TV Optical Audio Out, often labeled as "Optical Out," "TOSLINK," or "Digital Audio Out (Optical)," is a specialized port found on many televisions and audio devices. Its primary purpose is to transmit high-quality digital audio signals from your TV to an external sound system, such as a soundbar or AV receiver.
How Optical Audio Out Works
This port uses a digital fiber optic cable (typically with square-shaped connectors). Instead of electrical impulses like HDMI or RCA cables, it transmits audio data as pulses of light. This light travels through a very thin glass or plastic fiber inside the cable.
- Digital Signal: It carries uncompressed stereo (PCM) audio or compressed multi-channel surround sound formats like Dolby Digital or DTS directly from the TV's digital output source.
- Pure Transmission: Being a light-based connection, it is completely immune to electrical interference (hum or buzz) that can sometimes affect electrical cables.
Why Use It?
The Optical Audio Out serves key functions:
- Connect to Better Sound: Transmit digital audio to an external speaker system significantly better than the TV's built-in speakers.
- Overcome HDMI ARC Limitations: While HDMI ARC/eARC is more advanced, Optical provides a reliable fallback if your TV or soundbar lacks ARC compatibility.
- Reduce Cable Clutter: A single, thin optical cable replaces multiple analog audio cables.
- Enable Surround Sound: Supports core digital surround sound formats from broadcast TV, streaming apps, DVDs, or Blu-rays.
What You Can Connect
Use the Optical Out port to connect your TV to devices like:
- Soundbars
- AV Receivers
- Home theater systems
- Digital audio converters (to connect to older analog amplifiers)
Important Considerations
- Video Transmission: Optical cables carry audio ONLY. Video must be handled separately (e.g., through the HDMI cable connecting your source to the TV).
- Format Support: Optical supports standard Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound but generally DOES NOT support newer, high-bandwidth lossless formats like Dolby Atmos (TrueHD), DTS:X (DTS-HD Master Audio), or uncompressed multi-channel PCM beyond stereo/2.0. HDMI ARC/eARC is required for these.
- Cable Handling: Fiber optic cables cannot be sharply bent or kinked; this will break the internal fiber and stop the signal. Avoid tight bends.
In summary, TV Optical Audio Out provides a straightforward, reliable way to send digital audio from your television to an external speaker system using light signals over a specialized fiber optic cable, primarily supporting stereo and core surround sound formats.
