Apple TV Audio Output

Both optical and HDMI audio work concurrently.
From mmemory the analogue jacks are also live at the same time.

Standard audio get output as linear PCM via optical.

Suitably encoded movies can output DD 5.1 bitstream via optical.

AC

Hi-if I understand correctly you have HDMI going dirct to the TV and it is carrying picture and sound dirct to the TV. If you want a separate audio signal to be fed to your surround amplifier/receiver, use a toslink optical cable from the optiacal out on Apple TV to an optical in on your receiver. Then configure whatever input on the amp you use for Apple TV to select the relevant optical input. The easiest way is HDMI from apple TV to receiver then HDMI from receiver to TV. This is probably the default setting for the relevant input. The HDMI carries video and audio-stereo or Dolby Digital if present.

Richard.

more clear cable path yes
but toslink is like 1/4 the price of hdmi cables

If you have a digital audio out on your tv you can run the cable from there to your receiver.

In my setup, I've got an AppleTV, upconverting DVD player and HD cable receiver all feeding into my TV via HDMI. This sends audio and video to the TV. I also have a digital coax going from the digital audio out on the TV to my audio receiver so that whenever I switch inputs on the TV, the audio changes automatically on the receiver.

Question?
Is it possible to use express stations and with powered speakers with Apple TV to get music
in other rooms-more than 1?

you can use an express just fine but not from atv you still have to use itunes to get the music to the express

So can't you use an Express with ATV?
You still have to use your computer to use powered speakers?
Thanks