If you’re wondering if you can enjoy Dolby Atmos by swapping out your Toslink cable, then this information is for you. In this regard, we have divided this information into two sections. Whether Dolby Atmos or Dolby Digital is received through Toslink cable or not, let’s know –
Does SPDIF Toslink support Dolby Atmos?
No, SPDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) or Toslink optical connections do not support Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos is an advanced audio format that incorporates object-based audio and three-dimensional sound positioning. It requires a higher bandwidth than what SPDIF/Toslink can provide. SPDIF/Toslink connections are limited to supporting up to 5.1 or 7.1 channel audio in compressed formats like Dolby Digital or DTS. To experience Dolby Atmos, you would need to use HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), as these connections have the necessary bandwidth to transmit the uncompressed audio data required for Dolby Atmos.
Does Optical Cable support Dolby Digital Plus?
Optical cables (Toslink) can support Dolby Digital Plus. Dolby Digital Plus is a compressed audio format that provides higher-quality sound compared to standard Dolby Digital. Optical cables have the necessary bandwidth to transmit Dolby Digital Plus signals, which typically include up to 7.1 channels of audio at higher bitrates. Many devices, such as Blu-ray players, DVD players, gaming consoles, and soundbars, support Dolby Digital Plus over optical connections. However, it’s important to note that optical cables do not support lossless audio formats like Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio, which require higher bandwidth and are typically transmitted over HDMI connections.
So if you are looking does an optical cable that supports Dolby digital plus then you can buy a Toslink cable but if you are looking best optical cable for Dolby Atmos, then it will not work. Only HDMI cables support Dolby Atmos, HDMI Arc supports Dolby Atmos.
You can find branded, low-cost Toslink cable here to support 5.1 audio channels.