TV/Computer/5.1 Speaker connection

[skaughtz]

I am trying to determine how I can run audio from both my television and desktop computer through my set of Logitech Z-640 5.1 speakers ($74 in 2003... greatest purchase I have ever made). I would like to pick up a Chromecast to allow guests at my home bar to load up various videos from their mobile devices onto my TV, but the Logitech speakers are connected to the sound card in my desktop via the standard 5.1 green/black/orange stereo plugs. The television has a SPDIF jack. Is there some sort of splitter or cheap receiver that someone could suggest to accommodate this setup (I'd prefer not to have to purchase a $200+ stereo audio receiver if possible)? Is there another/no way to achieve what I am attempting to do?

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[boosted1g]

If you just want audio you can use a 3.5 (or rca to 3.5) cable to go from TV to PC Line-In port.

If you want 5.1 surround and not stereo on your surround speakers you will need a sound card that has toslink (spdif) input port (make sure it is an input port as most are output).

 

[skaughtz]

If you just want audio you can use a 3.5 (or rca to 3.5) cable to go from TV to PC Line-In port.

If you want 5.1 surround and not stereo on your surround speakers you will need a sound card that has toslink (spdif) input port (make sure it is an input port as most are output).

Thank you. A new sound card definitely seems to be the simplest way to achieve this.

My only other question is if the television will output a 5.1 signal through the optical cable or will it only be stereo? Or, will the sound card decode and output the signal as 5.1 regardless?

Thanks again.

 

[boosted1g]

Sound card will attempt to make 5.1 out of stereo if it is decent.

Bassicaly the TV out will output at the signal level of your source. If your source is an old device hooked up wiht RCA then it will output 2.0, if it is a dvd player connected via a digital input it will output 5.1, blu-ray via hdmi 7.1, etc etc