Does HDMI also need Optical Audio

I'm not sure if this is normal or not. I have an Apple TV connected via HDMI to a Sony HTSS360 home theatre system. The receiver for this is model STR-KS360.
The system works just fine but the rear (surround) speakers do not work. I also have an XBOX 360 connected to the Sony STR-KS360 again via HDMI and the surround speakers work fine with the XBOX.
I just connected an optical audio cable from Apple TV to the receiver and now the movies support the surround speakers.
1) Is it normal to have to add the optical audio cable for surround sound even if you are using HDMI?
2) If so, why would the XBOX support surround sound without the optical audio cable?

HDMI does indeed support surround sound. There may be an issue between the tv and your amp but at least you know how to resolve the problem.
It may be a personal thing but I prefer HDMI to go straight to the tv with optical audio only going through the amp. I have heard of many HDMI issues between all sorts of equipment including the tv.
Mmmm I need to type faster.
Message was edited by: Winston Churchill

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