TV only has coaxial audio out, surround system only takes hdmi or optical

DanTheMeek

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Feb 16, 2015
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So I've recently tried to improve my home entertainment system but have run into an unexpected rode block. My TV apparently only had a single coaxial output for audio, while the 9.1 surround sound system I purchased only accepts hdmi or optical inputs. The tv definitely has no optical input, it does have multiple hdmi ports but based on the manual I'm guessing their input only as the only thing listed as an output is that coaxial port.

So I've got three questions.

First, is a single coaxial audio output even capable of producing a 9.1 surround sound signal (or any surround sound signal for that matter)?

Second, what would be my recommended course of action here. I don't believe I can return the entertainment system, so assuming the answer to the first question is yes, is there any signal converter I could get to convert to optical or hdmi with out a significant loss of sound quality, and if so, is hdmi better then optical, vice versa, or it all a wash?

Third, if my coaxial output does not support surround sound, is there any other work around, maybe some middle man splitter that splits off the audio from my various devices composite, rva, hdmi, and antena signals, then only passes the video along to the tv through like an hdmi port or something and the audio to my system, and if so would I want it to split off as hdmi or optical for best sound quality?

Any and all advice anyone can provide for me would be GREATLY appreciated.
 
Solution
I think the easiest, cheapest way is to try something like this. Never used any (being careful when buying...), but it claims 5.1 audio would pass. I don't know about any TV program with 9.1 channel audio ;)

Your third option could be partially solved by using an external TV tuner with appropriate outputs, but you will "gain" one more remote with little gain in sound or picture quality.
I think the easiest, cheapest way is to try something like this. Never used any (being careful when buying...), but it claims 5.1 audio would pass. I don't know about any TV program with 9.1 channel audio ;)

Your third option could be partially solved by using an external TV tuner with appropriate outputs, but you will "gain" one more remote with little gain in sound or picture quality.
 
Solution