I just installed a new Motorola/Comcast DCT3412 STB/DVR. The video is
sent
via HDMI to an HDTV, and I would like to send the audio digitally to my
Denon
AVR-5600 receiver.

The 3412 - 5600 audio hookup works thru the nomal RCA jacks, but I
can't get
audio out when using an optical audio connection. I'm using a TOSLINK
cable from
the 3412 to the receiver. I know the optical audio works on the Denon,
because
that's what I used from my previous satellite box.

I notice the label on the optical out on the DCT3412 says "SPIDIF",
which may not
be supported on this Denon, which is an older model (?) Are digital
optical and
SPDIF the same thing? compatible? Do I need a receiver that
specifically handles
"SPDIF in"? If SPDIF is the problem is there a converter or adapter I
can use?

wrote in message
oups.com...
I just installed a new Motorola/Comcast DCT3412 STB/DVR. The video is
sent
via HDMI to an HDTV, and I would like to send the audio digitally to
my
Denon
AVR-5600 receiver.

The 3412 - 5600 audio hookup works thru the nomal RCA jacks, but I
can't get
audio out when using an optical audio connection. I'm using a TOSLINK
cable from
the 3412 to the receiver. I know the optical audio works on the Denon,
because
that's what I used from my previous satellite box.

I notice the label on the optical out on the DCT3412 says "SPIDIF",
which may not
be supported on this Denon, which is an older model (?) Are digital
optical and
SPDIF the same thing? compatible? Do I need a receiver that
specifically handles
"SPDIF in"? If SPDIF is the problem is there a converter or adapter I
can use?

SPDIF and TOSLINK are the same signal, but TOSLINK
is optical and SPDIF is electrical. They sell a cheap
converter at Radio Shack.

wrote in message
oups.com...
I just installed a new Motorola/Comcast DCT3412 STB/DVR. The video is
sent
via HDMI to an HDTV, and I would like to send the audio digitally to my
Denon
AVR-5600 receiver.

The 3412 - 5600 audio hookup works thru the nomal RCA jacks, but I
can't get
audio out when using an optical audio connection. I'm using a TOSLINK
cable from
the 3412 to the receiver. I know the optical audio works on the Denon,
because
that's what I used from my previous satellite box.

I notice the label on the optical out on the DCT3412 says "SPIDIF",
which may not
be supported on this Denon, which is an older model (?) Are digital
optical and
SPDIF the same thing? compatible? Do I need a receiver that
specifically handles
"SPDIF in"? If SPDIF is the problem is there a converter or adapter I
can use?

S/PDIF stands for Sony/Phillips Digital Interchange Format. It is THE
digital video transfer standard these days. If you have a piece of equipment
with "digital out" either via RCA or TOSLINK, dollars to donuts it's in
S/PDIF format.

Many video devices allow you to specify in one of the myriad of on-screen
menus which outputs you'd like operational... i.e. there's probably
someplace in one of the menus where you enable digital optical out. Look
for it.

Dave