To send TV sound to an AV receiver over optical, connect the TV’s optical audio output to the receiver’s Optical In with a Toslink optical audio cable, select the receiver input assigned to that jack, and set the TV to send its audio to an external audio system. The optical cable carries audio only, so the HDMI or other video connections your sources and TV rely on stay where they are.
Check the ports and manuals first
Port labels and menu names differ between brands and models, so confirm both units before buying or unplugging anything.
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- TV: an optical audio output, usually labeled “Digital Audio Out (Optical)” or “Optical Audio Out.”
- Receiver: an Optical In jack. In Denon’s guidance, this jack is selected as “TV AUDIO,” but the input name and the jack it is assigned to vary by model, so check the input assignment in the receiver manual.
- Adapters: 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.
- Missing port: if either unit has no optical port, this connection cannot be made as described. Denon lists optical or digital coaxial as the alternative when ARC/eARC is unavailable or not in use, so a coaxial link is worth checking only if both units have a coaxial port. If the receiver lacks any suitable digital input, that is the point where replacing or adding equipment becomes necessary.
Connect and configure the optical link
- Remove any protective caps from the cable ends. Connect the Toslink cable to the TV’s optical audio output and to the receiver’s Optical In, pushing each end in until it seats.
- If your TV model requires one, attach the supplied digital audio adapter to the TV’s optical jack before connecting the cable.
- On the receiver, press the input selector or use the remote to choose TV AUDIO, or whichever input the manual assigns to the optical jack.
- On the TV, open the sound settings and choose the option for an external audio system or speakers. If the TV has a separate digital or optical audio output setting, turn it on. Menu names depend on the TV’s operating system and model.
- Play live TV or a streaming app, then adjust volume on the receiver to confirm sound is coming through the speakers connected to it.
If there is no sound or the sound is distorted
Check the basic settings
- The receiver is set to the input that matches the optical jack.
- Both cable ends are fully seated, and the cable has no visible damage.
- The TV is set to output to an external audio system, and its optical output is enabled.
- The receiver can decode the format the TV is sending.
- If the cable may be faulty, swap in a different standard Toslink cable. A premium cable is not required for this connection.
Set the TV’s digital audio output to PCM
If the receiver stays silent or the audio is distorted and the TV is sending a format the receiver cannot decode, look for a Digital Audio Out format setting and choose PCM. PCM is a compatibility step, not a universal fix: Sony’s menu examples differ by TV operating system and model, and not every TV offers the same options. Confirm the receiver’s supported formats in its manual before assuming a format change is the cause.
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Sony’s support material notes that a set-top box, DVR, or other source may also be connected to the receiver by optical, with its video routed separately to the TV. This layout changes which device handles switching and which input you select on the receiver. Whether it is better depends on your sources, the TV’s and receiver’s inputs, and how you want to switch between them.
#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
Optical compared with HDMI ARC/eARC
Optical is a reasonable audio-only route when both units have compatible optical ports and ARC/eARC is unavailable or not in use. HDMI ARC/eARC can offer more features, but only where both devices support it. The table below compares the two based on the manufacturer material; where that material does not address a point, the cell says so.
| Feature | Optical (Toslink) | HDMI ARC/eARC |
|---|---|---|
| Cable needed | Toslink optical audio cable from TV optical output to receiver Optical In | HDMI cable to an ARC/eARC port on both the TV and the receiver |
| Availability | Requires an optical port on both devices | Requires ARC/eARC support on both devices; Denon lists it as an option when supported |
| TV remote volume control | Not available with optical alone, according to Sony’s support article; on the Sony models it covers, the TV’s optical output is fixed, so volume is controlled on the receiver or audio system | Available where the TV and receiver support it, per Sony’s description of HDMI-dependent functions |
| Power interlock | Not available with optical alone, according to Sony’s support article | Available where the TV and receiver support it, per Sony’s description of HDMI-dependent functions |
| Dolby Digital Plus | Not stated in the manufacturer material | Sony directs users seeking Dolby Digital Plus playback to HDMI ARC/eARC when both devices support it |
| Dolby Atmos or passthrough | Not stated in the manufacturer material | Not stated in the manufacturer material for the cases reviewed here; confirm the TV, source, and receiver manuals |
What optical cannot be relied on to do
Do not assume optical carries every modern surround format. The Dolby Digital Plus guidance from Sony points to HDMI ARC/eARC, and optical support for that format and for Dolby Atmos is not established in the manufacturer material cited here. Before you choose optical for a particular format or feature, check the format list in the TV, source, and receiver manuals.
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 is the most visible limitation. On the Sony models covered by its support article, the optical output is fixed, so the TV’s volume buttons will not change the level you hear through the receiver. Use the receiver or audio system’s volume control instead. Do not extend this behavior to other TVs without checking their manuals.
The title’s setup works without any HDMI-linked control features, so if remote volume or power interlock matter to you, that is the case where HDMI ARC/eARC deserves a closer look, provided both devices support it.
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
- 【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 #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
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