thanks for the responses , i cant find anything in the menu's on my tosh regza 32" for stereo output, there is only 'pcm' or 'auto' listed under 'digital audio out' in the menu? the virgin v+hd box has hdmi audio override which switches off the audio and outputs solely through the optical out. but again no stereo listed in the menu ,,?.
please excuse my ignorance in this matter as i have been strictly analogue until now , i will borrow a dac from a friend who is strictly digital and give it a go and report back,
thanks again for the input