I need to send audio from a TV to an audio matrix approx 100' away. The TV outputs audio via S/PDIF optical and the audio matrix accepts analog audio.

In the past, I have done this with cat6, using an S/PDIF audio extender to get the audio signal down to the matrix, and then a simple DAC to convert the signal to analog.

However, the only cable I have to work with between the TV and matrix this time is RG6.

I would convert the S/PDIF signal from optical to coax at the TV, except S/PDIF over coax will only go 30' or so.

I think a possible solution is converting the S/PDIF signal to AES3 over coax, which I believe could go the distance. I've never done this, though, and cannot locate the required extender and DAC.

Thoughts?

What format of "audio" are you starting and ending with?

Coming out of the TV will be 2 channel PCM, and going into the matrix will be unbalanced analog stereo.

I have used pieces like this, from Skywalker and it works.

[Link: amazon.com]

What is the brand and model number of the device that sends an S/PDIF signal only thirty feet over RG6? I'd like to see the specs for myself.

The limitation is not with a specific converter; it is with the S/PDIF standard itself.

See "Hardware specifications" at [Link: en.wikipedia.org].

Spec or no spec, you can go much further than 30 foot with S/PDIF 'EASILY'.

I posted many many years ago about having to use a piece of speaker wire (18awg) to send the coaxial S/PDIF signal from a DVD player to an A/V receiver. That was about 25-35 foot and it worked perfect... over a piece of speaker wire, no converter, just spliced in.

I have also sent the coaxial S/PDIF signal from a bluray over RG59 about 60-70 feet with no problem.

Since I have never personally went 100 feet on RG6 with that kind of signal before, I can't say 100% that it will work. But with all my experience working with it, I can see no reason why it shouldn't work.

That is, the spec guarantees that the signal can go about 33 feet (10 meters, which is 10% more than you specced). But the signal MIGHT go much further.

Try it. If it works, propose to use it for the $#$ it cost you to try it out, or to stick with wiring per the protocol at its cost.


That shows robustness of the signal that's not even hinted at by the spec.


That's why I say to try it. If it doesn't work, you have proof that the next best thing to meeting the spec simply won't work.

We definitely need an all-in-one audio extender that both sends over CAT5e and converts to analog.

Anybody know of such an animal?

We have customers with this scenario regularly and use the combination below with great success.

Ethereal CS-D2D to convert optical to coax & CS-DAC to convert coax to analog.