First off, here's my setup:

I have this a/v selector:

http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Go-Component-Digital-Selector/dp/B000AM3U2I/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1229187082&sr=1-12

and a Sony CT-100 soundbar.

So, I've got my PS2 and Xbox hooked into the selector via optical, and the optical out from the selector going to the CT-100. That's all fine.

My problem has been showing up very sporadically, making it very difficult to pinpoint the source of the problem.

While playing a game on my PS2, when the game switches scenes causing a new signal being sent to the reciever (the reciever PLII / PCM indicator goes off and comes back as the signal is re-detected in the new scene), I will get no sound at all. When there is no sound, the reciever does not indicate a PLII / PCM signal.

I've found two things that get sound back: leaving to a new area of the game brings back sound, or, and this may be key, I've unplugged and replugged the Selector-->Reciever as well as the PS2-->Selector optical cables on seperate instances, both times bringing back sound without leaving the area.

So, considering I have no way to recreate the issue as it is a bit random, what does it SOUND like the issue may be? I have three possible assumptions:

1. Simply dirt / dust somewhere in the optical connection causing the new signal to drop occassionally (best way to clean?).
2. One of the cables is just bad.
3. I've got too much cable. The Selector-->Receiver cable is 8', the PS2-->Selector cable is 3'...not sure if the 8' could cause a problem.

1) could be
2) could be
3) could be
:)

a) sporadic problems are a PITA to diagnose
b) swap input ports on the switch. see if problem "moves"
c) eliminate the switch and use direct connections using the longest cable. No problems... try each cable.
d) clean each end of cable and ports on switch with a can of "dry air" (Dust-off or something similar)
e) if problems only happens with switch in same port... bad switch
f) assuming all direct cables work properly, if problems only on longest optical run, shorten the 8' run

This is just for "starters". ;)

BTW... I just read the specs of the soundbar. It has three optical inputs. Why are you using a switch? Just run dedicates optical runs.

You're probably right about the switch being unnecessary. Right now, it's mostly because I've only got 1 8' and 2 3' cables, so only one is fit to run the length to were my systems are. I just don't feel like going to buy a new 8' er...

I figured this wouldn't be clearcut...I hate troubleshooting A/V issues! I suppose the most trouble free method would be to buy another 8' and hook both of my optical components right to the reciever...that way the only way the problem will still occur is if it's the reciever or the PS2 output.

Off we go!

have you done anything like crease the optical cables? it's possible one is cracked, i've had that happen and show intermittent failures like this. they're fragile. test by replacing the cables and see what happens.

No 8' ers, but here's a 12' that's inexpensive.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022901&p_id=2765&seq=1&format=2

Or... if the 3' cables are good and 6' is long enough, try this:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10423&cs_id=1042301&p_id=2670&seq=1&format=2