Split HDMI into HDMI and S/PDIF

[endrebjorsvik]

I have a PC with HDMI as the only digital output. I want to use it together with my projector and reciever, but the reciever does not support HDMI. Therefore I need a device that can split the HDMI-signal into HDMI (for the projector) and optical or coax S/PDIF (for the reciever).
I have found a few devices from Gefen that can do the job, but they are way too expensive ($600 in Norway).
Do you know about any affordable devices that can do this?

Or do you have any other solutions? It is a Dell XPS M1330 (laptop), Sanyo PLV-Z5 (projector) and NAD T744 (reciever).

 

[Auric]

For S/PDIF, either an ExpressCard or external USB audio device can be used. However, a quick goggle reveals the existing analog mini-jacks can be used with the advantage of carrying HD audio formats decoded by software.

 

[endrebjorsvik]

Originally posted by: Auric
However, a quick goggle reveals the existing analog mini-jacks can be used with the advantage of carrying HD audio formats decoded by software.

Where?
Do you mean analog 5.1 surround through the three minijacks in the front, or some kind of digital coaxial output through one of them?

 

[Modelworks]

Its not going to be cheap.
The problem is that the audio on hdmi is sent on the same wires the video is sent.
To put it simply a video bit is sent, then an audio bit, and it alternates.
So you can't just strip out the sound connection.
You have to have electronics that will decode only the audio stream and then convert that to spdif .
You would come out cheaper to replace the receiver.

 

[endrebjorsvik]

OK. So I can't get it cheaper than for instance Gefen 2x2 HDMI Switcher?
A little bit cheaper than a new reciever though. Especially one with HDMI support.

Will the switch/split-prices become better within a year or so, as HDMI gets more and more popular?

Do you know about other ExpressCard sound cards than Creative X-Fi Notebook?

 

[Modelworks]

The thing is the cost of doing the conversion of hdmi to spdif isn't big at all.
It takes about 30.00 worth of parts.
Of course companies will 10X that to make a profit.
Why other companies aren't making standalone splitters I have no idea.
Maybe they are looking at the hope of selling more receivers with the option.

 

[BassBomb]

Buy a sound card, use that digital output for the sound

 

[endrebjorsvik]

But how many ExpressCard sound cards has been released?

And what a about that Auric mentioned above? I must be a sucker at Google.

 

[Auric]

Search for "SigmaTel" here to configure the jacks for 5.1 analog output.

Go to the Control Painel>SigmaTel Audio and will appear 3 circles. On the Mic one click and choose Device Conected: "Rear Speakers", Than all the 3 out will be configured. If not, click on the others and choose the options "front speakers" and "Center / LFE Speakers".

 

[endrebjorsvik]

I am aware of that opportunity. I thought you had found a way to get digital output through the minijacks. Sorry.

 

[obbomar]

You should try a USB Sound Card with digital output like the ones from Turtle Beach. Digital sound at an affordable price. Then try configure your laptop audio to use the new USB digital audio output.

 

[mpjkraak]

& I have a question about doing it the other way 'round. i.e. Split internal S/PDIF to HDMI & physical S/PDIF output.
Same subforum;

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2274671&enterthread=y

any help is appreciated.

Martin