Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Optical Out On Denon AVR-2803

I've been thinking of getting surround sound headphones and running the optical out from my receiver to the base unit--so I can switch between sources. But I just tried to run an optical cable from the receiver to my computer (just to see if it works), and I get no sound. I then connected the computer directly to the DVD player, and did get sound. So now I'm wondering what's wrong here.

Can someone help me understand the digital outs on receivers? Is there a setting I'm missing?

Also, the optical out on the receiver is labeled OPT 4, and the manual says it's to be used in conjuction with the OPT 4 input, mainly for recording purposes. Does that mean it's not really outputting the signals from all the other digital inputs?

The opt 4 in and out are like the old tape loops. Basically, Opt 4 Out will only play what's coming through Opt 4 In. Not sure why they include the feature as I'm sure people who need to edit DAT or mini-disc recordings are few and far between.

Ok, thanks. Just wanted to make sure before I go out and buy an optical switcher.