How to solve multi optical audio input

[Microman]

I have a Vizio soundbar that has one optical audio input.

The easiest, and most common way to hook up my vizio tv with 4 hdmi ports is to hdmi in from either TiVo. DVD, or Direct tv.

Then to take optical audio out of tv to the soundbar.

Problem is , I read that most TVs will take the 5.1 and put it out as just stereo

This soundbar is the one with rear speakers and sounds pretty good with this setup

But during installation I did notice that if I were to hook the optical to the soundbar directly from the source, not gong thru the tv , I could see the 5.1 light up on the soundbar.

And this light doesn't come on when configured with all devices goin theu the tv

I could change optical cables from their source each time I use a different piece of equipment

Was wondering if there is an optical switch for optical cables? Or an alternative solution

[rjmacs]

Like this?

[deckeda]

Cheap, but the same thing on Amazon gets poor reviews: http://www.monoprice.com/Product/?c_id=104&cp_id=10423&cs_id=1042302&p_id=2946&seq=1&format=2

Not expensive and probably works better: http://www.amazon.com/To-Optical-Audio-S...m_sbs_pc_4

[kj4btkljv]

Microman wrote:
I could change optical cables from their source each time I use a different piece of equipment

That would get old, so fast.

Jeff

[deckeda]

So would using one of these audio switchers.

(One of several reasons, Microman, to move on to a surround sound receiver with HDMI switching ...)

[mikebw]

How many sources? Does the soundbar have any other input options?

[Microman]

Yea, this VIzio Soundbar has other inputs. AV (Red and White)

I do like the NON CLUTTER, and IT SOUNDS Pretty good for the price.

Guess I need to consider an AV Receiver again, especially one with multiple HDMI inputs.

But then I wouldnt need the sound bar., as both are amplifiers.

[michaelb]

Is there an audio setup option on the TV? Seems like one step is making sure the TV really can't output 5.1. I use an AV receiver with HDMI switching (but I do have an optical cable that runs out of the ATV, and I should try to remember or figure out what that was for again).

[mikebw]

Microman wrote:
Yea, this VIzio Soundbar has other inputs. AV (Red and White)

You can get optical to analog coaxial (Red/White RCA connectors) adapters, but they require a power source and would definitely add clutter.

I have one very much like this- http://www.amazon.com/D3-Digital-Convert...rid_pt_0_0 to get analog audio from my AppleTV 2.