Hi,

I have a Samsung HT-D350 Home Entertainment System,
I use optical to connect my PS3 & Sky+HD, the only problem is I have to keep changing it over each time for the device I want to use with the surround sound.
I was told that a Toslink optical switch splitter would be needed so I can connect the Samsung system to it then connect up to 3 devices to it & twist the switch to which one I want to use on the surround sound system, however no sound comes out from it from either Sky or PS3. (It's connected like this: Samsung 5.1 > Toslink splitter, Toslink splitter to PS3 & Sky+HD, like the image here on ebay Item number: 270908452442)
I've tried two now, please help.

Are you sure you got a switch, a splitter won't work unless all the kit you are not using is turned off completely.

What sort of switch would I need, I don't really want to spend to much on one, or would I be better to get a seperate Amp?

Also, change of subject, but can I make the rear speakers wireless on this system, I have google but with no luck.

Thanks.

You don't seem to know whether you have bought a switch or a splitter. They are two completely different pieces of kit - one allows you to connect two different inputs to a single output, one allows you to connect one input to two outputs.

You want a switch - it seems you've bought a splitter (which you think is also a switch).

I use one of these to feed a pair of Sony cordless surround headphones.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-way-Opti...99383521619456

A proper AV amp and speakers will make a big difference but it's going to cost a lot more money.

Trying to make the rear speakers wireless wouldn't be easy or cheap.

Do you mean a switch like this?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-Port-Opt...-/270908452442

And do you have it connected like the animated image lower down the page? If so then either you have been unlucky and have had two duff switches or something else is faulty.

One thing to try. Connect the Sky box directly to the surround system using the optical lead you were using between the switch IN/OUT port and the surround system. If that works then the lead is probably OK. If not then that could be the reason why nothing works.

Try the other optical leads as well just to be sure they are all OK and also try connecting the PS3 direct to the surround system as well using all three leads. If any combination of source device and lead works directly then chances are it is the switch that is faulty.

If you have tried two of the same make then maybe try a different make just in case the one you are trying is inherently poor.

This is the same style I have.
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/vie...id=40953959725

Tried that, every lead works when connected on their own. I have that exact box, first didn't work so they sent me another and that also does not work. Looking at the feedback of the seller, everyones else seems to have working ones

It's a slightly different switch to mine.

Another test to try. You'll either need to do this after dark or close the curtains.

Plug one of the leads into the Sky box and leave the other end free. Point the free end at a sheet of paper, from a couple of inches away, and you should see the red glow of the optical output of the Sky box. Now plug the lead into one input of the switch and have a lead plugged into the output of the switch, again don't connect the other end to anything.

Select the appropriate input on the switch. Now point the free end of the output lead at the sheet of paper from the same distance as you did with the Sky box. Is the light level similar or reduced? If the light level through the switch is reduced too much the surround system might be having trouble handling it. Fairly obviously if there is no light at all then the switch is broken. Or the input selector knob is screwed and you are not getting the input you think you are! So try all three positions of the switch (but don't move any cables).

Then try the other two inputs of the switch just to check if they all work or if only one is.

I've got a Marmitek Wireless Surround transmitter/receiver.

Works well, but does suffer dropouts if objects get in the way. Best place transmitter and receiver in line of sight or bouncing off a wall where nothing is going to pass between.