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To send TV sound through an AV receiver over optical, connect the TV’s Digital Audio Out (Optical) port to the receiver’s Optical In with a Toslink cable, select the receiver input tied to that jack, and set the TV to output audio to an external audio system. The optical cable carries only audio, so the video connection your devices already use stays where it is.
Port names, menu labels, and supported formats differ between manufacturers and models, so confirm the details in both manuals before you start.
What you need before you connect
- A TV with a Digital Audio Out (Optical) port. Some manuals call it Optical Audio Out.
- An AV receiver with an Optical In port. On Denon receivers, the setup guidance refers to this as an optical input that you select from the remote or source selector.
- A standard Toslink optical digital audio cable.
- Both manuals, or the rear-panel labels, to confirm the exact port names.
If either device lacks the optical port, this exact connection is not possible without changing the signal path or adding compatible equipment. Denon’s guidance lists optical or digital coaxial as alternatives when ARC/eARC is unavailable or not in use, so check whether your receiver has a coaxial input before you buy anything.
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Step-by-step setup
- Check the rear panels. Confirm the TV has an optical audio output and the receiver has an optical input.
- Remove any protective caps from the cable ends, then connect the TV’s Optical Audio Out to the receiver’s Optical In. On certain Sony models, the TV’s optical jack requires a supplied digital audio adapter. Sony’s support article identifies this as a model-specific requirement, so check whether your TV needs one.
- Select the receiver input for the optical jack. On Denon receivers, choose “TV AUDIO” with the remote or source selector. Input names and the input-to-jack assignment can differ on other receivers.
- Set the TV’s sound output. In the TV’s sound settings, choose an external audio system or speakers. If the TV has a separate optical output enable setting, turn it on. Menu names vary by brand and operating system.
- Play a source and check the result. Sound should come from the receiver’s speakers. If it does not, go to the troubleshooting section below.
When there is no sound or the audio is distorted
Start with the simple checks. Sony’s guidance lists these as the usual causes and remedies:
#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
- The receiver is not set to the input tied to the optical jack.
- One or both cable ends are loose. Unplug and firmly reseat both.
- The TV is not set to output to an external audio system, or its optical output is disabled.
- The cable is faulty. Try a different optical cable.
- The receiver cannot decode the format the TV is sending.
Set the TV’s digital audio output to PCM
If the receiver is silent or the sound is distorted and the receiver cannot decode the TV’s current format, try changing the TV’s Digital Audio Out setting to PCM. PCM is a compatibility step, not a quality upgrade. Sony’s menu examples differ by TV operating system and model, so use them as a guide and confirm the options in your TV’s manual. Not every TV offers the same choices.
Source connected directly to the receiver
For a set-top box, DVR, or other source, Sony notes that the source can also connect to the receiver by optical while its video goes to the TV separately. This setup can make sense for some layouts, but whether it is better depends on your source, TV, and receiver inputs, and on how often you switch between them.
Rank #2
- 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.
Volume control with optical
On the Sony models covered by its support article, the optical output is fixed. That means you adjust volume on the receiver or audio system, not with the TV remote. Do not assume this applies to every TV. Check your TV’s manual to see whether its optical output is fixed or variable.
Optical compared with HDMI ARC/eARC
Optical is a practical option when both devices have compatible optical ports, including when ARC/eARC is not available. HDMI ARC or eARC is generally the more capable connection when both devices support it. The table below compares the points readers most often need.
Rank #3
- 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
| Consideration | Optical (Toslink) | HDMI ARC/eARC |
|---|---|---|
| Port needed on TV and receiver | Digital Audio Out (Optical) and Optical In | ARC or eARC on both devices, per Denon’s and Sony’s guidance; labels vary |
| TV remote volume control and power interlock | Not available with optical alone, according to Sony’s cited setup | Sony states these functions require HDMI |
| Fixed or variable TV output | On Sony models covered in its support article, output is fixed, so volume is controlled on the audio system | Not stated in the sources reviewed; check the TV manual |
| Dolby Digital Plus playback | Not recommended as a route; Sony directs users to HDMI | Sony directs users seeking Dolby Digital Plus to HDMI ARC/eARC when both devices support it |
| Dolby Atmos or passthrough | Not stated in the sources reviewed; confirm with both manuals | Not stated in the sources reviewed; confirm with both manuals |
Before choosing a connection, check four things: whether both devices have compatible ARC/eARC ports; whether the audio format you want is supported over the connection you are considering; whether you need TV remote volume or power control; and whether the optical link covers your source and listening needs. Exact capabilities depend on the model.
Format limits to check
Do not assume optical will carry every surround format. Sony specifically recommends HDMI ARC/eARC for Dolby Digital Plus playback when both devices support it. Before you rely on surround sound, Atmos, or passthrough, confirm what the TV, source, and receiver each support.
Rank #4
- 【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
Bottom line
Connect the TV’s Digital Audio Out (Optical) to the receiver’s Optical In with a Toslink cable, select the receiver input for that jack, and set the TV to an external audio system. If you hear nothing, check the input selection, reseat the cables, and try PCM if the receiver cannot decode the TV’s format. For features that depend on HDMI, such as TV remote volume control, or for surround formats like Dolby Digital Plus, use HDMI ARC/eARC when both devices support it.
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Does a more expensive optical cable improve the sound?
The setup instructions call for a standard Toslink optical digital audio cable, and nothing in the vendor guidance establishes a sound-quality difference between cables. If the link works, a basic cable is sufficient. Replace the cable only if it is damaged or the connection is unreliable.
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
Do I need an adapter for my TV’s optical jack?
Sony states that certain models require a supplied digital audio adapter for the TV’s optical jack. Check your TV’s manual or Sony’s support article for your model before connecting. Other brands are not covered by that statement.
Quick Recap
The Bottom Line
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