How to convert TV optical output to XLR

Like the other guys said.

Step 1 - Turn Dolby Digital into PCM
Step 2 - Turn PCM into XLR

The question is where will this happen.

My cable box can output PCM (although they don't call it that), so I am okay with my DAC.

I didn't have a DAC in an older setup, and the analog output of the cable box was far inferior to the digital, so I used a Digital Surround Processor to do the conversion to RCA. I doubt you will find something like this with XLR outputs though.

I really doubt your TV won't be able to output PCM, but you never know.

Many TVs, including Panasonics, don't even allow to choose PCM, outputting automatically Dolby for ATSC and PCM for NTSC. I bought Samsung LED TV because of that - it has choice in the menu for PCM or Dolby output.

Thank you very much for the above information. This TV digital output was new to me. I am reviewing my options.

I just got a Samsung smart TV. Digital audio out is optical. Menu came set a PCM. There were other options but I didn't care at that point. Purchased a doo-dad that converts optical to coax and plugged it into a Tascam DA-30 MK2 Dat deck. Works like a charm. Way better than the analog output of my cable box.

Whoops. I made a mistake. If you ask enough questions, someone will give you the right answer. The correct answer is not to use the TV for audio.

I was told to run the RCA audio cable from my cable box to my Ayre RCA inputs (and bypass my TV) and run balanced cables from my Oppo 105 to the XLR inputs on my Ayre. My cable problem is solved and will result in much better sound by not running audio through my TV and then to my amplifier.

I select one input for TV listening and a 2nd input when listening thru the Oppo 105. My problem is solved. Thank you very much.