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mrcourt123

macrumors member
Original poster
Jan 16, 2008
72
3
My HDTV is about 4 years old and does not have a Digital Audio In port. For audio, it only has component and RCA input. I am seriously considering purchasing an Apple TV and am wondering if someone can tell me the best (and least expensive) way to get the audio from an ATV to my TV. Also, will the sound quality be severely diminished? I don't know much (read: anything) about digital audio output. Thanks in advance.
 
My HDTV is about 4 years old and does not have a Digital Audio In port. For audio, it only has component and RCA input. I am seriously considering purchasing an Apple TV and am wondering if someone can tell me the best (and least expensive) way to get the audio from an ATV to my TV. Also, will the sound quality be severely diminished? I don't know much (read: anything) about digital audio output. Thanks in advance.

Pretty sure your going to need a box to convert your digital signal to analog. Unless the tv has a converter in it, you will not be able to convert the signal. There are some going pretty cheap these days. Good luck... it sucks doing all this for a 4 year old tv huh? Seems like it shouldn't get dated that quickly.;)

http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=5e-ETeTiFIu-sAPj1ODuAQ&ved=0CDAQ8wIwAA#
 
I have HDMI inputs, but HDMI doesn't transfer audio, hence the digital audio output on the ATV. I appreciate the response, but I am looking for info on how to best convert the digital audio output on the ATV to RCA.
 
I have HDMI inputs, but HDMI doesn't transfer audio, hence the digital audio output on the ATV. I appreciate the response, but I am looking for info on how to best convert the digital audio output on the ATV to RCA.

HDMI most certainly does transfer audio.
 
HDMI most certainly does transfer audio.

Wow, I am a complete moron. You guys are absolutely right. I often connect my MBP to my TV through a mini-display to HDMI connector. I also have to feed the audio through a 3.5mm to RCA, but I think that might be due to the fact that the mini-display on my MBP does not support audio. Is that correct? So, with that said (and egg on my face), I will have no need for the Digital Audio output on the ATV, right? Is that only included so you have the option to connect the ATV to a stand alone receiver/speakers?
 
Wow, I am a complete moron. You guys are absolutely right. I often connect my MBP to my TV through a mini-display to HDMI connector. I also have to feed the audio through a 3.5mm to RCA, but I think that might be due to the fact that the mini-display on my MBP does not support audio. Is that correct? So, with that said (and egg on my face), I will have no need for the Digital Audio output on the ATV, right? Is that only included so you have the option to connect the ATV to a stand alone receiver/speakers?

It's there because all computers have an audio out port for headphones and other peripherals. It also makes it possible to have digital audio out if for some reason you aren't using HDMI. Also, the audio out port on the mini supports digital and analog, so you should have no problem connecting RCA to your mini.
 
Wow, I am a complete moron. You guys are absolutely right. I often connect my MBP to my TV through a mini-display to HDMI connector. I also have to feed the audio through a 3.5mm to RCA, but I think that might be due to the fact that the mini-display on my MBP does not support audio. Is that correct? So, with that said (and egg on my face), I will have no need for the Digital Audio output on the ATV, right? Is that only included so you have the option to connect the ATV to a stand alone receiver/speakers?

Yes it is there so that you can connect it directly to your receiver. There are so many set ups that vary. some like to run the HDMI directly to tv and then audio direct to receiver. It really all depends on your set up and receiver capabilities and tv capabilities. On your original post I thought you didn't have HDMI cables since it wasn't mentioned. If you have HDMI, that will take care of your picture and digital audio. so no immediate need for the digital audio connection. :D
 
Yes it is there so that you can connect it directly to your receiver. There are so many set ups that vary. some like to run the HDMI directly to tv and then audio direct to receiver. It really all depends on your set up and receiver capabilities and tv capabilities. On your original post I thought you didn't have HDMI cables since it wasn't mentioned. If you have HDMI, that will take care of your picture and digital audio. so no immediate need for the digital audio connection. :D

Wonderful. Thank you!
 
As an added bonus HDMI contains multichannel audio with less compression than the optical out on the ATV. DD True HD & DTS HD use the HDMI.
 
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