connector. the other options would be to use the scart connector, but im sure that this is analogue; or to somehow get tv output from the ethernet cable?!
any replys gladly accepted.
g

Re: digital output from set top box to sound card
 

It's not I'm afraid.

:welcome: to the site. :)

Re: digital output from set top box to sound card
 

You can try using a scart to phonos (sound l + r + video) + a phone to 3.5mm jack to your sound card.

Who knows what the pvr will bring though, whenever that comes out.

Re: digital output from set top box to sound card
 

nah, he is looking to get a digital signal into the card - scart to phono will only give a stereo signal. AFAIK no NTL programmes have a digital sound feed - NICAM stereo only and the best you will get from that in a surround setup is simulated pro-logic. :shrug:

Re: digital output from set top box to sound card
 

Oops, thats what i meant as an alternative :dunce:

Re: digital output from set top box to sound card
 

Thanks for the reply guys.
Its a big shame that there is no digital connection or that sound could not be sent out from the ethernet connection, its not like theres not enough bandwidth.
As regards a PVR the only thing that can offer me would be the ability to watch a prog and record another, as I have video in on the computer and use that as a PVR.
G

Re: digital output from set top box to sound card
 

The digital audio is sent as MPEG Audio Layer 2 (MP2) rather than NICAM as was stated.

Until a PVR arrives you could convert the analogue stereo outputs from the STB to digital optical or coaxial with an analogue to digital SP/DIF converter.
Maplin stock one, order code QQ82D at £24.99. It can also convert a Composite Video signal to S-Video.

Re: digital output from set top box to sound card
 

im kinda rare, i dont have a VCR, so i use that scart from the cable box to connect up to my computer. Makes pretty good recordings as well, I then have my comp hooked up to my amp via digi cable and to the TV via s video. I even downloaded some demo material the other day with dd 5.1 and the comp outputs that to the amp with no problem as well.

all for no extra cash as i had it all anyway :D