Several types of fiber can be used for TOSLINK: inexpensive 1 mm plastic optical fiber, higher-quality multistrand plastic optical fibers, or quartz glass optical fibers, depending on the desired bandwidth and application. TOSLINK cables are usually limited to 5 meters in length, with a technical maximum [1] of 10 meters, for reliable transmission without the use of a signal booster or a repeater. However, it is very common for interfaces on newer consumer electronics (satellite receivers and PCs with optical outputs) to easily run over 30 meters on even low-cost (0.82 USD/m 2009) TOSLINK cables. TOSLINK transmitters operate at a nominal optical wavelength of 650 nm. Higher-quality audio, including Blu-ray codecs like Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master Audio, can be sent via HDMI cables. Nevertheless, optical audio cables do not have this feature.

Coaxial vs optical vs HDMI: which is the best audio

The included rubber cable is rather flexible and easy to use, however it is not the longest-lasting one. And this is a reflection of the reasonable amount EMK charges for it. Nonetheless, given how much it costs, the fact that this optical has a three-year warranty is unquestionably a blessing.High-Definition Multimedia Interface or HDMI is a propriety A/V interface and connection standard. It’s the de facto standard for the transmission of uncompressed video data and uncompressed/compressed digital audio feeds from a source media device that’s HDMI-compliant. These devices could be any range of appliances, such as a digital audio device, AV receiver, digital television, HDTV, video projector, compatible computer monitors in lieu of VGA connections, and so forth. Although TOSLINK supports several different media formats and physical standards, digital audio connections using the rectangular EIAJ/ JEITA RC-5720 (also CP-1201 and JIS C5974-1993 F05) connector are by far the most common. [5] The optical signal is a red light with a peak wavelength of 650 nm. [3] Depending on the type of modulated signal being carried, other optical wavelengths may be present. [5] History [ edit ] TOSLINK connector (JIS F05) While you shouldn't be using excessive force to insert your optical cable, don't be surprised if the cable requires a bit more force than you would expect. Coax SPDIF is usually AC-coupled with a cap or transformer-coupled. This adds a high-pass on top of the natural low-pass nature of any transmission medium. The result is a bandpass filter. If the pass band isn't large enough, this means past signal values will influence current values. See fig.5 in this article. Or here:

Toslink Cable vs Optical Cable - Big Cat Cables Toslink Cable vs Optical Cable - Big Cat Cables

Father of Optical Audio Connection: The true debate here isn’t SPDIF vs. TOSLINK. Rather, it’s a debate between SPDIF RCA vs. SPDIF coaxial vs. SPDIF TOSLINK since TOSLINK is a subset of what’s probably the Father of Optical Audio Connection developed in tandem by both Sony and Philips. Up until now, even with the dawn of HDMI cables being used for HD audio connections, it’s still a viable high-end audio format most AV receivers depend on. A number of encodings are available over IEC 61937, including Dolby AC-3/ E-AC-3, Dolby TrueHD, MP3, AAC, ATRAC, DTS, and WMA Pro. [11] [12] Limitations [ edit ] Let's look at three common situations where it is beneficial to use TOSLINK over HDMI. Keeping Older Audio Gear In Service If better to use the receiver; I have an optical cable already. I take it from your opinion that there shouldn't really be anything in it between that and a similar quality coaxial cable? (makes sense to me).What SPDIF Brings to the Table: The data link layer protocol known as Sony/Philips Digital Interface is a set of physical layer specifications made to carry digital audio signals between two devices or intermediary components like the AV receiver over an electrical or optical cable. Its SPDIF name actually stands for Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format but it got another moniker that fits the acronym of Sony/Philips Digital Interface. The primary designers of the standard were (obviously) Sony and Philips, with its support to standardize IEC 60958 and IEC 60958 Type II (the ICE 958 before 1998). The digital optical connection transmits digital audio signals in Dolby Digital format. Dolby Digital decoders have been designed to shut off if they do not receive perfect signals.

TOSlink Cables | RS - RS Components Optical Audio Cables | TOSlink Cables | RS - RS Components

Remember, TOSLINK has been on the market since 1983: there is good chance that a premium audio/video receiver manufactured anytime in the few decades has a TOSLINK port. Connecting a Soundbar to Your TV In addition to the long run as a tech writer and editor, Jason spent over a decade as a college instructor doing his best to teach a generation of English students that there's more to success than putting your pants on one leg at a time and writing five-paragraph essays. While his days of steering students toward greatness are behind him, his lifelong desire to delight, entertain, and inform lives on in his work at How-To Geek. Let’s now discuss the nitty-gritty of this article, which is how HDMI connections for audio use compare to the S/PDIF audio linkage standard. When hooking up your audio system for your computer, HDTV, cable/satellite box, DVD/Blu-ray Disc player, and so forth, you usually use an optical digital-audio connection or an HDMI cable since that can carry sound just fine on its own. INTERFERENCE FREE TOSLINK CABLE] No more Interference! Constructed from a high-quality fiber that completely eliminates RF, EM, and group loop... Please note that this cross reference is based on TOSHIBA's estimate of compatibility with other manufacturers' products, based on other manufacturers' published data, at the time the data was collected.

Also, coaxial doesn't have the bandwidth required to support high-quality surround sound formats such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. So, in a modern home cinema setting, its uses are quite limited.

TOSLink Optical Cables - Digital Audio Cables | TVCables TOSLink Optical Cables - Digital Audio Cables | TVCables

The German-based cable company called KabelDirekt has been delivering many top-notch products to US citizens over the years. Although they specialize in HDMI cables, their optical category is also quite rich and reliable. This cord can be used to establish connections with a multitude of systems. From your cozy home theater receivers to online streaming game channels to satellites – the KabelDirect optical audio cable can work with any system. Every time, it claims to produce crystal clear sounds on the other end. The majority of devices you link together with optical audio cables will automatically handle any adjustments to the audio format without any input. But if you're curious what formats are supported, here's a breakdown.Your device supports Toslink or optical connections if you find the distinct “optical audio”, “digital audio out” or “Toslink port.” At QED we have identified jitter or distortions caused by errors in the light transmission as a major factor in the deterioration of the audio signal. By incorporating precision cladding techniques jitter is reduced enabling a cleaner signal with better dynamics and a wider sound stage. Starting with AudioQuest Carbon coaxial and AudioQuest Vodka Toslink digital cables, the difference was primarily in clarity. That is, the sound was less transparent and softer with the Toslink cable, and soundstage depth was reduced compared with that of the coaxial cable. The differences in sound quality between AudioQuest Toslink and coaxial cables running between the Oppo player and Arcam DAC were larger than I expected. In addition to our overview above, people often have specific questions about optical audio cables and connections. Here are some of the common ones. Are TOSLINK, Optical Audio, and Digital Audio All The Same?