AppleTV/Surround Sound Set Up Inquiry

hi all,

bit of background on set-up:
hdtv 4 hdmi inputs (cable box, appletv, bluray/surround sound, wiiu) , optical audio tv bluray/surround sound unit audio whichever hdmi input selected.

(self-created) problem cannot airplay appletv when tv off or on non-appletv hdmi input. realized need take advantage of optical audio out on appletv, bypass tv, , go right bluray/surround sound unit (confirmed yanking optical audio tv , inserting appletv - airplay works tv off). but, alas, there 1 optical audio port occupied tv (which priority).

so, options? i'm thinking either split optical audio surround sound unit go tv , appletv or pick optical audio digital audio coax converter (or available single cable?). also, having 2 audio outputs (hdmi , optical) pose problem when watching, netflix, on appletv?

suggestions appreciated. thanks!

 

you got lot of stuff going there.

if have dollars, seeking best covered dedicated product called receiver. don't have go crazy here (there $5k , higher receivers out there) if 1 gives of inputs , outputs need plus extras can possibly imagine you'll need in next couple of years, best way go address in full way.

refurbished receivers can had if new ones cost much.

"open box" receivers stores new... same warranty new.

previous generation models on clearance packed every feature of brand new models.

used receivers can purchased less more careful works.

if none of can work you, it's not option try make tv jacks anything. digital optical out of tv take surround signal receives , convert down stereo. trying use jacks in tv kind of signal switching wrong way go. general rule: minimize cables running tv. general rule #2: think of tv end of signal chain: maybe running 1 hdmi cable + (maybe) 1 ethernet cable if it's "smart tv" (but not wifi enabled).

if financially pinched such there's no way buy receiver, since have 1 optical in surround audio, you're going need "optical in" switch box can choose various sources can deliver surround audio , route 1 jack have. taking 1 small function of receiver , breaking out separate little box. not greatest option can work , can find 1 can switch sources remote <$30-50. searches "2 1 optical audio switch" , similar on amazon.

again, along these lines, sure consider future. instance, right maybe need 2 1 optical when add next thing. maybe better go ahead , 3 or 4 1 if go (not-a-receiver) route.

again, bypass tv. optical audio tv 2-4 jack optical switch. 1 "optical out" go straight blu ray/surround sound "optical in" jack.

if that's pinch, can cheapest option tag cables , go there , unplug & switch manually. won't best option.

suggest go receiver (with best cut @ future proofing). there many low-cost receivers have airplay built in too. importantly, can route of cables receiver, have 1 hdmi out tv , surround sound switching , speaker driving particular new toy. might spend $100-$300 on low end best way cover base. if can afford $400-$800, there fantastic quality receivers in price range. reviews , you'll find great 1 less might expect.

personally, @ receivers hub of whole a/v setup. 1 can serve many years, when add various other a/v hardware don't know want yet. switchers, etc, while cheaper, kludge solution seems become more , more of hassle add future a/v stuff , realize should have purchased 1 jack or need switcher other standard, , on. receivers other cheapest units have jack overkill cover have , you'll add in future (and still have open jacks).

 

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