The biggest difference is that HDMI can pass higher-resolution audio, including the formats found on Blu-ray: Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio. These formats cant get transmitted across optical. So if you want just a single cable between two devices, HDMI is your pick.

What is the advantage of optical audio?

A potential benefit of optical connections is that they wont be affected by electromagnetic interference. In theory, coaxial could be. Another consideration is that the sound quality may vary by device. Before you hear a digital audio signal it needs to be converted to analog audio.

Is optical audio better?

In terms of audio quality – HDMI wins If youre looking for the best audio quality, HDMI is your choice. While an optical cable can still pass surround sound and super high-quality audio, thanks to the added bandwidth in the latest HDMI versions (2.0) youll be able to pass higher resolution and audio.

Is HDMI or optical better for Dolby Atmos?

HDMI-only? Unless you are satisfied with your TVs internal speakers, HDMI is a requirement for Dolby Atmos. If youre using an optical cable to connect your TV to your soundbar or your AV receiver, these signals will be converted into a simpler surround format, like Dolby Digital 5.1, before they get transmitted.

Does optical cable affect sound quality?

So if youre getting a Dolby Digital signal, and its not cutting out, your optical cable is fine. If youre transmitting PCM, the audiophile answer is that different optical cables can cause different amounts of jitter. The reality is, the digital-to-analog converter in your gear has vastly more effect on the sound.

Can you get Dolby Atmos through optical?

Optical cables dont carry Atmos, however. Connecting a source like Blu-ray directly to the receiver/soundbar has another benefit: Doly Atmos, Dolby True HD and DTS Master Audio. If you have an older TV these higher-fidelity formats cant be sent over ARC. But they will be able to with eARC.

Is there a difference in quality of optical cables?

So if youre getting a Dolby Digital signal, and its not cutting out, your optical cable is fine. If youre transmitting PCM, the audiophile answer is that different optical cables can cause different amounts of jitter. The reality is, the digital-to-analog converter in your gear has vastly more effect on the sound.

Does HDMI cable affect sound quality?

An HDMI cable only transmits signals. It doesnt make the audio and video quality better than your TV or other devices capabilities.

Why is my Dolby Atmos not working?

Some of the most common reasons why Dolby Atmos might stop functioning on your device may include outdated or corrupt sound drivers, misconfigured sound settings, outdated Windows version, and more.