Optical Audio Output for Raspberry Pi

What is it?

• Optical Audio Output for Raspberry Pi (1A+/1B+/2/3)
• (1A/1B could be connected with cables but it doesn't fit directly)
• Hardware can also be modified to an optical input or S/PDIF in-/output with RCA plugs (software for input has been tried by other people and it works, but I can give many infos here)
• Hardware is the same like HifiBerry Digi+ but much smaller
• Software is included in OpenElec/LibreElec/etc and just needs to be activated (only 1 line in the config.txt)

Why did you make it?

Most TVs can't forward DolbyDigital/DTS 5.1 streams from HDMI to the optical output or HDMI ARC. (They can only output 5.1 streams which are generated by the TV and 5.1 streams which come over HDMI are always converted to a 2.0 stream.)

So I wanted to have a optical output for my RaspberryPi media center (OpenElec/LibreElec) to get the 5.1 stream directly to my 5.1 surround system. (Buying a audio extractor which extracts the audio signal from HDMI would have been also a possibility but most of them cost more than 50USD and there are often problems with HDMI CEC if you use this.)

What makes it special?

• Very small and fits in almost any case - only a hole for the connector needs to be made
• Pins in the middle are free (e.g. SPI port) - in my case I have a ambilight connected here

Ordering Info

• If it is sold out, please just join the waitlist - new boards will be available soon.
• DIY Kits for people with good solerding skills are also available.
• If you only want a PCB or special parts please just contact me.
• Boards as optical input instead of output or analog RCA input/output are also available on request

Setup Info

OpenElec/LibreElec:

• Plug the SD card from the Raspberry Pi into a computer and open the folder
• Add 1 line at the end of the config.txt file: dtoverlay=hifiberry-digi
• Put the SD card back into the Pi and start it again
• Go to Kodi Settings -> Audio
• Under Output Device select: ALSA: snd_rpi_hifiberry_digi, S/PDIF
• Under Audio Passthrough select also: ALSA: snd_rpi_hifiberry_digi, S/PDIF
• In the same menu select also Enable AC3 and Enable DTS if your receiver supports it

If you want to try it with Raspbian or any other distro just search the internet - there are lots of tutorials available for the HifiBerry Digi or PiFy modules (which all use the same drivers).