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eARC extractor w/ TOSLINK 5.1 output -> TOSLINK in on Sound card -> DSP -> 5.1 audio

monkeyboy

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I came across this eARC extractor that has a TOSLINK 5.1 output, I'm thinking of channeling that into a sound card like the Sound Blaster Z SE and trying to use an older PC as and audio preamp for up to 5.1 sound....anyone doing this? Anyone doing it on linux?


 

formdissolve

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That's cool that a small eARC devices exists, but expect lossy Dolby Digital/DTS over the optical port. There isn't enough bandwidth to provide lossless 5.1 over optical.
 

MCH

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Hey I have no idea about all this but I am curious about it.
Two probably stupid questions:
1. How can the decoding of the signal be done in the computer? What software allows you to decode what? Is it free/legal?
2. If you are going to have a computer in the chain, isn't it easier to play the film or whatever in the computer and send the video part to a tv and the audio to your audio rig?
 

somebodyelse

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1. Decoding in things like ffmpeg and vlc has been possible for ages. Legality depends on jurisdiction and patents. I believe the last of the Dolby Digital (AC3) US patents expired in May 2017. DTS is a similar age so US patents have probably also expired.
2. 'Easier' or even 'possible' may depend on the source. If you don't have a DVB card you can't get access to the TV data directly, and even then with a DVB card you may not be able to decrypt it.
 
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monkeyboy

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I use the TV apps and want to get 3.1 audio, so I would connect this to the eARC out of the TV and the output of this to active speakers
 
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