The Optical Out port, also known as the S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format), is a type of audio output port that allows you to connect your PC to an external audio device. It uses an optical cable to transmit a digital audio signal, which provides better sound quality than traditional analog cables.

If your PC has an Optical Out port but you’re not sure how to use it, this guide will walk you through the process.

Step 1: Check Your PC’s Optical Out Port

The first step is to make sure your PC has an Optical Out port. The Optical Out port looks like a square-shaped jack with a red light inside. You can find this port on the back of your desktop computer or on the side of your laptop.

Step 2: Check Your External Audio Device

Before you connect your PC to an external audio device, make sure the device has an Optical In port. This port looks the same as the Optical Out port, but it is labeled as “Optical In” or “Digital In.”

Step 3: Get an Optical Cable

An Optical cable, also called a Toslink cable, is required to connect your PC to an external audio device. These cables are available at most electronics stores and online retailers. Make sure you get a cable that is long enough for your needs – it’s better to have a cable that’s too long than one that’s too short.

Step 4: Connect the Optical Cable

Connect one end of the Optical cable to the Optical Out port on your PC and the other end to the Optical In port on your external audio device.

Step 5: Adjust Your Audio Settings

Once you have connected the Optical cable, you need to adjust your audio settings on your PC. To do this, right-click on the speaker icon in the taskbar and select “Playback Devices.” In the window that opens, select the device that you just connected (it should be labeled as “Digital Audio (S/PDIF)” or something similar). Click on the “Set Default” button to make this device the default audio output device for your PC.

Step 6: Test Your Audio

Once you have set up your audio settings, test your audio to make sure it’s working properly. You can do this by playing a song or video and listening for sound through your external audio device.

Conclusion

Using the Optical Out port on your PC is an easy way to get high-quality audio from your PC to an external audio device. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy better sound quality when watching movies, listening to music, or playing games.