Digital output from a PC

[edhesketh]

I want to connect my pc to the 'optical digital in' of my hi fi rather than just connecting through the 'line in' like I usually do, but I don't have a sound card with optical digital output. Does anyone know a cheaper way of doing this without buying a new soundcard (through a USB device for example)

[Mintox]

Only one i can think off is one from creative - http://www.soundblaster.com/products/extigy/ not sure of the price but i think this is the sort of thing your after.

[TheHitMaker]

You can get a Creative Soundblaster with a digital output for around �30 in PC World. (Not that I am recommending that you go to PC World!)

[Cactus]

I've seen a USB device just like the one you're after - it plugs into a USB port and has a box on the end of the cable with a 3.5mm line out jack and an Digital Optical out as well. Only problem is it was about �60. I'll see if i can find where i saw it.

[Cactus]

Bingo! I've found it. Hope this works, i've had trouble linking to the site, it uses a lot of fancy menus. Here we go: http://www.midiman.com/products/consumer/sonica_pa
ge1.php It's just what you're looking for as long as you don't mind paying �50 +Vat. You could get a new sound card for that!

[edhesketh]

Cheers for your help everyone. Thanks for going to the trouble of getting that link Cactus, I know what you mean about the price, I was thinking a USB device would be cheaper! I've been looking around more since asking the question and found a device similar that from ebay.co.uk for �22.80 (+�4 p+p) (I won't provide a link cos it will probably be out of date in a couple of days but it is called the 'USB Soundbox'). Although I've got to admit, the product you linked to looked far better quality and the product from ebay has to be shipped from Hong Kong!

[Cactus]

No probs, i'm just glad you've found something more affordable! Sounds like it'll do the job you want. That device i linked you to is probably overkill really, it's like an external soundcard. It contains a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) which you wouldn't really need if you're just gonna use it to connect Optically. You want to keep the signal digital - not convert it to analog! Good luck! - Cactus.