Apple TV running 5.0, optical out not working, no sound

Mine rolled to 5.1.1, which is where I had the problems when I did an over air upgrade/a few restores. What I read was that for some reason the full software upgrade to 5.1.1 was hanging even if the product fully restored. The others that I read were also with ATV3 as well, so give it a shot and see what happens.

Hopefully it works for you too!

Had the optical out problem with the 5.0 firmware.

After the firmware fix problems persisted.

I blamed the ATV, but it turned out the DAC was to blame.

With a new DAC the optical out gives perfect sound. I am a happy ATV user.

My guess is that the multitude of problems in this thread is caused by the complexity of the configuration in which the ATV functions. There are so many interdependent components, each with their own set of settings.

Glad you figured it out.

I would agree that there are probably many where it was just a settings issue. However, many have been working just fine until that last update (5.1.1). I think give the iTunes update a try to see if that takes care of the audio issue as that appears what the Apple stores are doing.

So I have done following steps:

1. Unplugged all cables

2. Hooked ATV to my Mac via micro USB

3. Plugged in power cord (ATV3 specific to be recognized by iTunes)

4. Mac recognized it

5. Push Restore button>Restore and update

6. Hooked it up to my TV to different HDMI, optical the same

7. Unplugged then plugged in power cord (was starting without reset)

Done the procedure twice

No result whatsoever....

I'm devastated....

So just read another post about ATV3...I know this might be a long shot but try to plug in USB first, then power cord, get the light flashing, then unplug power cord, and then run update that way. Someone stated that ATV3 should stay on once powered vs. leaving it plugged in. Others have also said that sometimes the cable can be an issue too??

I know with mine, I did not make any changes to the configuration, ran the update I mentioned and it worked. I have an ATV2 though and maybe there is something a little different aside from processor and output.

Sorry man and good luck!

Just switched cables and got it working!!!!! Finally. Can you imagine it was the cable... But why PS3 works fine though???

That's awesome! Who knows...they are digital cables and can sometimes play a role in this stuff. Bottom line is that you got it going and that is what counts 😉

Agreed!

I was using Luxmann toslink cable and to put in No Name one which is 10 years old... And it fixed the problem. I wonder what it anyway. PS3 seems to ork fine... I'll buy another one today and test it.

I have the same problem.

Tv has to be on to hear music.

You switch the cables and got it working?

You can hear music from apple tv with out having your tv turned on?

I haven't tried music yet. When I'll get home I'll check. You want to listen to music with TV turned off? Do you have separate receiver with toslink hooked to your ATV? do you turn your music from ATV or do you airplay it from other device?

Yes, I want to hear music through appletv to my samsung soundbar with out having to switch the tv on or at least the ability to turn off the tv after starting the music.

So my setup is this LG tv

Samsung soundbar Apple Tv

Synology Nas

Iphone and Ipad

I want to control music from Nas through appleTv and Toslink to Soundbar with tv Switch off

Right now it works only when Tv is on.

I turned the music on ATV then turned my TV off and it's all working good. I'm controlling my iTunes media through Remote App and it's all working fine. Try maybe restoring ATV through iTunes as said before. Hook it up to comp via micro usb, then restore in iTunes. Then set up as you wish. Give it try

I am using an older Monster optical and Rocket Fish HDMI and my ATV sends optical audio whether TV is on or off so I can listen through an HK receiver. Try the micro USB upate (put a few steps in one of my last posts on what to do) as it worked for me without the cable switch. I would try it before you switch all your cables.