To set a TV’s optical audio output to PCM, open its sound or audio-output settings, find the digital audio format control, and choose PCM. This can restore sound when a connected soundbar or receiver cannot decode the format the TV is sending. The exact menu path depends on the TV model.
Before changing the setting
Connect the TV’s DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL) port to the optical input on the soundbar, receiver, or other audio system. Turn on the receiving device and select its optical input. PCM is the relevant choice when that device does not support the digital format the TV is sending; Sony specifically recommends PCM for an audio system that is incompatible with Dolby Digital or DTS (Sony Help Guide: Adjusting an audio system).
Find the digital audio setting and choose PCM
On the TV, look in Sound, Audio output, or Expert/Advanced settings for a control named Digital audio out, Digital Audio Output Format, Audio Format, or similar. Select PCM. Menu labels and paths vary by model and software, so treat these examples as model-specific rather than universal.
Sony menu examples
For models covered by the current Sony Help Guide, use Settings → Display & Sound → Audio output → Digital audio out → PCM. Sony support lists alternate routes on other models, including Display & sound → Audio output → Audio system settings → Digital audio output → PCM, Bravia Settings → Digital audio out → PCM, and Sound → Digital audio out → PCM (Sony support: My TV doesn’t output sound through the DIGITAL AUDIO (OPTICAL) OUT port).
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- 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
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Samsung menu examples
Samsung’s guidance for certain K-series and M-series-or-later TVs places optical output and audio-format options under Sound → Expert Settings. Depending on series, the format control may be labelled Audio Format or Digital Audio Output Format. These labels and paths apply to the series described in Samsung’s instructions, not every Samsung TV (Samsung Germany: Wie kann ich den TV Ton optisch bzw. per ARC an andere Geräte weitergeben?).
If the option is missing or disabled
Check whether the TV’s speaker or audio-output mode must first be set to the connected audio system. On models covered by one Sony guide, Digital audio output is available only when Speakers is set to Audio system (Sony Help Guide: Adjusting the sound quality). If the labels still do not match, use the support instructions for your exact TV model.
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If optical audio still does not work
PCM is only one possible fix. Check the connection and source as well as the format setting:
- Confirm that the soundbar or receiver is powered on and set to its optical input.
- Reseat the optical cable at both ends. If the cable may be faulty, try a replacement.
- Check that the TV is set to use the external audio system or optical output, where the model provides that selection.
- If the receiving device cannot decode Dolby Digital or DTS, set the TV’s digital audio output to PCM.
- Try another broadcast or source. Sony notes that, for the models covered by its support article, some content or inputs may not produce sound through the optical output.
- If the problem continues, check compatibility between the TV, source, and audio system, and check for TV software updates.
Sony’s troubleshooting guidance describes the applicable models and possible causes (Sony support: optical audio troubleshooting); its source/content caveat should not be assumed to apply to every TV.
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- 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
PCM, Auto, passthrough, or another format?
Choose based on what the TV can output, what the connected audio system can decode, and the format supplied by the selected content. PCM is the manufacturer-recommended option in Sony’s cited guidance when the audio system does not support Dolby Digital or DTS. The available material does not establish one universally best mode or the multichannel behavior of every TV’s optical connection, so do not assume that Auto or passthrough will work—or sound better—with every combination.
Also expect that volume may change when switching formats: Sony notes that PCM and compressed-source audio levels can differ on the models covered by its sound-quality guide (Sony Help Guide: Adjusting the sound quality).
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When the receiving device has no optical input
Check which inputs the soundbar or receiver supports. An optical-to-analog converter may be an option only if its signal direction and format compatibility match the TV output and the receiving device’s input. Sony lists an analog connection as an alternative in the unresolved optical-output case, but does not specifically recommend a converter. A cable is needed only if you do not already have a suitable optical cable or need to replace a faulty one.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
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.
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