Can you connect optical to HDMI?

Answered by Ricardo McCardle

It is possible to connect optical to HDMI using an HDMI to Optical converter. This type of converter is commonly used when you have a device with an HDMI output, such as a Blu-ray player, gaming console, or streaming device, and you want to connect it to an older audio system or display that only has an optical input.

To connect optical to HDMI, you will need the following:

1. HDMI to Optical converter: This is the main device that will convert the digital HDMI signal to an analog optical signal. There are various models available on the market, so make sure to choose one that suits your specific needs.

2. HDMI cable: You will need an HDMI cable to connect your HDMI source device (e.g., Blu-ray player) to the HDMI input of the converter. Ensure that the HDMI cable is of good quality to ensure a reliable connection and optimal signal transmission.

3. Optical cable: You will also need an optical cable to connect the optical output of the converter to the optical input of your audio system or display. Again, it is important to use a high-quality optical cable for the best audio transmission.

Once you have all the necessary components, you can proceed with the connection process. Here are the steps to connect optical to HDMI:

1. Power off all devices: Before making any connections, ensure that all devices involved are powered off to avoid any potential damage.

2. Connect HDMI source device: Take one end of the HDMI cable and connect it to the HDMI output port of your source device (e.g., Blu-ray player). Then, connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI input port of the converter.

3. Connect optical cable: Take one end of the optical cable and connect it to the optical output port of the converter. Then, connect the other end of the optical cable to the optical input port of your audio system or display.

4. Power on the devices: Once all the connections are made, power on the HDMI source device, the converter, and the audio system or display. Make sure that the input source on your audio system or display is set to the appropriate optical input.

5. Adjust settings if necessary: Depending on the converter model, you may need to adjust some settings to ensure proper audio and video output. Refer to the user manual of the converter for specific instructions on how to access and modify settings.

6. Test the connection: Play a video or audio file on your HDMI source device and check if the audio is being transmitted through the optical connection to your audio system or display. If everything is working correctly, you should be able to hear the audio through your audio system or see the video on your display.

Connecting optical to HDMI can be a convenient solution when you have older audio systems or displays that do not have HDMI inputs. It allows you to bridge the gap between digital and analog technologies, enabling you to enjoy the audio and video content from your HDMI source devices on your older equipment.

Personal experience: I have personally used an HDMI to Optical converter to connect my Blu-ray player to an old analog audio system. The converter worked well, and I was able to enjoy high-quality audio from my Blu-ray discs through the analog speakers. It was a simple and effective solution to upgrade my audio setup without needing to replace the entire system.