HR 20 S - Did my optical audio out Fail?

Yeah, it sounds like the optical port/it's accompanying circuits have somehow malfunctioned. The red light is usually on regardless of any receiver settings (dolby or otherwise).
Time for a new receiver if optical matters much to you.

 

Well.. it is a technical function of that and every other comparable receiver. So yes, that would likely be a reason for them to replace it. There are a couple of ways to go about that. They can send you a replacement, and have you hook it up and call to activate it. Or send a technician out to replace the receiver and double check to make sure that nothing else in the system is causing any issues (unlikely). Do you have the Directv Protection Plan?

 

I believe that's the first post of that nature that I've ever seen. And one problem that I've never had.

Rich

 

check to make sure the door on the port is still in place

 

I thought my optical port on an HR was dead. Turned out to be the cable. They are so tiny a minor kink destroys the optical link. Before changing out the HR, try another cable if you can.