Coaxial Vs. Optical Audio Cables
Surround-sound stereo systems can enhance any home theater, adding an immersive audio quality to the sharp digital video provided by DVD/Blu-Ray players and other audio/video components. To transmit this multi-channel digital audio between devices, the user needs either coaxial or optical audio cables.
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Coaxial
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Coaxial audio cables use single-prong connectors that resemble standard RCA audio/video cables. The cables are composed of insulated copper wire and transmit the audio signals electrically.
Digital Optical
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Digital optical cables are also known as TOSLINK cables, as they were originally developed by Toshiba. These are fiber-optic cables that use a red beam to transmit the digital audio data, and are also single-pronged, with a square-shaped plug angling in at the bottom.
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Difference
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Although both types of cable have the capability to provide high-quality digital audio, coaxial cables still technically use an analog means of transmission, while optical cables relay the data digitally. However, there will generally be no noticeable difference in audio quality between the two.
Coaxial Advantages
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Coaxial cables are stronger and more durable than the fiber-optic optical cables, and less likely to be damaged when bent, which can factor in when space is limited, especially around the connection points. Coaxial cables are also easier to connect, as the round plug does not need to be lined up in any particular manner to fit.
Optical Advantages
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As digital optical cables do not contain the metal shielding of coaxial cables, they are not susceptible to electrical interference or the slight hum that may occur in coaxial cables under certain conditions. They are also more likely to hold the signal quality better when long lengths of cable are used.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Markus Reinhardt
