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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →No: you should not expect Dolby Atmos over a VIZIO TV’s digital optical connection. In the guide for VIZIO’s SB36512-F6 soundbar, the company says Atmos is supported over HDMI ARC and HDMI In, but not Optical. The exact answer depends on your TV and soundbar models, so check both manuals before changing connections.
Why optical does not carry Atmos on the cited VIZIO setup
VIZIO’s SB36512-F6 Quick Start Guide distinguishes the audio formats by input: Dolby Audio and DTS are listed for HDMI ARC, HDMI In, and Digital Optical Audio In, while Dolby Atmos is available through HDMI ARC and HDMI In when detected. The guide explicitly says: “SmartCast, Bluetooth, USB, Aux, Optical and Digital Coax inputs do not support Dolby Atmos.” That statement applies to the SB36512-F6, not automatically to every VIZIO soundbar or TV.
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Optical may still carry supported surround or stereo formats, depending on the connected devices and their settings. A display that says Dolby Audio, DTS, or a virtual surround mode does not by itself mean the system is receiving Dolby Atmos.
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For apps built into the TV
When the TV is playing the content, connect its HDMI ARC or eARC port to the soundbar’s matching HDMI port, if both devices support the required connection and format. On the SB36512-F6 setup, VIZIO instructs users to enable CEC and ARC and set the TV’s digital audio output to Dolby Digital or Bitstream. TV menu names and available options vary by model; use the manuals for your specific devices.
#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
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- No risk: 36 months manufacturer warranty
For a streaming box, console, or UHD Blu-ray player
Check whether the soundbar has an HDMI input that supports Atmos from your source. VIZIO’s SB36512-F6 guide recommends connecting certain Atmos sources, including a UHD Blu-ray player or console, directly to HDMI In. It describes Atmos–TrueHD as typical for this route. Before using it, confirm that the soundbar can pass the source’s video through to the TV at the resolution and features you need.
Check the whole signal path
- Look up the exact TV, soundbar, and source-device model numbers.
- Confirm Atmos support for the specific input and connection path; a product’s general Atmos feature listing is not proof that every input supports it.
- For TV apps, verify the TV’s HDMI ARC/eARC output and the soundbar’s matching input.
- For an external source, verify the soundbar’s HDMI input and video pass-through support, or follow the device makers’ connection guidance.
If you have to use optical
Use optical only for formats supported by both devices through that connection, and do not expect it to deliver Atmos on the SB36512-F6. If optical produces no sound, consult the manual for your exact soundbar and TV. For the P514a-H6, VIZIO’s user manual suggests trying PCM and warns that some TVs do not pass digital audio through. That is troubleshooting for audio over optical, not a way to enable Atmos on that input.
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.
How to verify what the soundbar receives
VIZIO’s SB36512-F6 guide describes checking System Information in the VIZIO app or using the soundbar’s Info function or format indicator. Those steps are specific to that model; check your own soundbar manual for its format display. A sound effect or generic “surround” label is not a reliable substitute for confirmation of the received format.
Check compatibility before choosing a soundbar
Compare the actual connections and supported formats on both devices, rather than relying only on the word “Atmos” in a product description. For example, VIZIO’s SV510M-0806 product page lists Dolby Atmos and HDMI eARC, and says an eARC cable is included; it lists no optical input. That model is an option only if its connections suit your TV and sources. VIZIO’s M512E-K6 model information page is another place to check model-specific details.
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
Ports also vary among TVs. VIZIO’s 2022 V-Series TV manual, for instance, lists HDMI eARC and digital optical audio outputs for that series. It is not a specification for every VIZIO TV, so verify the ports and audio settings listed for your own model.
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
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
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