No spdif / optical output APPLE TV

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Level 1

15 points

No spdif / optical output APPLE TV

I have the latest apple tv and is very annoyed by there is no optical output, this is because I don´t want to use a amplifer all the time. I like to watch regular shows with the sound from the tv speakers and when there is a movie I want to watch I like to use the home cinema function trough the receiver getting the best sound. Now this is not possible anymore with the new apple tv. I´m thinking about adapters that split the sound from the hdmi cable with the possibility to use the optical cable to the home cinema when I want to.

I don´t se any other solution then this when I want to see tv shows with the tv speakers on low so I don´t disturb others in the family.

Maybe something apple will bring back on next apple tv?

Apple TV HD, tvOS 16

Posted on Apr 5, 2024 6:53 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

bgmeek

Level 4

1,243 points

Apr 16, 2024 4:38 PM in response to MrLoL

I'm betting your TV has an optical output. With your ATV4K connected to your TV via HDMI, the TV should be able to direct audio received from the ATV4K to your receiver via S/PDIF (when you want to use the receiver ;-).

Because s/pdif optical puts limitations on audio streams relative to HDMI, you should go into ATV4K Settings > Video and Audio > [AUDIO] Audio Format > Change Format=ON; New Format = Dolby Digital 5.1. Your other choice here is Stereo, but 2-channel content/music should play through your TV to the receiver correctly with DD5.1 specified.

Also, if your TV settings allow for a "digital audio passthrough" while using your receiver, turning that on is a good idea.

Lastly, except where it's useful, what you're griping about is obsolete. I'm also an old codger... I think it's funny to yell at kids to get off my lawn (not really)! But I've always liked useful tech gadgets and obsolete connectors are just part of the landscape. Thing is, as in this case, there's almost always a way to make it work :-).

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Answer 2

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Apr 5, 2024 7:14 AM in response to MrLoL

Optical is older than prehistoric obsolete, it’s gone for good. Look for a new receiver with multiple HDMI ports and eArc support. Your TV will need replacing too if it’s pre-2015ish. Key words for new both: HDMI 2.x and eArc. Good luck!

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Answer 3

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Apr 16, 2024 11:37 AM in response to MrLoL

Forget the splitter - it’s just a Google search, poster has no actual Apple TV experience working it. Even if it does work, it might suddenly stop to in future. Apple can easily block it (as they often do because it’s not legit in their world).

Your only choice is to get on with the times and replace old with new, or get up and manual switch as you’re doing currently. Sorry!

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Answer 4

MrLoL Author

Level 1

15 points

Apr 16, 2024 12:35 PM in response to hcsitas

Well if i replace everything with “new ways” I will have to have everything ON with too much sound with subwoofer on 600 watt power making my home to a monster user waking the whole neighborhood just for watching spin the wheel or whatever around the clock. Very stupid future that is.

You can try keeping it down but the tremors are shaking the floor so much that it’s almost impossible to do so.

I’m curious, are you working for or with APPLE?

I will believe optical solution is for the better to make thing durable in the family household, not everyone wants be the jetsons.

Best way is to buy one more apple tv to have it separate, one for amplifier and one for the tv. Sounds crazy but THE FUTURE IS HERE 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻

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Answer 5

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Apr 16, 2024 12:52 PM in response to MrLoL

Vent here Feedback - Apple TV - Apple - this isn’t the place. Sorry!

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Answer 6

MrLoL Author

Level 1

15 points

Apr 16, 2024 4:23 AM in response to hcsitas

Amplifiers or newer televisions are not needed. You have misunderstood.

It's about the fact that I do NOT want to use an amplifier/home theater all the time. I want to be able to watch my TV series/regular TV with the speakers from the TV to be able to have a reduced and calm sound when my children are sleeping.

BUT

Now I have to choose between one or the other and not get both.

When I want to watch a movie or an action-packed TV series, I want to be able to turn on the amplifier and enjoy its sound to the fullest.

spdif/optical obsolete my ***. It's just about phasing out something that works because "someone" thinks it's better.

Instead of it being like it was before where everything is connected with an optical cable to the amplifier and hdmi to the TV, I have to choose to go back to the old way by having to manually go to the TV/amplifier every time I want to choose between TV speakers and amplifier by plugging out hdmi from amplifier and into television from apple tv and vice versa. It's about some outdated way of doing things.

Those who want to run with hdmi in/out on their amplifier can do so, but then the amplifier MUST be activated and work as an intermediary, which is not optimal when you want to hear sound from the speakers from the TV.

ARC is not even relevant in the context. I'm not looking to control the sound from the TV to the amplifier.

Now I have to consider buying a splitter because of apple's decision to stupidly stop a working good thing. Like this: Apple TV HDMI to spdif converter - Apple Community

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Answer 7

MrLoL Author

Level 1

15 points

Apr 16, 2024 2:03 PM in response to hcsitas

Haha good one. Thanks!

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No spdif / optical output APPLE TV

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