What DTS 2.0 + Digital Out means on a TV and how it works

Updated: November 3, 2026

DTS 2.0 + Digital Out is a label used in TV specifications to indicate support for DTS audio. It means that the TV can decode DTS audio and play it through its built-in speakers. It can also output the DTS audio signal through a digital audio connection to an external soundbar or AV receiver.

When comparing TVs, you may find this label in the Audio section of the specifications. Its presence is important because not all TVs support DTS. If a TV does not support this audio format, a movie with a DTS soundtrack may play without sound. This article explains what DTS 2.0 + Digital Out means, how to check whether your TV supports DTS, and how to solve common DTS audio playback problems.

What does DTS 2.0 + Digital Out mean?

DTS 2.0 + Digital Out is a label that indicates support for DTS audio in a TV. It describes two functions:

1. DTS decoding for built-in speakers. The TV can decode DTS audio and play it through its own speakers. Since most TVs have a stereo speaker system, multichannel DTS audio is downmixed to two channels. Surround channels are combined rather than reproduced separately.
2. Digital audio output. The TV can pass a DTS audio signal to an external soundbar or AV receiver through a compatible digital audio connection. The external device decodes the signal and plays it through its speakers.

DTS 2.0 + Digital Out is a trademark of DTS, Inc. The 2.0 designation refers to stereo playback, not the number of audio channels the TV can receive or pass through.

How does the DTS signal travel through your TV?

Consider a Blu-ray player connected to a TV using HDMI. This connection carries both video and audio. When the TV receives a DTS soundtrack, it can handle the audio in two ways:

• Play it through its built-in speakers. The TV decodes the DTS soundtrack and converts multichannel audio into stereo for its speakers.
• Send it to an external audio system. The TV passes the DTS signal through a compatible digital audio output. A soundbar or AV receiver then decodes the signal and plays it through its speakers.

The digital connection can be optical (S/PDIF), coaxial, or HDMI ARC/eARC, depending on the TV and connected equipment. Not every TV supports DTS passthrough through every connection.

“Optical and standard HDMI ARC can transmit regular DTS 5.1 audio. HDMI eARC also supports higher-bandwidth formats such as DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS:X, provided that both the TV and the connected audio device support them.”

How to check whether your TV supports DTS

There are several ways to check DTS compatibility:

1. Read the TV specifications. Look for DTS in the Audio section. Check DTS-HD and DTS separately, because these are different audio formats. Support for basic DTS does not automatically mean support for all DTS versions.
2. Check the user manual. Find the supported audio formats for your exact TV model. For Samsung TVs, you can also consult our list of audio and video codecs supported by Samsung TVs.
3. Test a DTS audio source. Play a Blu-ray disc or video file with a known DTS soundtrack. If the picture appears but there is no sound, the TV or its current audio connection may not support that DTS format.
4. Check the digital audio output settings. If you connect an external soundbar or receiver, select Auto, Bitstream, or Pass-Through, if available. PCM may convert the DTS signal into stereo audio instead of passing the original multichannel stream. Also check the source device, such as a Blu-ray player, and select Bitstream or an equivalent unprocessed audio output setting.

Which TV brands have dropped DTS support?

DTS support varies by manufacturer, model, and year. Some manufacturers have removed DTS decoding and passthrough from entire generations of TVs.

• Samsung: Samsung states that DTS support is available only on TV models released before 2018. Newer models generally do not support DTS audio decoding.
• LG: LG removed DTS support from its 2020 TVs. The format returned on many 2023 and 2024 models, including support for DTS decoding and HDMI passthrough. However, LG dropped DTS support again in its 2025 TV lineup.
• Other brands: DTS support also varies among Philips and other TV manufacturers. Some models may lack DTS decoding and passthrough, even if they support other surround sound formats.

Always check the specifications and user manual for the exact TV model and year. A brand name alone does not guarantee DTS compatibility.