Using SPDIF

My new Acer Aspire 6930 supposedly has the option of using the line output also for SPIDIF. Despite the fact that I have this all set up in Vista, I can't seem to get it working. I've used SPIDF with my old PC on my receiver (I ALWAYS did) so I know that everything on the software and hardware side of my digital receiver is ok. However, it doesn't seem to deliver a signal out of that jack anyway and I've tried plugging both the left and right outputs of my RCA cable into the digital coax input of my Onkyo. Do I need a special cable to get this working or what?

I can always use analog out to my receiver, but why when digital is so much cleaner? Besides, sometimes I want my 5.1 surround!

Thanks in Advance,
Andy

 

its optical the acer hide a small optical output inside the headphone socket.
you will need a mini toslink adaptor.
it works out cheaper that the old coax system,
you will need an amp or cinema system that has optical in on it.
need any more info post back here.

Phil

 

this is the mini toslink in the headphone socket.
as you can see its optical.

 

Oh wow, I'd have never figured that one out on my own, so thanks a bundle. My Aspire was a display model, so alas- no manuals.

Do you suggest a place where I can get that mini toslink adaptor? My Onkyo receiver actually has two optical inputs as well, so it'll work! Thanks again, bud! Acer customer support in India(??) suggested that I do a system restore. Since I'm a more advanced user (but this is my first notebook), I met his request with a resounding NO! Their support really seems useless.

Anyhooo, thanks again!

 

I actually found this at Newegg...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882339059

Looks like the adaptor will be unnecessary.

Thanks again!

 

the link is fine.
the spdif software will start as soon as you put the toslink in to the headphone socket.

enjoy
Phil

 

I never knew that, often wondered, thanks hoggie.
No manuals ? Try clicking the start orb and type Acer in the search box. Should hopefully be a full pdf manual there.

 

If your computer doesn't pick it up automatically, you'll need to put the digital output as default by yourself. If you go Sound > Playback devices > Realtek Digital Output > Set as default.

 

Just tried it feeding in to a minidisc recorder used as a DAC... perfect. Just looked in the user manual for interest, says headphone out with spdif support. Which tells you nothing really.
Next question, I'm guesssing that it's output only ? No spdif input, so as to record on to the HDD. That would be good ! Record stuff on to minidisc and edit, then back to the HDD and burn to CD.

 

i haven't seen an acer laptop with optical in, but as you say it would be nice to have.

gald i could help
Phil