dclegg: From what I can tell, my options are either a Toslink switch like this one, or a Toslink to coaxial converter like this. I think the first option should work, but it would be a bit of a PITA having to manually switch every time we want full 5.1 audio. I have concerns about the second option, as it doesn't explicitly state that it would preserve the 5.1 signal, and other converters I've seen state they output 2.0 PCM, which would totally defeat the purpose.
I'd say just go for the second option. It should pass 5.1 just fine (it should work much like the digital coax hack for the original Xbox!) Besides, even if it does only pass 2.0 then just use it for the TV optical out which would leave you the same situation as if the TV had RCA outputs, only as 2.0 digital coax!
Personally I'd go for this as it should let you get 5.1 from all your devices into your amp. Costs a bit more but has remote control and should get you all the functionality you want for a fair bit less than the cost of getting a new amp!
I ended up going with the 4 port switch from JayCar. Seems to work well so far. The only downside is that its a manual operation to change sound sources. But it'll do for now, and considering the Minister of Finance wrinkled her nose at the cost to implement it, I can only imagine the reaction if I had spent twice as much on an automated solution :-)
I decided that the optical to coax converter solution wasn't future proof enough, because as soon as I introduce a new 5.1 capable source device I'd have to revisit my config (looking at you here, PS4 :-) ).
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