What is better HDMI audio or Optical audio?

Just wondering. If optical is better, will the optical port cancel out the HDMI Audio?

Michael Velasquez II wrote:
Just wondering.
In theory (given AppleTVs output formats) they should be identical if carrying the same digital audio stream to the same device eg surround amp/processor.
Dolby digital for suitably encoded rental movies will be acrried by both. Stereo get sent as linear PCM I believe (at least over optical).
So long as the device can handle th audio format there shouldn't be much difference where AppleTv is concerned.
If optical is better, will the optical port cancel out the HDMI Audio?
No - all audio outputs work simultaneously including the analogue ones - so I have HDMI to my TV which carries the digital audio that gets played back over the low quality TV speakers as stereo for run of the mill viewing eg kids programmes, but I have optical connected to my surround processor/amp for listening to music or surround movies.
AC

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    I work on behalf of HP
    Please click “Accept as Solution ” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
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