Surround sound hook up?

Question

hd cable box (cox). hd television (vizio vu42lf). surround sound supporting spdif(optical audio). how can i get audio out of this? thanks in advance.

Answer 1

run a component or hdmi cable from the box to the tv for video. run a red/white rca audio, digital audio, or hdmi cable to wherever you want the audio. (hdmi carries both hd audio and video, so u only need one if theyre goin to the same place)

Answer 2

You would have to run the optical cable out of the cable box (assuming it has an optical out) and run it to your surround sound receiver. Make sure to change the sound settings on your cable box for Optical out. Whenever you want to use the surround sound, just go ahead and switch to that input on your receiver, and enjoy :)

Answer 3

Run whatever digital medium (optical or coaxial) each of your components facilitates to your surround receiver.  This is the only way you will get true DD and DTS.  While running an HDMI cable from your cable box to your TV will also transmit digital sound, you will only get PCM two channel sound from the TV hooked up that way.

Answer 4

Honestly, I would go with HDMI cable from your box to your tv, you can't get true HD without it. You'll pay about $50 for a 6' cable, but it's worth it. And i'm pretty sure you'll still be able to run the optical out to your surround system.