Bit of a long shot but does anyone know if it's easy to replace the Optical out audio port on my 'phat' PS3? The small plastic ring inside that keeps the cable/plug secure has broken and so I can't output any sound through that channel, so I'm reduced to very soft/tinny HDMI audio on my PC monitor speakers. I could call up a generic PS3 repair shop but I imagine I could almost just buy another console. If the part was modular and not soldered onto the mainboard I'd have a go.
No point as I can't get any sound at all when wiggling the cable - I think optical (digital) must be too smart for that.
Not sure if this is within your budget but perhaps something like this may work for you: HDMI Audio Extractor http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AC1637&CATID=85&form=CAT2&SUBCATID=1014#4
