optical cable COMBINER?
 

I have an older AV receiver without HDMI inputs, but it does have 2 optical inputs, one designated for the TV which is in use, leaving one for a DVD player.. I have two DVD players, and would like to plug both into the receivers optical cable input... do they make such a beast?

I assume it has no Coaxial inputs for digital audio? Most DVD players seem to have that in parallel to Optical.

If not, your best bet is probably an optical switch of some sort, like this cheap one: http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Optica.../dp/B000812QC6

There are probably switches out there that "auto-detect" the signal that wouldn't require the manual switch, but I'm not sure.

I bought this one - I haven't tried it yet so I can't say how well it works.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...882192-3944967

IMHO, these switches and other such devices are fine as add-ons. When they start to take over primary functionality, then perhaps it is time to consider upgrading.

You don't say what the receiver is but hdmi is the wave of the future and if you plan on upgrading players they will likely come with hdmi too.

Just a thought.

the thought is a good one... and I agree that I will likely at some point upgrade the receiver that has HDMI inputs, but considering I just purchased a 56" HDTV and a Toshiba A20, I don't see myself buying a receiver for at least 6 months... especially when the current one sounds pretty damned good...