Would it be possible to get the SPIDIF output from a HDMI cable?

[Goanna]

I just bought a new 7.1 receiver (Sony STR-DG720) and hooked it all up only to find out that it will not work properly with a HDMI-DVI cable. It only works when using HDMI-HDMI to the monitor.

So, I can either use component cables and analog audio to hook up my system now (which kind of defeats the purpose of buying a receiver with 3 HDMI inputs), buy a new LCD TV with an HDMI input instead of DVI (dont really want to do that) or try and trick the system into thinking its a normal HDMI cable...

How hard do you think it would be to grab the audio out of the HDMI cable and send it to say a coaxial SPIDIF input? Would that even work?

They do sell adaptors/converter boxes that do just this, they take a normal HDMI input and output DVI-D and Coaxial SPIDIF seperatly. The cost of the box is $299 though, which is basically what the receiver costs, lol. I was wondering if there was possibly a cheaper DIY method of doing this?

Here's the converter box. http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=3939

[JSTGamer]

Is your problem that your tv (which has dvi input) doesnt have any audio when hooked up to your HDMI-output reciever? Both HDMI and DVI carry audio signals as well as video signals. I did a quick check and noticed that that sony receiver has 3 INPUT HDMI's.

for example, are you hooking up your Blu-ray dvd player (or ps3,etc) to the receiver using an hdmi input on the receiver, then using an HDMI->DVI cable to go from the receiver to your TV and you still dont have sound??

if this is the case, try by passing the receiver and hook the blu-ray player to the tv directly with the HDMI->DVI cable.

Let me know if i read your situation wrong. tell me exactly how its hooked up too and what hd device ur using.

JT

[Goanna]

It's actually that the Receiver will not process digital audio at all when hooked up to a TV with a HDMI->DVI adaptor.

I have a Cable Box, Upscaling DVD Player, and a HTPC with HDMI out all hooked up to the 3 HDMI inputs on the receiver. I have a HDMI to DVI cable going from the receiver to my TV.

I called Sony about this and the rep told me that they specifically designed the system to only work with HDMI to HDMI connections, as apparently theres some DRM issues if they were to support the use of HDMI to DVI cables (Fricken sony and DRM, like anyone's gonna copy video from a HDCP DVI port).

So, when the TV is plugged into the receiver I get no sound at all. If I unplug the ATV I can get sound from any digital input on the receiver, but then I of course get no picture.

So, then I figured since HDMI audio doesnt work, I'll run Coaxial and Optical Spidif cables instead, and use HDMI just for video, but with the Converter cable plugged in again the receiver doesnt let you do that either. It will only process analog audio when using the conversion cable.

So, all in all it is a big P.I.A. As of now I have the cable box hooked up via HDMI with analog audio, but I really dont want to have to use analog audio for all my connections. That kind of defeats the purpose of buying a receiver with three HDMI inputs.

[JSTGamer]

yea that does defeat the purpose of getting a receiver with the hdmi ports. That is a PITA, i hope some else chimes in because im at a loss, first time ive had to deal with this. Im sure there is some way that can be done for cheap. Did Sony suggest anything at all? HDTV's a couple years ago were DVI. Im sure they would have factored that into the design of the receiver..... or i HOPE they would have. My tv down in the "man-cave" is a DVI only tv too. That converter box definately seems too expensive. Keep looking around Im sure we're not the only ones that want new tech but dont want to spend tons of money on converters/new tvs.

Call sony and bug them enough until they give you a cheap option or tell you how to make it work without going analog audio.

JT

[Goanna]

Well I did some research into this and it doesnt seem like it would be an easy task. The HDMI spec has 3 data channels, and a few other channels used for various controls and timing, etc. The Video and Audio data is not on seperate channels, it's all mixed, with the Audio data sent inbetween packets of video data all along the three main data channels.

If the audio was sent on it's own channel witin the cable, and sent to specific pins, that could have made this alot simpler.

But, I did think of another possibility. A powered HDMI splitter with HDCP compliancy. Perhaps using that I could trick the receiver into thinking it's an actual HDMI device, instead of a HDMI to DVI cable. They are alot cheaper then HDMI to DVI+Spidif converters. I'll need to see if I can get one locally just to try it though, as I would want to be able to return it right away if it didnt work.

[Travis82]

i run it with 5.1 on my reciever thru dvi to hdmi pass thru on a zotac 8800gt card. card plugs into spidf on board or sound card to pass sound.