Optical audio connections have different format and bandwidth capabilities from HDMI/eARC. A soundbar working with stereo does not prove it can receive every multichannel format over optical. Check both device manuals and use a supported output format. Check the exact codec and channel count the TV can send through its optical output, not just what the soundbar can decode through another input. The optical link may require a supported simpler format even when the same equipment offers broader capabilities over HDMI.
Identify the path
TV-to-soundbar optical can have its own restrictions. Write down whether the source enters the TV first and whether the television is sending decoded stereo or an encoded supported surround format to the soundbar. Optical output from an internal TV application can behave differently from passthrough of an external input. Read the model-specific output table for both situations. A working optical connection proves that some sound can pass, but not that every codec available in the source can travel through that route.
Do not infer from branding
An Atmos-capable soundbar may need a different connection for that feature. An audio system may advertise a feature that depends on a specific input or carrier format. Inspect the actual transport requirements rather than assuming the same feature is available over every socket. The receiver's display can help identify what arrived, but distinguish input format from a virtual surround mode applied afterwards. If the desired format needs another supported connection, plan that route deliberately and confirm the TV's handling before replacing unrelated optical cables.
Use a compatibility test
Supported PCM stereo can narrow an unsupported format issue. Try documented stereo PCM as a low-complexity compatibility comparison, with volume reduced before switching. If sound returns, investigate the original codec and passthrough setting instead of treating the optical emitter or cable as universally broken. A damaged or disconnected optical link can still fail physically, so check ordinary connection guidance too. Keep the test focused: one source, one scene and one format change provide clearer evidence than changing wiring and several audio modes simultaneously.
A practical sequence
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An example to work through
An advanced audio track must be converted to a format the optical path can carry. Stereo works over the optical route, while a different encoded surround selection is silent. The next useful check is the output's supported formats and TV passthrough behavior, because the soundbar accepting that codec through HDMI does not establish that the TV can carry it through optical.
Questions about this topic
Does optical carry every lossless format?
No. Optical audio has format and channel constraints distinct from high-bandwidth HDMI audio paths.
Will a more expensive optical cable add codecs?
No. Cable reliability cannot add decoding or transport capability absent from the connected equipment.
