Page 1 of Please Help I need to convert Digital Coaxial(S/PDIF) to Analogue for 5.1 Theatre.

I have acquired a 5.1 Home Theatre System with six analogue inputs i.e
FrontL&R, Rear, Centre, Sub etc. Unfortunately it does not have either
optical or coaxial digital inputs. I have a coaxial digital output on my
DVD/VCR combo however was wandering if there is a work around for this. I
was kind of hoping there may be in existence a lead or box that could
convert the digital coax(S/PDIF) to six analogue outputs. Any help would be
greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Rod

The device you need is a stand-alone Dolby Digital 5.1/DTS decoder. These decoders do exist, but have largely been replaced by amps with decoders built into them. You may be able to pick them up second-hand fairly cheaply, though.

The alternative is to get a DVD player with 6 discrete analogue outputs, so you can hook it up to your system directly. This could work out cheaper than the decoder option.

Mike