Can I split the coaxial input of my receiver to connect two components?

Question

My receiver has 2 optical inputs and 1 coaxial input for digital audio. I have a sat receiver and a dvd player that both only have coaxial outputs, can I use a splitter to connect them to the same input?

I won't be using them both at the same time so I just want to know if any of them would break if the output from one component would damage the other component (since they would then be "on the same" cable).

Also would this decrease the sound quality?

I am not waiting for answers that tell me to buy an expensive coaxial to optical converter, unless you can tell me an inexpensive one (less than 20 dollars).

Answer 1

You need a switch, not a splitter. A switch will take all the worry out of whether you might leave both devices on at the same time.

You can find A/V switches fairly cheaply at most electronics stores, or for an example see the one for $15 at the link. You only need to have a 2x1 RCA switch, so even this example is overkill ... but it might be hard to find anything much simpler.

Answer 2

Ideally you want a switch, but if you can guarantee that they will never be on at the same time, it should be OK.

Answer 3

There are inexpensive ones all over for a converter and a little more convenient then a switch. Amazon comes to mind. A brick and mortar place wants to sell receivers so they mark theirs higher.