OK to use Y-connector for SPDIF?

[bigjon]

I have two computers - one with SBLive digital output (SPDIF) and the other computer has a DVD decoder card with SPDIF out.

Problem is, my receiver only has one SPDIF in. What to do, what to do...

 

[Wangel]

Use a Y splitter.

 

[bigjon]

The 5v signals won't hurt each other's output stages?

 

[Stealth1024]

Seperating a signal with a Y spliter works most of the time, however using one to combine a signal can leave you with a nasty hum sometimes.

Feed one computer into the other's input and then out to the stereo.

 

[Stealth1024]

What you need is a mixer.

 

[Mday]

i'd recommend a switch for that... you can make your own... but i'm not sure it'd be good enough for the digital signal clarity.

the mixed signals are a mess waiting to happen... sexually and electronically.

what you need is a better receiver ;-)

 

[bigjon]

Ok, thanks for the info everybody. If I run the signal from one computer through the sound card on the other computer, wouldn't I need to run some software to get it to pass through? System Mixer doesn't work for SPDIF digital in/out does it? And even if it does, wouldn't it need to have some software? Ideally it would all be transparent (spdif mixer in the sblive).

I'd get another receiver, but I like mine and DD receivers aren't all that cheap. I've never even seen a SPDIF mixer - or are you thinking of analog? I'll never have a reason to play both signals at once.

Mday, agreed on the mixed signals