I have an LG HDTV with HDMI & Component inputs and digital audio (optical) output. If I get a 5.1 Home Theater DVD system that does not have HDMI or Component inputs but does have digital audio (optical) input would I be able to run the optical wire from the TV to the home theater system and still get 5.1 channel surround sound? In other words, would using the optical output from the TV to the optical input to the receiver give me the same result as in connecting to the receiver directly?

The reason I am asking is that I have several units (PS3, XBOX 360, HD DVR, Laptop, FTA Receiver) connected to the TV and the Home Theater in a Box systems are so much cheaper than other systems but they do not give you any HDMI or Component inputs as they come with their own HDMI upscale DVD player. And if they do give you any such inputs usually its only one but I have at least 3 devices that need to be connected.

Well, that depends on your TV. Will the LG output 5.1 formats from the digital outputs? Some will only output stereo. Should be in your user's manual.

TV optical out only gives 5.1 for over the air tv or cable without a set top box.

Well, that depends on your TV. Will the LG output 5.1 formats from the digital outputs? Some will only output stereo. Should be in your user's manual.

Kal,

Thank you for the input. I read the manual and could not find any information about that. It is a model LG 47LC7DF and I am going to try and see if I can google some info about the optical output.

TV optical out only gives 5.1 for over the air tv or cable without a set top box.

Tamahome,

Thank you. I guess that answers my question and I'll need to spend the extra $$ getting the more expensive receivers.

Ps.
How about the coaxial audio digital output? The TV has that as well.

How about the coaxial audio digital output? The TV has that as well.

Same as optical. Just different method of transfer.

A better receiver is your best bet. You have quite a few components, so you either need a receiver with a good amount of connections (which means $$$, usually) or an optical/coaxial switch somewhere in the line.

Same as optical. Just different method of transfer.

A better receiver is your best bet. You have quite a few components, so you either need a receiver with a good amount of connections (which means $$$, usually) or an optical/coaxial switch somewhere in the line.

Thank you all for your inputs. I guess now I'll have to spend the extra $$$:rolleyes:

Welcome to home theater. :)

My lg the lb5d series will take 5.1 in from a HDMI and send it back out thru the optical or digital coax, it doesn't mention it in the manual either if you have the equipment I'd try it.