Can some one please explain this SPDIF thing?

Question

I was looking to get an HDMI converter box. The ones that I have seen, only have the RGB inputs with an SPDIF input. What the hell? Why don't they just have the normal component inputs? They are missing the two audio component inputs. Instead they have an SPDIF input. Well, what the hell do I plug into the SPDIF input, if I am using HD component cables for my game consoles? Why would it even say that it converts component cables into HDMI when it doesn't have the red and white audio inputs? What is it that I would have to do when using this HDMI converter box with SPDIF, when I am using HD components from my game consoles? What plugs into SPDIF?

Answer 1

SPDIF stands for Sony/Philips Digital Interchange Format. It is specifically for an audio connection, but comes in two flavours, electrical and optical. My CD and DVD players both have SPDIF outputs.

Answer 2

The manufacturer cheaped out an decided to not to install an audio ADC in that model. Most current game consoles should have an optical or coaxial audio out you can use. Even my old PS2 has optical audio. You can get inexpensive optical to coaxial converters.



The Component video standard defines only video. There is no hard rule it include analog audio.

Answer 3

Get an S/PDIF cable for audio



http://www.tekcable.com/digitalaudio-spdif.aspx