Cable box to outboard DAC

On one box I have, "other" = PCM. On the other box, its some strange format and I have no idea what it is. No way to tell for sure w/o hooking it up to a DAC, unless you find a really, really good tech in your CATV company's tech support...

You might also try digging around here:

http://www.scientificatlanta.com/consumers_new/CableBoxes/2200.htm

They have manuals for most of their boxes. I note that Sci Atlanta describes your box as supporting "AC-3" and "Musicam" digital audio support.

An AC-3 -> PCM "converter" is a digital HT preamp, like a Theta Casanova or Casablanca. So, yes, converters exist, but it won't be cheap. Nothing, to my knowledge, will do AC-3 or Dolby to 2CH with little or no configuration, staying in the digital domain, and for cheap.

Thank you Edesilva , I will check the site .
Thanks to all who have tried to help me .

Why not just a cable box that will output PCM? They're not that expensive. Mine does. I'm not at home and so don't have the make and model handy, but if you're interested, send me an email and I'll get it for you. In fact, I will be getting a different cable box soon, and my old one would be available for cheap.

Until cableCARD compatibility is truly here--and it isn't--there is no guarantee that a 3rd party cable box will work with your cable provider's system. Before plunking down money on a cable box, I would ask your cable company techs for compatibility information first. Esp. w/digital cable.

Edesilva ; very good advice , thank you .