I've just purchased a new dual 1 GHz G4 and plan to run Final Cut Pro on it. I'm looking for the best way to get surround sound audio out of the computer and into my home theater receiver (preferably optically) for monitoring purposes. I will also need to get analog audio into the computer. Has anyone done any research on this ... does an animal of this type even exist?

look at emagic emi 2/6 ... its runs off USB with 6 outputs and 2 inputs. MacAddict did a review and claims it works well even with USB and is good for using in a surround sound sysrem,,, but you must be using an app that accepts surround sound and can process its output... i am not sure if final cut pro will do that... you may need an app like Logic Audio Platinum or Digital Performer to actually get the 6 outputs to create the actual surround sound field... its worth looking into though at only $300

www.emagic.de

or you can look it up at samash.com

note: there is an indentical model called emi 6/2 which looks exactly the same but it offers 2 outputs and 6 inputs

I should've mentioned that I'll be running Bias' Deck 3.5 which supports 5.1 mixing. Thanks Dean.