To set a TV’s optical digital audio output to PCM, open its sound or audio-output settings, find a control such as Digital audio out or Audio Format, and select PCM. Then make sure the TV is sending sound to the connected audio system. PCM is especially useful when a soundbar or receiver cannot decode the Dolby Digital or DTS format the TV would otherwise send. Menu labels and available choices depend on the TV model.
Set the TV’s optical output to PCM
Connect the TV’s DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL) port to the optical input on the soundbar or receiver. Turn on the receiving device and select its optical input. On the TV, choose the external audio system or optical output if that selection is available, then change the digital audio format to PCM.
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Sony menu example
On the Sony models covered by its Help Guide, the route is Settings → Display & Sound → Audio output → Digital audio out → PCM. Sony recommends PCM when the connected audio system is not compatible with Dolby Digital or DTS. See Sony’s Adjusting an audio system guidance for the applicable model.
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Sony support documents several routes, depending on the TV’s menu version: Display & sound → Audio output → Audio system settings → Digital audio output → PCM; Display & Sound → Audio output → Digital audio out → PCM; Bravia Settings → Digital audio out → PCM; or Sound → Digital audio out → PCM. The Sony optical-output troubleshooting page identifies which steps apply to covered models.
#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
Samsung menu example
Samsung’s instructions for certain K-series and M-series-or-later TVs place the controls under Sound → Expert Settings. Depending on series, look for Audio Format or Digital Audio Output Format and choose PCM. These are series-specific examples, not a universal Samsung path. Samsung’s optical and ARC audio instructions describe the relevant labels.
Why choose PCM?
A TV and an audio system must agree on a format the receiving device can decode. If the soundbar or receiver cannot decode the Dolby Digital or DTS format being sent, PCM is a compatibility option recommended by Sony for the models covered by its guidance. Check the receiver’s supported formats and the options exposed by the TV; the best choice depends on both devices and the source content.
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.
PCM, Auto, passthrough, and compressed-format options do not behave identically across all TVs. Manufacturer guidance cited here does not establish one mode as best-sounding for every system or specify the multichannel capabilities of every TV over optical. Sony also notes that volume levels can differ between PCM and compressed sources, so you may need to readjust the volume after changing the setting; see its sound-quality guidance.
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If PCM is missing or disabled
Some TVs expose digital-output settings only after you select an external audio system as the speaker or output destination. On the Sony models addressed in its sound-quality guidance, the digital audio output control is available only when Speakers is set to Audio system. Look for a corresponding speaker or output selection on your TV, then return to the digital audio format setting.
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
Fix optical audio with no sound
Changing the format may not resolve every connection problem. Work through these checks:
- Check the receiving device. Confirm that the soundbar or receiver is powered on and set to its optical input.
- Check the cable. Reseat the optical cable at both ends. If it may be faulty, try a replacement TOSLINK cable.
- Check the TV output selection. Select the external audio system or optical output in the TV’s sound settings, where required.
- Try PCM for an incompatible format. If the receiving system cannot decode Dolby Digital or DTS, set the TV’s digital output to PCM.
- Test another source. Try a different broadcast or connected source. Sony notes that, on the products covered by its support article, some content or inputs may not produce sound through optical. This limitation should not be assumed for every TV.
- Check compatibility and software. Confirm the TV and audio system support the connection and formats you intend to use, and check for relevant TV software updates.
If the receiving system has no optical input, check its supported inputs before buying an adapter. Sony lists an analog connection as an alternative in the unresolved optical-output case; its guidance does not specifically endorse an optical-to-analog converter. Any converter would need to match the signal direction and format requirements of the devices.
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
- 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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