Topic: Optical Splitters

[blu666z]

How reliable are these things?  I have a MD deck and a DAT deck but only 1 optical input on my 2496.  I had looked at getting an AES->S/PDIF  to use on the DAT but this would be easier and cheaper since I already have the splitter.  

-Kevin

[joemango]

do you mean a coax-optical converter or a 1-to-2 optical split?

I've never had good luck with the 1-2 splitters.  They always leave me hanging.

[blu666z]

1-to-2 optical split

Although I would actually be going 2-1 if that matters.  

-Kevin

[Brian Skalinder]

So you're using the 2:1 splitter to input two signals from two different devices into a single input.  Correct?  Obviously, you won't be doing this simultaneously, but rather to save the hassle of plug/unplugging connectors.  Right?

I've seen reference in a forum or two about optical splitters run 1:2 degrading the signal enough that it causes problems for both recording devices.  Most of the splitters you'll find don't amplify the signal, simply split it in half - hence, the problems.  I'd guess for your purposes - 2:1 as an input selector device - it would work fine.  They're pretty cheap, why not give it a go.

[blu666z]

Correct, not simultaneously.  Both my MD and DAT home decks have optical outputs.  On the MD, the optical is the only digital output.  The DAT also has AES but building the AES-> S/PDIF cable doesn't seem worth the time/money.  

-Kevin

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

Correct, not simultaneously.  Both my MD and DAT home decks have optical outputs.  On the MD, the optical is the only digital output.  The DAT also has AES but building the AES-> S/PDIF cable doesn't seem worth the time/money.  

-Kevin

Check this out:

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=15-1586

I almost bought this the other day...  but bought an analog "thingy" instead...

Terry

[blu666z]

That might be better.  That is actually a selector rather than a splitter.

-Kevin