TiVo TiVo Optical Out Problem - holds the channel even when on standby

MrGeebs · 25-05-2012, 10:22

Hello.
We upgraded today to the TIVo box from the V+. I have a home cinema sound system with only one optical input, I also have a PS3 which I play games on and films etc. I have a splitter which connects the two devices to the optical in on the sound system. With the old V+ box I simply had to switch it to standby and then sound would come through for the PS3. Rather annoying is that the new TiVo box holds the optical channel for sound even when it's on standby . . . . this means that we have to physcially unplug the optical cable from the back of the TiVo box to get sound to watch a movie or play a game.

Is this a known issue and is there a workaround?

I couldn't find any other threads about it, so it might be just my tivo box.
I'll have to buy a physical switch which is rather annoying as we'll have to get up to swap over the sound, not the best solution in this modern age.
Thanks all.

spiderplant · 25-05-2012, 10:56

I have seen other people report this, so it isn't just your box.

Does your TV have an optical audio output? It might be possible to route all signals through the TV and use it as the switch.

ps. Welcome to the forum!

MrGeebs · 25-05-2012, 12:09

Thanks Mr Plant.

If I connect the ps3 and tivo box to the tele with HDMI and then from optical to sound system would I lose anything? like not 5.1 stereo or anything like that?

Also, I'm not at home at the mo so cannot check, but if my tele doesn't have an optical out what would be the next best method? scart?

spiderplant · 25-05-2012, 12:59

Connecting both through the TV like that shouldn't cause any problems. You can still get 5.1 audio.

SCART would be a poor substitute, with only analogue stereo sound. If the TV won't do it, getting a physical switch seems your best bet. You may be able to find one with a remote control to save your legs.

27-05-2012, 18:56

Some televisions will only route Stereo from the optical out so make sure you can test 5.1 from it... Could try recording the BBC HD Preview and checking the 5.1 sound test which is in it, that's what I do.

SingleServer · 30-05-2012, 12:53

I have had this issue since my SA V+.

As bluecandylover said, not all TVs pass 5.1 though the optical, such as my Samsung PS42C450.

If you want to stick with optical the cheapest option is a physical switch as you already mentioned. I have this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Pro-Optic...8378354&sr=8-8

It's as cheap and flimsy as it looks but does the job, requires a little jiggle to get it to line up occasionally but has done the job for 2 years now. Getting off the sofa for a few seconds now and then isn't such a bad thing

I'm now saving the pennies for an HDMI AV amp to replace the Samsung HT-C555 DVD/home theatre so I can achieve the dream of not having to get off the sofa to change audio input. Plus the Samsung HT-C555 is crap.