There is no passive HDMI-to-optical cable for converting digital HDMI audio to TOSLINK. Use an active HDMI audio extractor with HDMI input, HDMI pass-through output and optical output. Before connecting it, match the source’s audio setting to a format supported by the extractor and receiver; optical output does not automatically carry every audio format available over HDMI.
Choose an Active HDMI Audio Extractor
HDMI and optical TOSLINK are different interfaces, so the product must actively receive HDMI, separate the audio and send a supported signal through the optical output. Check for the correct direction: HDMI input from the source, HDMI output to the TV or monitor, and optical output to the receiver or soundbar. The extractor also needs its specified power input.
Select the Path Before Selecting the Box
| Situation | Preferred path | Key check |
|---|---|---|
| Source has HDMI; receiver has only optical | HDMI audio extractor | Accepted video modes and optical audio formats |
| TV already has optical output | Source → TV by HDMI; TV → receiver by optical | Whether the TV passes the source’s selected audio format |
| TV and soundbar support ARC/eARC | Use the labelled ARC/eARC HDMI ports | CEC, audio output and format settings |
| Need HDMI video without a display | Extractor behavior must be documented for that use | Handshake/EDID requirements |
If both devices support Audio Return Channel, start with the HDMI ARC no-sound guide before adding an extractor.
Match PCM, Bitstream and Receiver Capability
Read the extractor’s supported optical formats and compare them with the receiver manual. A safe diagnostic starting point is stereo PCM. If that works, test only the compressed surround formats explicitly supported by both ends. Do not infer support for a lossless or multichannel HDMI format from an “HDMI audio” label; the optical output can have a narrower capability.
Set Up One Link at a Time
- Connect the HDMI source directly to the display and confirm video and audio.
- Power down, place the extractor between the source and display, and connect its power supply.
- Connect optical out to the receiver and remove the protective caps from the optical cable.
- Select stereo PCM on the source for the first test.
- After stable operation, enable only modes supported by the entire source–extractor–receiver chain.
Fix No Sound Without Replacing Everything
- Confirm HDMI input/output direction and the selected receiver input.
- Look for the optical transmitter’s red light without staring into the connector.
- Return the source to stereo PCM and disable unsupported bitstream formats.
- Test the extractor with one source and one display, without switches or splitters.
- If video also fails, verify the extractor’s accepted resolution, refresh rate, HDR and HDCP behavior.
For the HDMI cable portion of the chain, use the HDMI cable selection guide rather than assuming the extractor changes the required cable category.