RCA SPDIF question

[jondoe9]

I have a big RCA tv with the typical terrible speakers. The audio output is SPDIF.
HOW do they get a stereo signal out of an RCA plug? Is there a carrier frequency involved?
Can I get any soundbar that has an SPDIF input?
Thanks!

 

[jsmithepa]

Can I get any soundbar that has an SPDIF input?

Maybe.

If your TV has a 3.5mm headphone jack, that will give you stereo.

If not 3.5 jack then yes a SB with SPDIF but SPDIF becoming rare but you can use a SB with Toslink input and buy an inexpensive SPDIF to Toslink converter.

 

[jondoe9]

Thanks. So with the headphone jack, with the proper plugs, I could run it to any soundbar with an amplifier?

 

[jsmithepa]

Should, as long as the SB has stereo input, in the form of a 3.5mm or 2 RCA.

 

[jondoe9]

Another question - is there a way of hooking a bluetooth transmitter? Via the headphone jack? (which is 3.5mm)
(sorry - I can't keep up with all the gizmos these days)

 

[jsmithepa]

Yes. Just go into Amazon and look for "bluetooth transmitter."


These days, between Google and Amazon, you shouldn't have that many questions. 😀

 

[americanaudiophile]

The SPDIF connection on the TV (whether it's optical or coax) is digital so you would need an DAC to convert it to analog stereo
https/www.amazon.com/Digital-Optical-Analog-audio-converter/dp/B004C4WPXA
You might have to turn the output on and change the audio output type to PCM or 2 channel in the TV menu.

 

[jondoe9]

Can I get any soundbar that has an SPDIF input?

Maybe.

If your TV has a 3.5mm headphone jack, that will give you stereo.

If not 3.5 jack then yes a SB with SPDIF but SPDIF becoming rare but you can use a SB with Toslink input and buy an inexpensive SPDIF to Toslink converter.

 

[jondoe9]

Solved. Thanks for all the replies. I can't believe it took me so long to get an appropriate soundbar. I didn't know what spdif was, and didn't understand what it said online. And sales guys, like at best buys, had no idea, and steered me in the wrong direction every time. Surprise!!! My confusion was the RCA plug - which was one channel. I didn't understand that spdif was digital, and could send stereo on one cable. Not sure why it took so long to find a logical explanation online. Getting too old for rock and roll, and technology? (YES!)
I found a Viseo soundbar that came with digital and sdif cables. Everything I needed. Now I'm rocking out with 5.2 sound, and loving it! And the voices are clearer, and not distorted! And... it only took a year...