Phil Spencer Explains Why the Xbox Series X Doesn't Have an Optical Audio Port

Xbox head Phil Spencer reveals exactly why the Xbox Series X doesn't have an optical audio port.

[slavish0]

this sucks man but i plan to get a new headset when the system comes out anyway

[SyntheticForm]

Agreed.

I'm not thrilled with this though.

I've been using the same Turtle Beach XP500s since they came out in 2011 and saw no need to buy another headset.

Guess I won't mind a fresh headset.

[dumahim]

Optical out on TV?

[darthv72]

I use the optical link between my tv and audio system so all devices that link to the tv (regardless of their tv connection) all pipe their audio via optical to my sound system. So this decision for the SX really has no effect on me.

[Ausbo]

You might want to check with turtle beach first. Manufacturers have worked with Microsoft to keep those headsets compatible.

Astro have come out and said they are patching theirs, but I’m not sure of turtle beach

[fr0sty]

Sucks for those with older surround sound systems, and unfortunately many TVs reduce the stream they spit out of their optical jack to 2 channels, so you lose the 5.1/7.1 audio.

[AriesBear]

Just get the 14.99 Dolby Atmos app on Xbox store. You can use any headset with it and be blown away.

[Ausbo]

Most headsets will still be supported if not all of them. Astro has already came out and said it will patch them to work on USB

[gamer7804]

can't you just use the optical out on your tv? or get an HDMI to HDMI and optical out adapter?

[Imortus_san]

Hope they make a multi HDMI output adapter so I can route the Dolby Atmos to the amp.

[ChrisW]

I can understand using it for other things... But currently there are only about 20 or so games that use Dolby Atmos. It's not very practical unless it's a AAA game and the studio desires to dump money into that aspect of the experience, so why include it?

BTW, this is exactly what Phil Spencer alluded to.

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

Some Bluray players have dual HDMI ports, one for audio and one for video, the Xbox could always do something like that.

[Imortus_san]

They wont, because cost, but an external adapter would be great.

[1nsomniac]

So for all the people like me who have forked out for a new tv but still have an old expensive surround sound system that still works perfectly but doesn’t have HDMI 2 pass through. Can no longer choose to connect separately though optical. We have to buy a brand new surround system despite the old one still working fine.

I was actually considering going back to Xbox after hearing the specs of both next gens but this is a big pull to swollow. Maybe too big. With the PS5’s big pitch on its audio capabilities it better keep its optical port!

[RabbitFly]

if you have a fancy new tv then your tv should have pass through. It might only support passing through compressed 5.1 signals though. At least that is the issue I have.

[Software_Lover]

............ I feel so stupid. That is how mine is actually setup. I have an older 3D television and I am using the optical out port on the television to the sound system.

[--Onilink--]

and if its a fancy new LG OLED, it should have hdmi 2.1 so the TV itself can do the passthrough uncompressed, since last years models came with it

[Teflon02]

On my Toshiba 4k Fire TV I noticed the sound quality was sounding compressed using the optical.

But it sounds good using my Sony TV. Maybe it's Sony's sound tech fixing it. I'll have to see. But you're definitely right that optical on newer devices aren't as good. But still dumb not to have it

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

As long as I don't have the issues that Disney+ gives me, then again, Netflix and Prime work fine via this method. I want the Optical port mainly for my headphone amp, but I can live with just running it through USB if I have to, it just doesn't sound as good (it's a known issue with that headphone amp).

[Software_Lover]

PS4 removed the port on the slim. Both the Xbox One X and the PS4 pro have the port though. I understand their reasoning for removing it, but it still sucks.

[neoandrew]

Nah, you can use your perfectly working old sound system, u will just need to buy a hdmi splitter/extractor adapter with separate audio output port like spdif or others.
M$ is not the first nor the last company to get rid of a separate audio output ports, many companies do the same, those hdmi adapters are available for years now and they are not expensive.

[1nsomniac]

I think people are misunderstanding. Yes you can still have it passthrough audio through the HDMI but then its forcing your audio through the sound system with video as well and as its not HDMI 2 or above you're then going to lose your real 4k, HDR, Variable Refresh Rate as it's no longer compliant.

So at the moment I have to have the HDMI through my TV and surround sound separate through its own channel by optical port.

[ziggurcat]

Well, no... you run the HDMI directly from the console to the TV, then run the optical cable from the TV to the AVR for sound. You probably wouldn't need to run any HDMI from the TV to the AVR, so there'd be no video signal going through the sound system.

Why you would feel as though you need to do something that convoluted anyway since can find full 4K HDR AVRs with eARC that would support VRR for really cheap.

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

@Ziggurcat,

I always hate using eARC, it always seems to have issues, Optical is the way to go if you can't run HDMI from console to AVR to TV (I understand this will be undesirable with HDMI 2).

Netflix hates eARC on my TV, the audio always splutters and kicks up, I haven't tried any other streaming services since I switched to optical.

[rainslacker]

Chances are PS5 isn't going to have it either. PS4's stopped putting them in with the "slim" revision, and I don't believe the Pro has ever had it(may be wrong there).

[Good-Smurf]

Pro still have optical port.

[rainslacker]

Ok. Knew they removed it from the slim. Wasnt sure about the pro since I didnt need it.

[one2thr]

HDMI to Optical audio/Toslink adapters should hold you over until you decide to upgrade. Also from the looks of it, you would only have to upgrade your audio receiver as long as its not one of those all-in-one proprietary surround set ups.

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

I'm actually waiting on this year's AV receivers to come out, I want to upgrade to 11 channels, but I'm waiting to see if this year's lot will have the HDMI 2.1 spec (I don't plan to buy a PS5 on release year).

[one2thr]

Chances are its going to be either Marantz or Denon that release a HDMI 2.1 compliant reciever before anyone else, and with 11 channels, that price is going to be premium.

[one2thr]

Nevermind I just found out Denon currently has 9.2/11.2 [with the addition of a external 2 ch amplifier] HDMI 2.1 compliant AVR, for $1,090

Denon AVR-X3600H

[AriesBear]

I get what you're saying but part of gaming, a huge part, is audio and you're relying on old technology. If you can afford a new TV and a console, you can afford upgrading to a new soundbar with pass-through many have it. You can get an atmos Vizio sound setup for like 500 bucks. I mean seriously Nintendo started this when it launched the Wii U. Back then I get it but now we are two consoles gens past that so it's not a shock. But you're getting a huge upgrade when you do the pass through in sound. If you've ever heard the Wii U or switch run audio through HDMI with surround it's insane. Let alone Dolby Atmos. Xbox Dolby works with any headphones. You don't even need a surround setup. You can get a soundbar with that Atmos sound is outstanding in addition to headset

[xX-oldboy-Xx]

Surely if your buying a new console an optical port is not needed, HDMI is the way to go.

[monkey602]

Optical is still considered a standard and shouldn't be removed completely I reckon.

[Wikkid666]

Most good tvs have optical outs on them.

[TOTSUKO]

Optical is long overdue outdated. Everything funnels to HDMI now. Optical can't handle uncompressed/high bandwidth audio signals like Dolby Atmos.

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

@TOTSUKO,

But HDMI means a long chain of things have to be upgraded (both the TV and AVR), and both of those are expensive, so I don't blame people for being upset with the lack of optical.

[Hungryalpaca]

Go tell that to most sound systems. You go tell those sound systems they should just get HDMI. Go on. Go!

[dumahim]

I tried. I started out asking nicely, then a bit of begging and then screamed a little. No response.

[neoandrew]

Well if its needed then there are hdmi passthru adapters with separate audio output available.

[Vits]

This is one of those ports that I never personally used. However I do know that it's a extremely useful port for those with a older sound system. So it's a shame that is not included.

[solideagle]

isn't there a converted from old port to HDMI?

[NeoGamer232]

Not even for older systems. I have Sonos speakers throughout my whole home setup and the only way they connect to TVs through SPDIF ports. Fortunately, all my Sonos speakers connect through the TV and not directly to the XB. But, if I didn't have SPDIF on my TVs then I probably wouldn't be joining the next gen right away.

[maybelovehate]

I guess if the Xbox is the only thing you own. But the connection to Sonos should always be through your receiver or TV.

[NeoGamer232]

@maybelovehate
LOL. I have 21 consoles dating back to Coleco Telstar.

For the past four generations I bought all the big three consoles.

@cwhit122
I have 25 Sonos speakers throughout my home. I bought them about 6 years ago and they work really well so I don't have a need to replace them. They may not be the best today, but they have served me well and probably will for at least another 6 years. Yes they only work at 2.4 GHz Wifi, but that is fine with me, they don't seem to need more then that. My friends always compliment me on the sound and setup in my home.

[maybelovehate]

I know, you said yours was connected through your TV. I was just trying to say it would be very strange to have a SONOS setup for only an Xbox and nothing else haha

[rlow1]

Their doing it through USB 2.1 should handle audio with no problem. Also they said, that your existing gaming headsets will work.

[Hungryalpaca]

Ah yes. I can simply plug my optical Jack into the USB port. Genius! Thanks Microsoft!

[dumahim]

Just keep pressing harder and harder. It'll eventually snap in.

[rlow1]

Aren't you the smart one. Yes USB.... Astro and other companies are releasing a firmware update that will allow you to use USB cord on the amp and plug it into the USB port on the console......and since the port can handle 8k with Dolby Atoms, it won't be a problem. Hell one less cable to hookup..... But you would know this if you had read the article or listened to the podcast.... But of course that takes effort and clearly by your comment.......well it speaks volumes.........peace.

[Knushwood Butt]

Lol, 'snap' being the key word.

[hiawa23]

Most tvs now have pass through from audio inputs and hdmi so this should not be an issue. The industry seems to be moving away from optical.

[dumahim]

You can, but it also adds delay.

[Wikkid666]

There isn't a delay

[gamer7804]

yah a shame I just hope they fix the sound issues when using their wirleess protocol

[Software_Lover]

This sucks for me. I do not have a big expensive system with all of the HDMI passthrough but I do have a pretty good sound system that uses the old tech (optical).

[Fishy Fingers]

Couldn't you use the optical out on your TV?

[Toiletsteak]

Don't people just use the optical from the sound bar/surround sound device to TV?

[Good-Smurf]

Have you consider there are cheapskates like me who still use LCD sets released before 2010?

[Fishy Fingers]

Then I'd probably consider getting a TV capable of 4K before buying a 4K console.

[Ricegum]

Fishy

The console isn't "4K" 😂 It supports up to 4K resolutions. Would you say the same to the majority of PC gamers who game at 1080p 60fps+?

[Fishy Fingers]

You honestly think buying a XBSX or PS5 for a 2008 TV isn't a bit of a waste?

And yes, most PC gamers playing at 1080/60 because that's what their PC is capable of. You think the PC gamers that are buying RTX2080s are doing it for their 1080p monitor? Don't be silly.

[Ricegum]

Fishy

So why have we seen a large amount of games support the option of 4K/30fps or 1080p/60fps throught the entire gen?

And in regard to PC gamers a lot of them will be buying into RTX GPUs for the ray-tracing or high refresh rates, so yes, many are doing it for their 1080p monitor.

I'm going to assume you are predominantly an Xbox gamer, since a lot of you guys care about counting pixels rather than actually playing a solid game.

[Fishy Fingers]

"I'm going to assume you are predominantly an Xbox gamer, since a lot of you guys care about counting pixels rather than actually playing a solid game. "

Hahaha you're giving yourself away kid. You dont care about the optical port but just finding some negative angle. But to humour you, Im a PC gamer with a PS4.

[RazzerRedux]

“I’m going to use kind of weird terms, but the marginal cost of everything is important,” Spencer said to IGN. “So if you look at a part on a console that’s maybe one, or two dollars and you say, ‘okay, how big of a deal is that inside of a console?’ That’s a few hundred dollars. But then you say, ‘okay, we’re going to plan to sell, you know, 100 million of these consoles.’ So you take two bucks over 100 million now you’re $200 million over the life of the program.”

That is actually a really good explanation.

[hiawa23]

That explanation was perfect.

[Ron_Danger]

That’s a good explanation of how the richest company on earth is deciding what people want, not what people need. Now MS just needs to make a console that sells 100 million to match these numbers.

[RazzerRedux]

It is a good explanation how the majority of consumer electronics features are decided to be included or excluded. I doubt very seriously that the majority of people use optical audio ports.

[Sitdown]

Cause people need consoles.

[Chriscrinkle18]

He also said that they looked at the data of people using the port and it was a very low percentage. If a lot of people were using it it would have likely stayed in the system.

[aconnellan]

You mean like how Sony decided people don’t want BC on the PS4 when it launched because it would have been too expensive to include the tech?

You’re making a mountain out of a mole hill with that logic

[NotoriousWhiz]

Yeah. Why would they want to add 200 million in costs with a revenue of (gets calculator)... 50 billion.

[CBaoth]

"I doubt very seriously that the majority of people use optical audio ports."

I could say the same about console BC yet here we are acting like it's the biggest thing since sliced bread.

[Good-Smurf]

They shouldn't do this,too many people still have their old favorite surround systems and sound bars.
My LCD set was from 2008 and don't have ARC HDMI and so I have to use Optical.

[SLiSH83]

Doesn’t usb c work for audio ? Could they release a usb c to optic ?

[oof46]

Wow! Does this mean I can finally use a Mayflower ARC with the Xbox Series X?

[franwex]

I’m actually astonished as to how many of you actually use the optical audio port. In 20 years that I have seen it on consoles (ps2 I believe was 1st) I’ve never used it.

I’m not flexing, I was just surprised as to how important it is to some if you.

This is also coming from a guy that never uses headphones for their phone so didn’t see the big deal of Apple removing the jack a few years ago (didn’t even owned an iPhone then).

[monkey602]

I sell soundbars in work. I talk about Optical every day. It is still used a lot!
In fact many soundbars do not support HDMI ARC. Yes a lot of tvs do but many here only put consoles to their tvs and hook the soundbars to consoles to lessen delay issues

[TOTSUKO]

Im an owner of HDMI eARC equipment. It saves a lot of hassle and confusion. If optical died it would force people to upgrade and realize how much better it is. Its like saying we still want our micro USB cables/ports with our new USBC lol says no one ever but "no not the optical"

USB-C is actually almost right up there with HDMI in terms of compatibility. I expect more companies use that in equipment.

[Knushwood Butt]

I used to use optical on PS3 to connect some wireless surround headphones.

Don't use it at present.

[Veneno]

Same reason why there's no battery built in the controller and why you can't charge with the console: There's no good reason.

[Auron]

People who will never touch an xbox just cant seem to stop complaining about it..

[RazzerRedux]

And? Do I have to own a product to criticize its documented features or design? Can I not say what I don't like about an iPhone if I own a Samsung? And vice versa? This idea that you have to own something to comment on it is just silly.

Are you going to wag your finger in articles where people who will never buy a PS5 criticize it? Somehow I doubt it.

[Auron]

Where is the outrage at the ps4 slim not having opitical out?!
Oh yeah.... i forgot It's only ok for playstation to cut costs and not xbox.
Xbox had a 4k drive in the S and X revisions. The slim and pro revisions didnt and thats sonys tech! Wheres the outrage???! Oh yeah... thats right only Playstation can cut costs and xbox is just cheap bastards.... shame on microsoft!

[monkey602]

You might want to go back and check what people have been saying about that for a while now. The reality is it pissed off a lot of people!

[Edgelordsupreme]

Define "alot".

[monkey602]

Lot

Pronoun

a large number or amount; a great deal.

[Adidjapalmer]

That's a stupid decision... people with older setups are gonna have a harder time and that is not something you should cheap out on, audio is half the gaming experience. His explanation just sounds greedy to me.

[jznrpg]

That sucks . Not the worst thing but it’s nice to have

[mixelon]

I have a pretty nice Yamaha surround system that doesn’t have hdmi audio, sadly. :/

Guess I’ll be getting some sort of adaptor, definitely can’t live without surround now.

[AriesBear]

No need for one they are so outdated. The Wii U didn't even have one and it offered amazing surround sound through HDMI. Once you hear audio through HDMI, you cannot go back to optical. And Dolby Atmos is outstanding. Lots of sound bars and sound systems have HDMI arc. Optical is not needed and highly outdated.

[AriesBear]

Just FYI if you guys don't know you can buy the Dolby Atmos app for $14.99 on the Xbox store and it is compatible with all headsets. You don't need to buy an expensive setup. if you want to use the Atmos through surround, you'd have to get a soundbar or surround sound setup that supports it. And yes it's worth it. If you're a hardcore gamer and you have an expensive 4K TV, you can afford a sound bar.

[Knushwood Butt]

A bit off topic, but my living room TV no longer works and I'm looking for a 4K set to replace it.

I'm now seriously considering an LG B9 or C9, and I read the price should come down this month as the 2020 models are due to appear, but I've been monitoring the prices and they just went up!

Any advice?

[mkis007]

Without reading: optical out is low quality compared to modern hdmi solutions.

[Emeraldu]

because they suck. that's why there's no optical port

[lnfiniteLoop]

so its new headsets then for those that have Turtle Beach Optical out/USB headsets

[Wontime1]

I've never used optical out Jack.
To those that do, would you mind filling me in on what I'm missing out on, I'd appreciate it

[Yosemite]

It's not a big deal for me but everyone has a different opinion it might be for some people I don't plan on buying either console at launch.

[Master of Unlocking]

"Spencer also revealed that there were spatial considerations, meaning getting the actual component to fit in the console but also how many people use the optical audio port"

Bullcr@p. How much space does an optical audio socket take in a video game console, esp. as bulky as the Xbox Series X? It's a tiny socket that takes no place and costs very little, quit bullshitting around Microsoft.

Sony did that for their mid-gen SKU the PS4 Slim, which was part of the reason why I had to buy the PS4 Pro, because at least that model had one, and my audio receiver doesn't have HDMI sockets (it's kind of old), and I can't afford to buy a new receiver, much less if I have to factor in the purchase of a new-gen system to go along with it.

If Sony also do that, I'll probably have to pass on the new-gen systems altogether. That is, until I can afford one of those latest audio amplifiers which are fitted with HDMI sockets and are compatible with the latest sound formats, but like I said that won't be tomorrow, especially during these harsh times...

Oh well, their loss. If they're going to be so dingy, then fine by me...

[Hawk198666]

This is a big no no for me, i use a Turtle Beach DSS which i absolutely love! When i went to buy a PS4 i was gonna buy a slim but didn't because they didn't have an optical port so had to get a Pro. Was thinking of getting a one of these Xbox but not anymore. And if PS5 doesn't have one then that will be a no as well.