[mikevm]


Hi,

 

I've just ordered a new TV and I'm also thinking of replacing my old HTPC with a smaller and quieter Intel NUC -- but I have a serious problem.

My current setup carries HDMI video-only to my old TV, and analog 5.1 output from my on-board soundcard to my Creative GigaWorks G500 speakers. These speakers only have analog inputs.

 

It seems that the NUC has only HDMI out, so I'm not really sure what the best (and cheapest) solution might be.

This is my new TV: http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/content/cnt-specs/KDL-46W905A/list

 

I have two possible solutions in mind:

1. Buying an external USB soundcard that can do 5.1 analog out. If anyone thinks this is a good option, then maybe he/she can recommend a decent soundcard that does the job.

2. The TV specs say that it has an "Optical digital output", so maybe there is an adapter of some sorts that could convert this to 5.1 analog audio?

 

I would appreciate any help!

 

[captain_video]

Rather than get a setup that requires a lot of external devices to get the features you want, why not consider a different SFF PC based on a mini-ITX platform? You can build some pretty small HTPCs with one of these boards and have analog audio output as well. It won't be as small as a NUC, but you'll be able to use standard hard drives and RAM and won't have small boxes hanging off the USB ports. Another solution would be to get an AVR (audio/video receiver) that can process the digital audio and provide the analog outputs you need.

 

[mikevm]


I was out of the loop for a while so I wasn't really aware of the Mini-ITX platform. It does look like a decent solution to my existing problem.

Thank you very much!