Can a single SPDIF output (RCA phono) be stereo ?

Question

I bought a Philips DTR 220/05 Free to Air digital television receiver with the intention of linking it up with my TV Card in my computer. Previously I have used at 3.5mm to 3.5mm jack audio cable to link sound from the receiver to my sound card. But the sound output on the Philips DTR 220/05 is a single SPDIF output ( RCA phono ), for which I do not have a cable to link a 3.5mm jack. Can I get a cable to link a single SPDIF output ( RCA phono ) to a 3.5mm jack and even if I do will the audio be just plain mono or will it be stereo (I was under the impression you need two SPDIF output ( RCA phono ) sockets, one left and one right) ?

Source: http://www.consumer.philips.com/consumer/en/gb/consumer/cc/_productid_DTR220_05_GB_CONSUMER/Digital-Terrestrial-Receiver+DTR220-05

Answer 1

No, you only need one output for S/PDIF digital audio - this carries both stereo channels (left and right).

What you're thinking of are RCA outputs for ANALOG audio (the familiar white and red connectors), which is a totally different can of worms.

Make sure the input you're trying to connect the S/PDIF to is actually a S/PDIF digital input, rather than the blue-colored conventional analog input on a sound card.

I've never ever heard of S/PDIF using a 3.5mm jack before (usually it's phono or an optical connector), but I guess it's possible.

Answer 2

It's not RCA it's a coaxial socket. This would be for digital audio and will carry both channels. Best bet is to get a scart to phono lead (you can get scart to 6 RCA. Vid in/out and audio pair in/out) if you only have that on your TV card.

To those bleating about wrong section. Does it really matter that much. You must have empty lives if this bothers you enough to mark people down for it.

Answer 3

Wrong section !

Answer 4

Argos sell those cables with the 3.5mm plug on one end and the phono leads on the other.

I've never heard of a single phono lead before though, are you sure it's not another aerial socket?