Need help connecting HDTV audio out to speakers

[Putts]

I recently purch a Vizio 320i-a0. It has an optical audio output and a 3.5mm stereo output. I would like to connect 2 Bose bookshelf speakers. A low-tech approach I know, but its a small 32" TV in a back bedroom where I am banished when I want to watch something nobody else does. The TV only cost $300 so its not worth it to buy a sound bar. I felt I could simply buy a digital to analog converter. But when I start investigating my mind is boggled by terms like: PCM/LPCM; SPDIF; and probably others. The only specs I can find on this Vizio is that it has an optical digital and 3.5mm stereo output. Is there anyone who could help with a DAC or any other cheap method of connecting speakers?

 

[vshah]

cheapest way to go would be to buy a cheap mini amp such as this one & hook it up using the 3.5mm stereo output and a 3.5mm > RCA adapter

amp:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-380

adapter:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=240-065

you should double check that the 3.5mm output is volume controlled - try hookup up a set of computer speakers, keeping the volume on the speakers fixed, and adjusting it using the tv remote. if it works, then the above solution should work as well.

 

[Putts]

VSHAH: Thanks for your reply. I'll look into your solution. I hope it will work for me. Thanks again!