How to use a S/PDIF connection?

[frosty vibe]

Hello,

I am looking for a way to use my laptop's S/PDIF port to output Dolby signal directly to my receiver.

My laptop is a Toshiba Qosmio G40 and my receiver is a Yamaha 6130B.

I am currently using the HDMI output on the computer to connect to the TV and then use the Optical output on the TV to go into the receiver.

From what I read, I am fairly sure I can use the S/PDIF to connect to either the Coaxial or Optical ports of the receiver but my S/PDIF looks like a 3.5mm phone jack?

What cables should I use ?

Thank you

[I_Want_My_HDTV]

You need a cable that goes from a 3.5mm phone jack to 1/4" RCA jack. The manual may give more details on whether the 3.5mm phone jack is mono or stereo. Chances are it's mono, unless it is dual use. (i.e. switches between stereo audio and digital audio with BIOS or software settings.) If it is stereo, be sure to use a stereo jack.

[mrhooie]

I've seen these connectors on mini disc recorders. The source used to have a cable for it, but I can't find it

This is what you would need

Product Description: Optical Digital audio cable, Toslink to 3.5 mm Optical Plug on 4.0mm Digital Audio Fiber Cable 6 Feet

[I_Want_My_HDTV]

This is a a combined headphone and S/PDIF port so it is electrical, not optical. It is also stereo. This connection is probably best accomplished with with a stereo 3.5mm phone jack to RCA adapter or short stereo adapter cable and a 75 ohm composite video cable. (Digital audio cables will also work but are more expensive and essentially identical to composite video cables.) IIRC, you plug the digital audio into the left channel of the adapter. The other channel is left unconnected.

[frosty vibe]

thanks guys.

The pic mrhooie post does seem to work but I can't seem to find it anywhere.

Now, upon further reading and this is perhaps confirmed by I_Want_My_HDTV's last post, this is my understanding:

I can use a 3.5mm Stereo male adaptor to convert the SPDIF to a RCA-type port, then use a cable with RCA at both ends to connect my laptop to the Coaxial at my receiver?

My end goal is to be able to outut Dolby Digital 5.1 from my computer to my speaker system.

Thank you.

[cooper83]

That cable in the picture is what I use to connect my laptop to my home theatre, and can confirm Dolby Digital 5.1 will work, though it depends on the video player/software you're using.

Not sure if I can post a direct link, but check out Monoprice.com for a good selection.

[sthuynh]

Isn't the hdmi out on your notebook carry digital audio? Try connecting it to your receiver to see if it can output digital audio. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'm planning on getting a notebook with hdmi out.

[frosty vibe]

Yes, my HDMI does carry out audio but my receiver only does through HDMI.

That's why I am running the HDMI to the TV right out and using the Optical output on the TV to route the sound to my receiver, however, it only produces PCM and Dolby PLII

************

cooper83: Excellent prices on the website! thanks

I found the "Mini to Toslink M/M", but it says te Mini does not work with 3.5,, SPDIF?

What should I look fo?r

I also found the 3.5mm Stereo Plug/2 RCA Jack cable, is that I use it to connect a Coaxial to my receiver?

Thank you

[frosty vibe]

Quick update:


I dug out the following from my collection of cables...

1. 3.5mm ( M ) to RCA ( F ) red white yellow.... the adaptor came with the computer

2. 12 ft " audio cable", with RCA plugs on both ends... spec unknown.

3. numerous RCA 3 way ( red white yellow ) (male on both ends )

=================

I tried connecting the RCA adaptor ( 1 ) and the audio cable ( 2 ) from the 3.5mm headphone jack on the computer to the aux-in on the AVR and I got sound and it was reproduced as Pro Logic II

Next, I tried the same set up between the SPDIF jack on the computer and the coaxial jack on the AVR... I got nothing.

However, the computer shows sounds being output using Digital Output...

In light of this, would it make a difference if I had a coaxial cable to replace my no-name audio cable?

thanks

ps. I tried using the yellow part of the 3-way RCA cables and got nothing at all, not even when using analog signal.

[frosty vibe]

I think I know why my connection doesn't work now...

Here's the manual says :

"This jack lets you connect digital speakers or a stereo headphone (16 ohm minimum). When you connect a digital speaker or headphones, the internal speaker is automatically disabled. This jack can be used also as S/PDIF jack and enables connection of optical digital correspondence apparatus."

Of course, leave it to Toshiba to limit S/PDIF to Toslink only... darn....

Thanks for all your help!

[mrhooie]

that is exactly the connector I provided a picture for

[frosty vibe]

Hi all I am happy to report back with success!!

I managed to track down a local shop that sell 3.5mm to Toslink adaptor, which it was referred as a "Mini Toslink" but it does measure 3.5mm as opposed to 5.0mm and fits into the headphone jack perfectly.

Dolby Digital 5.1 output works great now and DTS to yet to tested.

I think I will give up the Coaxial idea now...

Thanks again for all your help and suggestions!

Jeff

[natdigital]

Hi everybody,
I have joined here to express my sincere thanks to mrhooie who has posted the picture of S/PDIF connection plus his notes.The pictured S/PDIF connection is the right cable to connect between Qosmio G40 S/PDIF port and a A/V receiver with an optical Toslink port.

Qosmio HDMI cable Link to AV receiver only gives video output to TV where as S/PDIF cable link between computer and AV receiver Toslink port will bring out excellent digital audio.

Scenerio:Sony LCD Tv,PS3,Qosmio G40 all connected through HDMI to Onkyo AV receiver with Polk 5.1 speakers.S/PDIF cable link audio from Qosmio S/PDIF port to AV receiver toslink optical port.

Hope this might help somebody.Thanks.