How does one make use of an Optical Digital Audio port on an LCD TV and a surround system with analog audio?

Question

Hey, I am looking to set up my sound system to work with my LCD TV's Optical Digital Audio Output port. My surround sound system has analog audio; it has separate jacks for each channel (subwoofer, right, left back speaker, etc.). Is there any way I can get my Dolby 5.1 surround sound system to work with my Xbox 360, which is connected with composite cables to my TV? In other words, do I have to get a converter (from digital to analog) to get surround sound audio to work with my surround sound system? If so, which is the best converter for the money? Will all the separate channels work correctly? Finally, if I use the Optical Digital Audio Output port on my LCD TV, then will the surround sound work for whatever is playing on the TV (For example, if I am playing 360 using this setup and I want to watch DISH, which is connected to the TV like my 360, will the surround sound work?)? Thanks in advance, and a worthy 10 points to the best answer!

Answer 1

You will need to decode the digital audio signal somehow, and most people use a receiver for this purpose. With the information you gave there is no way short of a receiver to accomplish what you want.

I suggest that you include more detail like current set up and model numbers.