Digital Surround Sound from Cox Contour box?

I have actually tried MULTIPLE configurations. Listed below. None of them seem to work. My latest inquiry with COX rep stated that consumers are not yet able to receive Dolby digital signal via the Cox Contour box, even though the SETTINGS in the box DO offer a Dolby 5.1 SS selection!. Considering their boxes 6 years ago (last time i had Cox) had the Dolby capability, its outrageous to think the newer technology does NOT offer that output...but instead teases you with that audio output selection in settings 😞

Configurations attempted:

Contour Box HDMI output to projector (video), and Optical output to Sony Receiver. Settings on Contour audio out - Optical>Expert Mode>Dolby Digital 5.1 = FAIL, stereo sound only

Contour Box HDMI output to Sony receiver bypass, then out to projector. Settings on Contour audio out - HDMI>Expert Mode>Dolby Digital 5.1 = FAIL, I get the video signal fine, but ZERO sound.

Contour box HDMI output to Xbox One input bypass, then out to projector, Optical cable from xbox one to Sony receiver. Settings on Contour audio out - Optical>Expert Mode>Dolby Digital 5.1= FAIL. Xbox games an content get Dolby 5.1 SS, but switching to TV only nets the Stereo output again.

Again, with the Cox rep stating that the actual reception of Dolby 5.1 is not available to customers, I tend to believe the blame is squarely on them yet.

COX....GET ME MY DOLBY!!!! :)