Connecting Surround Sound to tv via sky

dobsy · 03-21-2013, 08:07 AM

Ok tech-bods.

I'm no audiophile but I want to hook up my DVD surround sound player thing to the tv (which I've done with a HDMI cable) but I want to be able to watch the sky so that comes through the surround aswell. At the min it's just the DVD's.
Which cable(s) do I need!?
This is the back of the surround (probably out of date nowadays!) and the tele is quite new with loads of interesting sockets and holes!! Oh and its a sky+ hd box.

Any advice much appreciated!

creepy coupe · 03-21-2013, 08:19 AM

Is the surround 5.1. Doesn't the surround amp have an optical out socket?

djgandy · 03-21-2013, 08:48 AM

Another HDMI from the sky to the tv.

makkan00 · 03-21-2013, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

Is the surround 5.1. Doesn't the surround amp have an optical out socket?

Optical out from tv to 5.1 sound system.
You get dolby digital sound only on few channels and on movies most of the time.

fulcrum · 03-21-2013, 09:09 AM

No - you will need to connect the sky box via an optical lead to the amp

P 5UML · 03-21-2013, 09:18 AM

+ 1 for optical cable! thats what i have done and it works fine

from surround sound straight into the sky box

xPETEZx · 03-21-2013, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fulcrum

No - you will need to connect the sky box via an optical lead to the amp

No an optical lead from the TV to the DVD/Surround Sound box will suffice.
Then a HDMI lead from the Sky box to the TV.
The TV will pass dolby audio over the Optical back to the DVD/Surround.

This also has the benifit that any other device you connect to the TV via HDMI will also be passed to the Surround sound.

A freind of mine has this setup, and it works fine.

RagingKileak · 03-21-2013, 09:29 AM

All those who are suggesting an optical cable from the Sky box to amp are correct. Sky boxes do not output 5.1 via HDMI, so going via the TV and THEN into the amp/DVD wouldn't work, or if it did it would simulated from a 2 channel signal, which is OK, but not as good as 5.1.

Unfortunately however, looking at the back of the amp, I would suggest you don't have an optical in. If you do, it's not pictured, so have a look elsewhere on the back for a small (about 3/4 of a centimetre) square which will have a little plastic flap, which needs to be folded in to insert something.

To be honest if you don't have an optical in then with Sky, you are shit out of luck. Your cheapest and probably best long term option would be to consider replacing the DVD/Amp with a dedicated amp and a BD/DVD player or PS3 and make sure that the amp you buy is compatible with the speakers.

I would have thought any budget amp will be capable of powering speakers from a setup like this, but if they have weird and wonderful connectors then you might need to chop them off and use bare cable or banana plugs.

Home AV is quite a slippery slope once you get started. I've been through maybe 5 iterations of surround sound now and it's taken years to get to the point I am now, which is just about competent/confident enough to understand the physical and logical architecture of cables, ins/outs and what devices do what etc.

Hope that helps.

Matt

RagingKileak · 03-21-2013, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xPETEZx

No an optical lead from the TV to the DVD/Surround Sound box will suffice.
Then a HDMI lead from the Sky box to the TV.
The TV will pass dolby audio over the Optical back to the DVD/Surround.

This also has the benifit that any other device you connect to the TV via HDMI will also be passed to the Surround sound.

A freind of mine has this setup, and it works fine.

In addition to my last post, this MIGHT also work, although it would depend on the TV. A proper bargain basement telly (and some random expensive ones) won't handle passthrough audio like that.

Also, as per my last post, I don't think the OP has an optical in on his DVD/Amp.

Matt

xPETEZx · 03-21-2013, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xPETEZx

No an optical lead from the TV to the DVD/Surround Sound box will suffice.
Then a HDMI lead from the Sky box to the TV.
The TV will pass dolby audio over the Optical back to the DVD/Surround.

This also has the benifit that any other device you connect to the TV via HDMI will also be passed to the Surround sound.

A freind of mine has this setup, and it works fine.

I take that back... appears Sky box cant do DD over HDMI..... what a POS....

Boxtyp3 · 03-21-2013, 09:41 AM

Your DVD/Amp should have an input channel for it to work on your sky. It's like saying that nothings gonna come out if there's nothing coming in.

creepy coupe · 03-21-2013, 09:52 AM

You could go HDMi out from the SKY box then in to a HDMi splitter/switch box and then HDMi into the surround.

dobsy · 03-21-2013, 10:02 AM

Blimey. No it's a crappy surround sysytem I'm fearing (although to my ears sounds ok when cranked up) and there is no optical.
So i guess it's a no go then other than the HDMI splitter?
That bottom middle phono socket says Coaxial Digital in, any use?

Squintstream · 03-21-2013, 10:05 AM

Not sure if this helps, but SKY are releasing an update over the next few weeks that will allow Dolby over HDMI (assuming you have the relevant SKY box that is being updated):

Further details here: http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1808804

That's said, I can only see a HDMI out (an not in) and in which case, as others have said, optical is probably the best option.

dobsy · 03-21-2013, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RagingKileak

All those who are suggesting an optical cable from the Sky box to amp are correct. Sky boxes do not output 5.1 via HDMI, so going via the TV and THEN into the amp/DVD wouldn't work, or if it did it would simulated from a 2 channel signal, which is OK, but not as good as 5.1.

Unfortunately however, looking at the back of the amp, I would suggest you don't have an optical in. If you do, it's not pictured, so have a look elsewhere on the back for a small (about 3/4 of a centimetre) square which will have a little plastic flap, which needs to be folded in to insert something.

To be honest if you don't have an optical in then with Sky, you are shit out of luck. Your cheapest and probably best long term option would be to consider replacing the DVD/Amp with a dedicated amp and a BD/DVD player or PS3 and make sure that the amp you buy is compatible with the speakers.

I would have thought any budget amp will be capable of powering speakers from a setup like this, but if they have weird and wonderful connectors then you might need to chop them off and use bare cable or banana plugs.

Home AV is quite a slippery slope once you get started. I've been through maybe 5 iterations of surround sound now and it's taken years to get to the point I am now, which is just about competent/confident enough to understand the physical and logical architecture of cables, ins/outs and what devices do what etc.

Hope that helps.

Matt

And thanks Matt yes I think you've hit the nail on the head. New amp time I reckon!
Yes the speakers have all colour coded special plugs but as you say I'll just snip these, saying that I'll probably end up buying a new system with optical.

225_AB · 03-21-2013, 10:42 AM

I think the sky+ box has a digial co axial so you could use that to the back of your amp/DVD

djgandy · 03-21-2013, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doc_ab

I think the sky+ box has a digial co axial so you could use that to the back of your amp/DVD

It does, but what are the chances he has anything on the other end to plug it into?

OP: Post pics of all your gear else people could speculate here forever :P

RagingKileak · 03-21-2013, 01:05 PM

There is a pic in the first post! The op does appear to have a coax in....

Matt

dobsy · 03-21-2013, 03:18 PM

Ok you helpful lot.............

TV

Sky Box

Surround again

So you reckon if I get a cable between the Digital coax connections on the sky box and the surround I'll be in business?

225_AB · 03-21-2013, 04:08 PM

The original pictures showed a coax input on the back of amp/DVD.

I would suggest digital coax from sky box to amp/DVD. You can then watch TV without having the amp on with sound from TV via hdmi and TV or with the sound from amp with amp on.

xs2man · 03-21-2013, 04:08 PM

Should be. That should work. If you can find an optical out to digital in cable.

That should stave off the upgrade-itis for a while. Personally I would go for a new amp, but then I am like that. Forever upgrading stuff like this.

RagingKileak · 03-21-2013, 04:28 PM

Simple, just a coax cable will do it.

There is no such thing as coax to optical cable. One is light sent down glass cable whilst the other is copper wire. You can get a box to sit between them but there's no point.

Walk into richer sounds or macro etc. Buy a coax cable. Done.

Matt

03-21-2013, 08:07 AM	#1
dobsy Private First Class 6 Rep 133 Posts Drives: E92 320d Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wirral iTrader: (0)	Connecting Surround Sound to tv via sky Ok tech-bods. I'm no audiophile but I want to hook up my DVD surround sound player thing to the tv (which I've done with a HDMI cable) but I want to be able to watch the sky so that comes through the surround aswell. At the min it's just the DVD's. Which cable(s) do I need!? This is the back of the surround (probably out of date nowadays!) and the tele is quite new with loads of interesting sockets and holes!! Oh and its a sky+ hd box. Any advice much appreciated!
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03-21-2013, 08:19 AM	#2
creepy coupe Lieutenant General 1867 Rep 13,043 Posts Drives: BMW M340I G20 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (2) Garage List 2015 BMW 435d [0.00] 2009 335i [0.00]	Is the surround 5.1. Doesn't the surround amp have an optical out socket?
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03-21-2013, 08:48 AM	#3
djgandy Colonel 146 Rep 2,337 Posts Drives: E93 M3 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: London iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 M3 [0.00]	Another HDMI from the sky to the tv.
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03-21-2013, 09:09 AM	#5
fulcrum Lieutenant 9 Rep 463 Posts Drives: E92,F22, F36, G01 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: London iTrader: (0)	No - you will need to connect the sky box via an optical lead to the amp
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03-21-2013, 09:18 AM	#6
P 5UML Lieutenant Colonel 72 Rep 1,646 Posts Drives: E39 M5 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: London iTrader: (1)	+ 1 for optical cable! thats what i have done and it works fine from surround sound straight into the sky box __________________ Instagram @p5uml
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03-21-2013, 09:29 AM	#8
RagingKileak Brigadier General 191 Rep 4,655 Posts Drives: M3 CS Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Yorkshire iTrader: (2)	All those who are suggesting an optical cable from the Sky box to amp are correct. Sky boxes do not output 5.1 via HDMI, so going via the TV and THEN into the amp/DVD wouldn't work, or if it did it would simulated from a 2 channel signal, which is OK, but not as good as 5.1. Unfortunately however, looking at the back of the amp, I would suggest you don't have an optical in. If you do, it's not pictured, so have a look elsewhere on the back for a small (about 3/4 of a centimetre) square which will have a little plastic flap, which needs to be folded in to insert something. To be honest if you don't have an optical in then with Sky, you are shit out of luck. Your cheapest and probably best long term option would be to consider replacing the DVD/Amp with a dedicated amp and a BD/DVD player or PS3 and make sure that the amp you buy is compatible with the speakers. I would have thought any budget amp will be capable of powering speakers from a setup like this, but if they have weird and wonderful connectors then you might need to chop them off and use bare cable or banana plugs. Home AV is quite a slippery slope once you get started. I've been through maybe 5 iterations of surround sound now and it's taken years to get to the point I am now, which is just about competent/confident enough to understand the physical and logical architecture of cables, ins/outs and what devices do what etc. Hope that helps. Matt
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03-21-2013, 09:41 AM	#11
Boxtyp3 Major 78 Rep 1,353 Posts Drives: 2015 F32 MG Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 F32 435 [0.00] 2002 E46 cp [0.00] 2010 E82 135i [0.00] 2013 E92 335i [0.00]	Your DVD/Amp should have an input channel for it to work on your sky. It's like saying that nothings gonna come out if there's nothing coming in. Last edited by Boxtyp3; 03-21-2013 at 09:47 AM..
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03-21-2013, 09:52 AM	#12
creepy coupe Lieutenant General 1867 Rep 13,043 Posts Drives: BMW M340I G20 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (2) Garage List 2015 BMW 435d [0.00] 2009 335i [0.00]	You could go HDMi out from the SKY box then in to a HDMi splitter/switch box and then HDMi into the surround.
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03-21-2013, 10:02 AM	#13
dobsy Private First Class 6 Rep 133 Posts Drives: E92 320d Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wirral iTrader: (0)	Blimey. No it's a crappy surround sysytem I'm fearing (although to my ears sounds ok when cranked up) and there is no optical. So i guess it's a no go then other than the HDMI splitter? That bottom middle phono socket says Coaxial Digital in, any use? Last edited by dobsy; 03-21-2013 at 10:06 AM.. Reason: edit
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03-21-2013, 10:05 AM	#14
Squintstream Captain 141 Rep 735 Posts Drives: F32 435i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Derby iTrader: (14)	Not sure if this helps, but SKY are releasing an update over the next few weeks that will allow Dolby over HDMI (assuming you have the relevant SKY box that is being updated): Further details here: http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1808804 That's said, I can only see a HDMI out (an not in) and in which case, as others have said, optical is probably the best option.
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03-21-2013, 10:42 AM	#16
225_AB Major 65 Rep 1,377 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: May 2010 Location: buckinghamshire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2014 M235i [0.00] 2009 BMW 330D [0.00]	I think the sky+ box has a digial co axial so you could use that to the back of your amp/DVD
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03-21-2013, 01:05 PM	#18
RagingKileak Brigadier General 191 Rep 4,655 Posts Drives: M3 CS Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Yorkshire iTrader: (2)	There is a pic in the first post! The op does appear to have a coax in.... Matt
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03-21-2013, 03:18 PM	#19
dobsy Private First Class 6 Rep 133 Posts Drives: E92 320d Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wirral iTrader: (0)	Ok you helpful lot............. TV Sky Box Surround again So you reckon if I get a cable between the Digital coax connections on the sky box and the surround I'll be in business?
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03-21-2013, 04:08 PM	#20
225_AB Major 65 Rep 1,377 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: May 2010 Location: buckinghamshire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2014 M235i [0.00] 2009 BMW 330D [0.00]	The original pictures showed a coax input on the back of amp/DVD. I would suggest digital coax from sky box to amp/DVD. You can then watch TV without having the amp on with sound from TV via hdmi and TV or with the sound from amp with amp on.
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03-21-2013, 04:08 PM	#21
xs2man Captain 18 Rep 618 Posts Drives: 2013 F11 530d M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Scotland iTrader: (2)	Should be. That should work. If you can find an optical out to digital in cable. That should stave off the upgrade-itis for a while. Personally I would go for a new amp, but then I am like that. Forever upgrading stuff like this. __________________ 530d M-Sport Touring.
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03-21-2013, 04:28 PM	#22
RagingKileak Brigadier General 191 Rep 4,655 Posts Drives: M3 CS Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Yorkshire iTrader: (2)	Simple, just a coax cable will do it. There is no such thing as coax to optical cable. One is light sent down glass cable whilst the other is copper wire. You can get a box to sit between them but there's no point. Walk into richer sounds or macro etc. Buy a coax cable. Done. Matt
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