Toslink to RCA (digital to analog) adapter needed

apc

My in-laws have a Vizio tv. We got them TV Ears for a present, but cannot hookup because the only audio output the Vizio has is toslink digital. I need to convert the toslink to an analog RCA jack to input to the hearing device.

I know there are expensive converters, but they cost more than the hearing device. Anyone know of a cheaper way to convert for this purpose, say $20 or less?

vc69

Going to have to use a converter. Toslink is optical (light) and can't simply be adapted. Is there no available analog output? A headphone jack maybe?

apc

Believe it or not, nope.

vc69

Crazy.

apc

Yes. Should be much easier than this!

WilliamM2

This should work you may need a 3.5mm to RCA adapter, and a USB power adapter:

http://www.meritline.com/usb-sound-adapter-789---p-35243.aspx?source=fghda

adam2434

William, I'm not sure that will work, as it is a USB sound card and I would imagine that the optical input is for inputting digital audio into a PC via USB, similar to using the mic or line inputs. In other words, I don't think it will convert the optical input and pass through to the analog outs. But for $22, might be worth a try and could be a handy thing to have for one's computer.

This is about the cheapest DAC I have seen - http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Audio-Analog-Converter/dp/B0013LWK3A

You will probably need to make sure the digital out is set to stereo PCM in the TV, as a 5.1 DD broadcasts can't be decoded by 2-channel DACs.

Given the availability of cheap USB sound cards for $20-30, I would think that a cheap DAC could be found in that same range (or a little more due to the need for a separate power supply)...but I haven't seen one for under $60.

heiney9

http://www.google.com/products?rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7SUNA&q=toslink+to+rca+converter&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=r4lLS-beFdHTlAfa2LmKDQ&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBkQrQQwAA

Disc Jockey

May be too large for you but you could probably find a used avr that would do the trick for far less than these converters cost.

adam2434

H9 - did you see any specific low cost DACs in that search?

All I saw were D-D converters and a couple A-D converters.

APC needs a cheap DAC.

APC, what's the primary source to the TV? Is it over-the-air broadcast?

adam2434

DJ - I was thinking used avr too as a possibility, if space allows.

For an avr, you would need to make sure that you can get an analog line level signal out when using a digital input. The avr's I've used will not allow this through the record out or multi-room analog outs. If the avr had front L/R preouts, there would be no issue. Also, I think the headphone output will work with a digital input, but not 100% sure in all cases.

apc

Thanks - let's simplify this:

TV Ears require analog left and right RCA jack input. I can use either a mono or stereo signal by using and adapter. This is not hifi - this is for hearing impaired parents. Signal does not have to be good - just audible .

The Vizio's optical output is digital and most all of the adapter/converters I've found or you suggested adapt the connector, but do not convert the signal to analog and I don't think that will work.

monoprice had a nice one that looked perfect (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10423&cs_id=1042302&p_id=2948&seq=1&format=2) but I think the disclaimer (This item is for digital signals only. Make sure your devices say digital in or out (single orange RCA connector). This item will NOT convert digital toslink to analog RCA (red and white RCA connectors).) rules it out.


PS - no computers or other hardware available for this install. It's for their kitchen. They are NOT tech savy and added machinery would result in dust gathering for the whole setup

Thanks again!

adam2434

APC - yep, you need a simple/cheap DAC.

Unfortunately, the cheapest one I've found is $60 (post #7).

If I can think of something cheaper, I'll report back.

kcoc321

What model Visio is it? Mine as coax, Toslink, headphone and audio L/R outputs....

well $60 is pretty cheap for a DAC..
I was thinking about a used receiver as well. how about a Mini stereo/ receivers like the little Denon M30's or so??

I bet you could find one, or something similiar at the Goodwill for $20-30.. I have seen them or eq..just need to find one with the Toslink input, and of course, the audio output as well.

unc2701

Your cheapest option will be to just keep your eyes open for a AVR on craigslist/goodwill, as others have mentioned.

I've helped a friend set up a system using the one linked from amazon- it's nice that it's plug&play and has low power consumption, but you'll need to be sure to pass it only PCM (doesn't do AC-3/DTS/encoded streams). For that price, I'd keep my eye on ebay for a B&K reference 20. They go for a little over $100 these days and you'll get a full featured pre/pro that can handle surround formats.

mmadden28

Any thoughts on using a Digital Set-top box for the tuner? You know the ones required to watch Digital broadcasts on older non-digital TVs? Wasn't there also a $40 rebate or something on them as well?
I'm assuming they don't already have cable since you could just use the analog outputs right from the cable box, right?

unc2701

The rebate ones by law CANNOT output High Def. The rebate was solely to allow old TV's to get digital broadcasts. Kinda retarded, eh?

Anyhow, I've been looking for a high def tuner box (sans rebate) & they seem to run as much as the DA converters we've discussed or more...

EDIT: I'm assuming the TV is high def since Vizio is known for their LCD's...

mmadden28

unc2701 wrote: »

The rebate ones by law CANNOT output High Def. The rebate was solely to allow old TV's to get digital broadcasts. Kinda retarded, eh?

Anyhow, I've been looking for a high def tuner box (sans rebate) & they seem to run as much as the DA converters we've discussed or more...

EDIT: I'm assuming the TV is high def since Vizio is known for their LCD's...

Well I guess that makes sense since the older sets wouldn't support Hi-Def anyway. While HiDef is a digital signal, the settop boxes weren't meant for HiDef, but to support the digital broadcasts at all.
So, looks like the set top box is out (except for cable boxes).

As suggested, except for a cheapo mini DAC, I'd probably look for a basic AVR/Processor to do the conversion then.

I wonder if one can build a really basic cheap DIY converter. I did a quick search but most DIY DACs are geared towards better sound quality and so are more expensive or complex. After all why build a DIY DAC if you weren't trying to get better sound right?

apc

It's a VW32LHDTV30A and the manual is a pdf on this page if you are curious:

http://www.vizio.com/vw32lhdtv30a.html#support

I've got 2 Vizios and my mom has another - all have simple, analog outputs and/or headphone jacks. This one does not.

Thanks for all of your efforts and inputs.

They do not have digital cable; therefore, no cable box. They have basic cable.

adam2434

If it's basic analog cable, running the cable into a VCR to get the analog audio out is another cheap option.

I know it adds another component, but there's no way of doing this without adding another component, whether it be a DAC, AVR, or VCR.

mmadden28

I didn't think there was any such thing as analog cable anymore.

adam2434

mmadden28 wrote: »

I didn't think there was any such thing as analog cable anymore.

Our local Time Warner still provides the analog NTSC cable that doesn't require a converter box and connects directly to older TVs.

I think I read somewhere that many cable companies will still provide analog cable until 2012. I guess after that, we'll need to rent or buy converter boxes for all of the old analog sets.

apc

Here's my high-tech solution to the situation. As one might expect, the alternative was right under my nose. Little did we know that the manufacturer had this base covered. Thanks for all of your collective help.

http://www.tvears.com/shopexd.asp?id=33