Hey guys, I have a basic sanyo lcd t.v. Its a few years old. It doesnt have the optical output, but it has the digital audio output.(orange component) Problem Is, I basically use this t.v. for my xbox 360. Well thats plugged in with hdmi. I have a surround sound with only optical input. It very basic also. The surround only has 1 hdmi port, which is a output for the built in dvd player. Can I get a cable that takes the orange component and switches it to and optical. Any suggestions please!! I want my xbox running off the surround speakers.

Yes there are such devices available. I have one at home in a drawer that I bought on clearance at Radio Shack of all places that will convert any one of several digital inputs to Toslink optical. Nice little unit, about 2" square, been saving it for something just like you are describing.

Edit; I will look at it tonight and see if I can get you a model number or some other way you can look it up.

Hey guys, I have a basic sanyo lcd t.v. Its a few years old. It doesnt have the optical output, but it has the digital audio output.(orange component) Problem Is, I basically use this t.v. for my xbox 360. Well thats plugged in with hdmi. I have a surround sound with only optical input. It very basic also. The surround only has 1 hdmi port, which is a output for the built in dvd player. Can I get a cable that takes the orange component and switches it to and optical. Any suggestions please!! I want my xbox running off the surround speakers.

Unfortunately I think what you're trying to accomplish won't be possible. The digital out on your TV won't pass surround sound out for other components plugged into your TV. You're going to have to make a decision of which one you want to have running surround sound and that will have to be plugged into your surround sound system with an optical cable. They do make converters to go from optical to composite digital output and vice versa and are also available at monoprice.com.

Your DVD player should be covered as it's done internally with your surround sound processor. Your choice will come down to xbox360 or TV for surround sound to your processor. monoprice also makes a switcher that will allow you to run more than one component to your digital input also but by the time you get all these adapters and switchers you would probably be better off looking for an inexpensive receiver that does Dolby Digital and DTS. I've seen several on craigslit in my area for $100.00 or less and even new ones can be had for around $200.00.

both of these are very helpful. that little box you speak of would be a great buy. haha. But, Yes, maybe a inexpensive receiver is the way to do it. If anyone has anymore suggestions, that would be great. Thanks Again.