Looking for an android TV that supports optical audio out

by ProtoJazz

Right now my plex / Netflix setup is a pc with HDMI to the tv, optical to the surround sound system.

The tv has optical out for pass through audio, but only does stereo.

I'd rather not buy a new tv. But I'm looking to just get a an android tv than continue using this pc. It's big, loud, the plex interface keeps getting worse.

I've got a harmony remote, so Bluetooth or IR support would also be nice.

Does something like this exist? I'm honestly not too sure what to even look for. I've seen tv's with optical and toslink, or spdif, and 3.5 to whatever. I'm not really sure about all the details, I just want something that connects to my cheap Samsung home theater box with an optical cable.

[deleted]

The Xiaomi Mi Box S has a mini-optical (3.5 mm) audio port, and now that Android 9 Pie is coming, you will be able to select the S/PDIF option in audio settings to use it, check out this video at minute 1:01, you'll see the S/PDIF option.

The Ematic Jetstream also lets you select the S/PDIF option in its current Android TV 8 Oreo build.

The Channel Master Stream Plus , and the AirTV Player also have optical ports.

denverbrownguy

Old nvidia shield had it. Not sure about 2019 one.

MattSpew

Keep in mind optical can only do the old Dolby and DTS 5.1, none of the higher quality newer versions.

BiggussDikkuss

I'm a bit confused what is actually needed ?

I'm assuming you want 5.1 AC3/DD passed thru the TV then out via optical to the audio receiver ? ?

BIG hint - you need an media player that has a properly implemented Dolby Audio licence if you want to feed Netflix 5.1 AC3/DD audio from ... Media Player > TV > Optical > Samsung audio receiver.

The only 3 Media players that can do that are also properly Dolby Audio Licensed are - 2019 Shield's, Amazon Fire TV's and the Apple TV HD/4K.

The key here, especially for 5.1 Netflix is a Dolby Audio licence, plus having audio options implemented properly in device Firmware.

All of them can remix ALL audio into 5.1 DD

denverbrownguy

Doh. You are right. I had it hooked up to my tv not the Shield. Sorry for confusion.