Optical Sound Mixer

Rich43 · 18 Dec 2009 at 00:04

I am wondering if there is a device that can take in like 3 or more optical inputs and mix (the sound) them together into one optical output?

And before you say, a switcher is not the answer.

Edit: Sorry, i think i am wanting a "AV Receiver" ?

I am confused.

Edit2: after much searching i found this: http://www.sony.co.uk/product/hcs-home-cinema-receiver/str-da3500es
It has 4xhdmi in, 1 hdmi out, plenty of optical in/out. what do you guys think of it? The optical out will plug into logitech 5.1 surround. Computer, ps3 and any future devices can plug into the hdmi in on the reciever, then hdmi out to the hdtv.
It is expensive but if theres something that does what i want for cheaper then thats great

Some cheaper recievers seem to lack optical out for some reason.

AbsenceJam · 18 Dec 2009 at 02:04

An AV receiver is to connect to real speakers and doesn't combine the sound of inputs, they're separate. A switch (auto or manual) will do the same thing.
If you want to play multiple optical inputs at once you could use a PC with multiple soundcards/transports with optical in and some sort of very complex software setup to then output them all together. Though there might be a special and probably expensive piece of hardware that does this also.

Corasik · 18 Dec 2009 at 09:24

Plugging an AV reciever (or processor) into a set of Logitech 5.1 computer speakers is really a complete waste of money. Even the cheapest AV amps coupled with the cheapest of speaker packages is going to outperform the totally overrated and underpowered logitech speaker packages.

(No I dont care if logitech claim it has a gazillion watts, if its measured with a 1khz sinewave input, and allowed 10% or more distortion, and only 1 speaker making sounds at a time during the tests)

As the last poster said, all you want is a switch if you wish to get more inputs for your computer speaker package.

Rich43 · 18 Dec 2009 at 14:12

Corasik said:
Plugging an AV reciever (or processor) into a set of Logitech 5.1 computer speakers is really a complete waste of money. Even the cheapest AV amps coupled with the cheapest of speaker packages is going to outperform the totally overrated and underpowered logitech speaker packages.

(No I dont care if logitech claim it has a gazillion watts, if its measured with a 1khz sinewave input, and allowed 10% or more distortion, and only 1 speaker making sounds at a time during the tests)

As the last poster said, all you want is a switch if you wish to get more inputs for your computer speaker package.

Now you make a separate speaker system sound more appealing, perhaps if you can just spec me some 5.1 speakers on their own that can be better than Logitech without spending silly money, perhaps £400 tops?

I could just have a simple av receiver setup with a cheapish receiver and everything just plugs into that. It is going to be used in a small room with 32" hd to make a small scale bedroom home cinema.

So instead of the Logitech box that handles all the speakers and optical input, i will have a AV Reciever.

Onkyo is a brand to look out for? I am tempted by sony because it will go with television and other sony products.

Can they get picture from hdmi and sound from optical and mix them together?

as for the other option:
I read the tellys wont pass thru optical, and I would like something more like a "auto switch" if i use one, is this something like what I want? http://www.tmfsolutions.co.uk/Octava.htm

Corasik · 18 Dec 2009 at 18:40

If the AV reciever has HDMI support, it will get all it needs from each device from the hdmi cables. If you got a cheaper DD/DTS only reciever, it would need connecting with optical, or coax to each device, so for example the PS3 would be HDMI to the screen, and optical to the amp.

If your screen doesnt have enough hdmi inputs then you'll definatly want an AV amp that has plenty of inputs so you can use it as a source switch box at the same time.

Onkyo is certainly a brand worth looking at, if you can get a model with the features you want within your budget. Sony products can be ok, just avoid the package deals, you need to have an AV amp that is flexible incase you decide you want better speakers in the future, without the need to replace the whole lot.

Some come as complete packages including a receiver and speakers, but be cautious with this approach, especially with sony packages, its often not possible to reconfigure the amplifier for bigger/full range speakers in the future, your stuck with the bass being sent to the sub etc.

You wont need to spend megabucks to outperform the Logitech, entry level will be able to impress. You might get caught with a case of upgradeitis once you have started on the dark path of real hifi/av gear

You could probably get started quite well with something like the Onkyo TXSR507 (4 hdmi inputs) and Onkyo SKSHT528 speaker package (includes all 5 speakers + a 150w active subwoofer). Can get that delivered to your door for £420 online, perhaps less if you shop around. There are other choices too thats just 1 example starter setup. Do a little homework, and dont just order the first thing you find

If you cut your budget and get an AV reciever that doesnt support HDMI, just put the HDMI to the TV, and use optical or coaxial directly from the xbox/ps3/pc/cd other etc to the amp. Without HDMI support you will need to change both the TV and the Amp to be on the correct inputs, but its not a major hassle imho.

I wouldnt worry about an autoswitch.

Rich43 · 19 Dec 2009 at 12:58

Corasik said:
If the AV reciever has HDMI support, it will get all it needs from each device from the hdmi cables. If you got a cheaper DD/DTS only reciever, it would need connecting with optical, or coax to each device, so for example the PS3 would be HDMI to the screen, and optical to the amp.

If your screen doesnt have enough hdmi inputs then you'll definatly want an AV amp that has plenty of inputs so you can use it as a source switch box at the same time.

Onkyo is certainly a brand worth looking at, if you can get a model with the features you want within your budget. Sony products can be ok, just avoid the package deals, you need to have an AV amp that is flexible incase you decide you want better speakers in the future, without the need to replace the whole lot.

Some come as complete packages including a receiver and speakers, but be cautious with this approach, especially with sony packages, its often not possible to reconfigure the amplifier for bigger/full range speakers in the future, your stuck with the bass being sent to the sub etc.

You wont need to spend megabucks to outperform the Logitech, entry level will be able to impress. You might get caught with a case of upgradeitis once you have started on the dark path of real hifi/av gear

You could probably get started quite well with something like the Onkyo TXSR507 (4 hdmi inputs) and Onkyo SKSHT528 speaker package (includes all 5 speakers + a 150w active subwoofer). Can get that delivered to your door for £420 online, perhaps less if you shop around. There are other choices too thats just 1 example starter setup. Do a little homework, and dont just order the first thing you find

If you cut your budget and get an AV reciever that doesnt support HDMI, just put the HDMI to the TV, and use optical or coaxial directly from the xbox/ps3/pc/cd other etc to the amp. Without HDMI support you will need to change both the TV and the Amp to be on the correct inputs, but its not a major hassle imho.

I wouldnt worry about an autoswitch.

I could just mix any speaker package with a high end seperate sony receiver, then the receiver will integrate with the telly and I will only need one remote.

Can someone spec me some more speaker packages so I have a choice?
I like to have plenty of bass without distortion.
I think there's too many brands and models to choose from.
I found ONKYO SKSHT528 for £169.95, i assume reciever brings up to 420.