What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Yes. Every PS4 has HDMI OUT, which carries digital video and audio. Some models also have a separate DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) port for digital audio only. Because optical output depends on the exact console model, check its CUH number before buying an optical cable.
What “digital output” means on a PS4
The phrase can refer to either of two connections. HDMI is the standard connection for sending both picture and sound to a TV, monitor, or compatible AV device. The separate optical port sends digital audio, not video, and is available only on certain PS4 models.
| Connection | Signal | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI OUT | Digital video and audio | Present on PS4 consoles; connect it to an HDMI input on a screen or compatible AV device. |
| DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) | Digital audio | Present on some model families, including CUH-1200 and PS4 Pro; absent from CUH-2000, CUH-2100, and CUH-2200 models. |
| Analog audio/video | Analog signal | Sony says PS4 does not support analog audio or video output. |
Sony’s PS4 setup guide shows HDMI OUT on the console and optical output on CUH-1200 and PS4 Pro, while its audio-output guidance identifies the optical-port limitation. Sony’s North American PS4 FAQ says the console’s audio and video are transmitted using HDMI and that it does not support analog output.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Which PS4 models have optical audio?
Do not rely on the console’s appearance or the word “Slim” alone. Check the CUH model number printed on the console, then confirm whether the rear panel has a port marked DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL).
#1 Best Overall
- Optical digital audio cable: Perfect for equipment with a TOSLINK interface (OPT In / OPT Out or S/PDIF In / S/PDIF Out). TOSLINK connector to TOSLINK connector (F05 connector)
- Versatile: Ideal for transmitting crystal-clear digital audio from your TV, video game console (PS3/PS4/Xbox One), DVD/Blu-ray player, or TV streaming box to a soundbar, amplifier/amp, stereo/Hi-Fi system, D/A converter, and more
- High-End: This metal-free fiber optic audio cable, featuring a fully flexible PVC jacket, is entirely immune to electrical interference. Each cable undergoes multi-stage testing during manufacturing to ensure maximum product quality and durability
- 24K gold-plated connectors: Corrosion resistant gold plating keeps connectors clean. And because these cables are fiber optic, they provide 100 % signal transmission with 0 % loss
- No risk: 36 months manufacturer warranty
- CUH-1200: Sony’s setup diagram shows a DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) port.
- PS4 Pro: Sony’s setup diagram shows a DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) port.
- CUH-2000, CUH-2100, and CUH-2200: Sony’s diagrams show no optical terminal; Sony explicitly confirms the CUH-2000 series lacks it.
If your console has no optical port, an optical cable cannot connect directly to it. Use HDMI audio or a compatible HDMI-based AV setup instead.
How to connect PS4 video and audio over HDMI
- Plug one end of an HDMI cable into HDMI OUT on the back of the PS4.
- Plug the other end into an HDMI input on your TV, monitor, or compatible AV device.
- Select that HDMI input on the receiving device.
This is the direct way to send both picture and sound from the console. Sony notes that PS4 may not output video and audio if an HDMI-connected device is not HDCP-compatible.
Rank #2
- 【Ultra-thin Design】The digital optical audio cable applys 0.08 inch (2.2mm) super slim and lighter cord for neater your space and easy to rearrangement.
- 【Professional Sound】The optical cable pefects for 3D surround sound, supporting PCM sound, 5.1 and 7.1 of Dolby and DTS sound. Let you enjoy the perfect music world.
- 【Excellent Quality】The digital audio optical cable enjoy24K gold-plated interface and premium pof-inner material fiber optic cable to promise the sound quality.
- 【Wide Compatibility】The digital optical cable meets the standard of Toslink S/PDIF optical audio signals, compatible with sound bar to a TV, a blue ray player to a home theater ect.
- 【Long Warranty】We provide up to 24 months warranty service and customer service. If you have any problems, please contact us in time, we will serve you wholeheartedly.
How to set up optical audio
Use this setup only if the console has a DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) port and the receiving device has an optical input. Optical carries sound only, so keep HDMI connected to the screen for video.
- Connect an optical cable from the PS4’s DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) port to the optical input on your receiver or sound system.
- On the PS4, open Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings > Primary Output Port.
- Select DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL).
- Choose output settings compatible with the receiving equipment. Sony warns that selecting an unsupported output can damage speakers.
Sony’s North American FAQ says PS4 can output 5.1 through DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL); its European FAQ says 5.1 or 7.1. These are region-specific statements, so channel support should not be treated as a universal claim for every setup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Extra-Long 10ft Cable for Flexible Setup】iVANKY 10ft optical audio cable provides just the right length to connect your devices comfortably - no more struggling with cables that are too short. Enjoy the same pristine, lossless audio quality while having the freedom to arrange your home theater, gaming system, or audio components exactly how you want
- 【Ultra-Clear Audio Quality with Japan Toray Original Fiber Core】iVANKY optical audio cable uses Japan Toray Original Fiber Core to deliver zero-distortion, lossless audio. This toslink cable is compatible with uncompressed PCM audio and compressed 5.1 to 7.1 surround sound systems, including Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD High Resolution, and LPCM. This digital optical audio cable ensures a wide dynamic range for an immersive listening experience
- 【Universal Device Compatibility】This optical cable for soundbar and home theaters connects seamlessly to a wide range of devices with standard Toslink (s/PDIF, Optical) ports, such as TVs, Soundbar, Speaker, Receiver, PS4, Xbox, Blu-Ray players, and more. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enhance their audio setup with a fiber optic cable that works flawlessly across multiple devices
- 【24K Gold-plated Connectors & Superior Durability】 Unlike conventional PVC jackets, iVANKY optical cable features a high-quality nylon braided jacket that withstands over 16,000 bends, making it highly durable and resistant to breakage. The aluminum shell and 24K gold-plated connectors prevent tarnishing and maintain conductivity over time, ensuring long-lasting performance
- 【Precision Design】The precisely designed cuboid connectors of this digital optical audio cable make installation easy and secure. The flexible and lightweight nylon material ensures hassle-free handling. Additionally, removable rubber caps protect the connectors from dust and oxidation when not in use. CL3-rated, this cable is also designed for in-wall installation, providing flexibility for your setup
Rank #4
- Optical digital audio cable: Perfect for equipment with a TOSLINK interface (OPT In / OPT Out or S/PDIF In / S/PDIF Out). TOSLINK connector to TOSLINK connector (F05 connector)
- Versatile: Ideal for transmitting crystal-clear digital audio from your TV, video game console (PS3/PS4/Xbox One), DVD/Blu-ray player, or TV streaming box to a soundbar, amplifier/amp, stereo/Hi-Fi system, D/A converter, and more
- High-End: This metal-free fiber optic audio cable, featuring a fully flexible PVC jacket, is entirely immune to electrical interference. Each cable undergoes multi-stage testing during manufacturing to ensure maximum product quality and durability
- 24K gold-plated connectors: Corrosion resistant gold plating keeps connectors clean. And because these cables are fiber optic, they provide 100 % signal transmission with 0 % loss
- No risk: 36 months manufacturer warranty
Rank #3
- Please REMOVE the end protective caps before using the cable.
- IN THE BOX: 6-foot digital optical audio Toslink cable.
- CLEAR AUDIO: Multi-channel, fiber-optic digital audio output; corrosion resistant gold-plated connectors and buffer tubing for optimal signal transfer.
- DURABLE: Lightweight, flexible cable with a rugged PVC exterior and removable rubber tips that protect the cable when not plugged in; remove before using.
- CONNECTS DEVICES: Quickly connects a sound bar, CD player, Blu-Ray player, game console, or other device to an audio system or TV.
Choosing the right connection for your equipment
- Your TV or monitor has HDMI: Connect the PS4’s HDMI OUT to that input for digital video and audio.
- Your receiver has HDMI: Use a compatible HDMI-based setup, especially if the PS4 has no optical port.
- Your receiver has optical input and your PS4 has DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL): Connect optical for sound and HDMI separately for video.
- Your PS4 lacks optical output: Do not buy an optical cable expecting to connect it directly to the console; choose an HDMI audio path.
- You want RCA analog output: PS4 does not provide native analog audio or video output, so a simple RCA cable is not a direct solution.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
