Why would I want/need an optical port on a TV set?

Question

Why would I want/need an optical port on a TV set?

Answer 1

To feed your Home Theater audio system.  

The standard for digital broadcasts is Dolby 5.1 surround sound.  If you want to hear all that nice audio in all it's glory, you will have to use something other than the little tiny speakers attached to the sides of the TV.

So, you can run an optical cable from the TV to a home theater receiver, the receiver will decode the Dolby surround sound and let you listen to it on your nice sounding speakers.  I do this all the time.  The music on Nashville Star sounded great last night!

I hope this helps.  Please return and select a Best Answer from all of those submitted.