If you own a Xiaomi TV (Mi TV 4/5, Mi TV Q1/Q2, Redmi Smart TV, etc.), you’ve probably encountered the term PCM in your audio settings. This option appears in the Digital Output or HDMI ARC menu, but not everyone understands what it is responsible for and how to set it up correctly. Meanwhile, incorrect PCM settings can lead to no audio through external devices, distortions or limited audio quality.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what the digital PCM output in a Xiaomi TV is, how it differs from other formats (for example, Dolby Digital or DTS), when to use it and when to turn it off. You will also find step-by-step instructions for setting up different scenarios: connecting a soundbar, receiver, headphones or soundbar via HDMI ARC, SPDIF or Bluetooth. At the end of the article, answers to frequent questions and solutions to typical problems.
What is a PCM on a Xiaomi TV: A Simple Explanation
PCM (Pulse-Code Modulation) is an uncompressed digital audio format that converts analog audio into a digital signal without loss of quality. In the context of Xiaomi TVs, PCM means that sound is transmitted to an external device (sound panel, receiver, headphones) in a raw form, without encoding into formats like Dolby Digital or DTS.
The main features of PCM:
- 🔹 No compression: sound is transmitted in its original quality, without loss (if the source supports high resolution, for example, the sound is transmitted in a high-resolution format, 24-bit/192kHz).
- 🔹 Universal Compatibility: Works with any device, even if it doesn’t support Dolby or DTS.
- 🔹 Channel restriction: usually only 2.0 (stereo) or 5.1 (if the TV supports multichannel) PCM).
- 🔹 Low latency: suitable for games and movies where synchronization of sound and video is important.
In Xiaomi TVs, the PCM Digital Output setting appears in the audio menu when you connect the device via HDMI ARC, SPDIF (Optical Output) or Bluetooth. The option allows you to choose which format the sound will be transmitted to external acoustics.
PCM vs Dolby Digital vs DTS: What to Choose from Xiaomi TV
In Xiaomi's audio settings, you'll often see several digital output options. Here's a comparative format table:
| Format | Quality. | Channels | Compatibility | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCM | Original (without compression) | 2.0 or 5.1* | Any device. | If the external acoustics do not support Dolby/DTS or if you need minimal latency |
| Dolby Digital | Compressed (up to 640 kbit/s) | 5.1 | Devices with Dolby support | For movies with surround sound (if TV and receiver support) |
| DTS | Compressed (up to 1.5 Mbps) | 5.1/7.1 | Devices with DTS support | High quality film (if supported) |
| Auto (Passthrough) | Depends on the source. | 2.0–7.1 | Devices with support for all formats | If external acoustics can decode all formats |
* Multi-channel PCM (5.1) is not supported on all Xiaomi models (for example, there is a Mi TV Q2 75), but is not available in the Redmi Smart TV X50.
⚠️ Note: If in the settings Xiaomi TV Auto (Passthrough) selected, but the external device does not support Dolby/DTS, The sound may be lost or distorted, in which case you must force the PCM.
Example: if you plugged in a cheap audio bar through an HDMI ARC that can't decode Dolby Digital, the TV will send out a signal in that format and the panel will be silent. Solution: manually set the PCM in the audio settings.
Where is the PCM setup in Xiaomi TV?
The path to PCM digital output settings depends on the Xiaomi TV model and the MIUI TV firmware version.
- 📺 Mi TV 4/5, Mi TV Q1/Q2, Mi TV ES: Settings → Sound. → Digital exit (HDMI/SPDIF) → PCM
- 📺 Redmi Smart TV X50/X55/X65: Settings → The device → Sound. → Digital output format → PCM
- 📺 Mi TV P1, Mi TV 6 OLED: Settings → All settings → Sound and image → Digital audio output → PCM
On some models (e.g. Mi TV A Pro), the option may be hidden deeper in the menu. If you can't find the Digital Exit option, check:
- Whether the external device is connected via HDMI ARC or SPDIF (only when you are connected actively).
- Is the firmware updated (the menu may differ in older versions of MIUI TV).
- Is HDMI-CEC mode activated (in some cases affects the availability of audio settings)
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If the menu does not have a PCM option, try restarting the TV or resetting the sound settings to factory settings (Settings → System → Resetting → Sound Reset).
How to Set up PCM for Different Connection Scenarios
Let’s look at the typical situations where you need to set up PCM on Xiaomi TV:
1. Connect a sound bar or soundbar via HDMI ARC
If your panel does not support Dolby Digital, but you have HDMI ARC:
Connect the panel to the HDMI ARC port on TV| Turn on HDMI-CEC in the TV settings (Settings → System → HDMI-CEC)|Select PCM in Settings → Sound → Digital output |Check the sound in the panel menu (select HDMI ARC input)
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Optical output (SPDIF) for receiver or amplifier
Many receivers accept PCM 2.0 via SPDIF, but not all support Dolby.
- 🔌 Connect the optical cable to the port SPDIF OUT TV.
- 🎛 In the sound settings, select PCM (If the receiver does not support other formats).
- 🔊 On the receiver, select the Optical or Digital Coax input.
3. Wireless headphones or Bluetooth speakers
When connected via Bluetooth, the TV automatically uses PCM (because wireless protocols do not support Dolby/DTS without an additional codec, such as aptX).
Settings → Bluetooth and devices → [Your headphones] → Sound quality → High (PCM)Why is Bluetooth sound worse than cable?
4. Game consoles (PS5, Xbox) and PCM
If you connect a PS5 or Xbox Series X to a Xiaomi TV and then transmit the sound to a receiver, it is recommended that:
- 🎮 On the console, set the sound output in PCM (audio-setting).
- 📺 On the TV, also select PCM digitally.
- 🔊 This will reduce the latency of sound (important for shooters).
Typical PCM Problems on Xiaomi TV and Their Solutions
Even after you set up your PCM properly, you can have problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No sound through HDMI ARC | Incorrect output format or HDMI-CEC disabled | Set PCM in audio settings and enable HDMI-CEC |
| The sound is interrupted or distorted | Poor quality of optical cable or interference | Replace the cable with a certified one (e.g. Optical Toslink 24K Gold) |
| Sound delay (not synchronized with video) | Format conflict or buffering | Select PCM over Auto and disable TV audio processing |
| Only 2 channels instead of 5.1. | The TV does not support multi-channel PCM. | Use Dolby Digital (if the external device supports) |
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) TV 4A) choice PCM through SPDIF The sound can only be transmitted to 2.0, even if the source is 5.1. This is a hardware limitation, and it can only be fixed by an external decoder.
If after all the manipulations the sound did not appear, try:
- Reboot the TV (disconnect from the network for 30 seconds).
- Reset the sound settings (Settings → System → Resetting → Sound reset).
- Update the firmware (Settings → About TV → System Update).
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If the external device supports multiple formats, try Auto (Passthrough) first. If there is no sound, force PCM installation.
How to check if PCM works on your Xiaomi TV
To make sure that the sound is actually transmitted in PCM format, follow the following steps:
- Connect an external device (such as a sound bar) via HDMI ARC or SPDIF.
- On the TV, turn on the playback of the test sound: Settings → Sound → Test speakers
- On an external device, check the format indication. For example: On the sound panels of Xiaomi or Redmi, the PCM or STEREO icon is on the PCM. On the Denon/Yamaha receivers, PCM 2.0 or Multi Ch PCM is displayed.
HDMI ARC
Optical
You can also use YouTube test videos with 5.1 or 7.1 audio tests. If you select a PCM, the sound comes only from front speakers, then your TV does not support multichannel PCM.