While it is true that HDMI has to a great extent replaced Toslink and optical cables for videos, they are still capable to very high-resolution audio of up to 7.1 channels. Your device supports Toslink or optical connections if you find the distinct “optical audio”, “digital audio out” or “Toslink port.”
It is, therefore, no cause to worry if your Dolby Digital signal shut off because your optical cable is working just fine.
If some bits are missing, the decoder will not deliver any sound because it prevents the risk of damaging the speakers. Dolby Digital decoders have been designed to shut off if they do not receive perfect signals. The digital optical connection transmits digital audio signals in Dolby Digital format. Both deliver the cleanest and clearest audio signal transfers. The Toslink and digital optical connections are far more superior to a digital coaxial connection. They can also be used to connect your HDTV to a speaker system. There are devices with HDMI connections that do not support audio transfers so a digital optical cable is your best option. If your equipment does not have an HDMI port, digital optical cables are one of the best ways to transmit audio between two devices. Toslink cables are best used with digital audio inputs/outputs found on modern audio equipment as well as in cable boxes, satellite dish receiver, and outboard DA/ AD converters. While these cables support 5.1 multi-channel audio and Dolby Digital, they do not support high-definition audio (DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD). A Toslink connection is achieved by a 1 mm plastic optical fiber or a multi-strand plastic optical fiber.ĭigital optical audio connections send digital audio signals between devices. High-quality plastic fibers work as signal conductors. Toslink cables send pulsating flashes of LED light to transmit data between two devices. Toslink cables deliver the cleanest and clearest audio signals possible even at maximum volume levels.ĭigital optical cables replicate a signal with almost no loss of data during the transfer making them the best solutions for delivering superior sound quality. They are able to hold up better signals in longer distances. They are also resistant to signal loss all through the distance of the cable.Įlectrical interference is not an issue with digital optical cables. Toslink cables do not have interference issues because they are immune to radiofrequency and electromagnetic sound interference. Good quality cables can be effectively used for greater distances while the inexpensive ones can easily lose signals. If it needs to be used in greater distances, a repeater and additional cables or a signal booster need to be used.ĭigital Optical cables have an effective range of up to 16 feet depending on the cables being used. Toslink cables with plastic optic fibers are not longer than 16 ft.
Portable devices (MiniDisc players) can also transfer data to a receiver when connected to a digital optical cable. If you want your CD player to have a high-quality sound, you can use a digital optical to connect it to a receiver. It can also be directly connected to the optical port of a television. It can also transmit audio signals from computers to audio-video (AV) receivers and advanced video game consoles.ĭigital optical cables can transfer audio signals from a component (e.g. It can deliver digital audio streams from MiniDiscs, Digital Audiotape (DAT) and DTS. One Toslink cable can transmit mono, stereo and surround audio signals.
Toslink cables were originally meant for Compact Disc (CD) player connections.
The difference may not be clearly heard from your equipment.ĭigital optical digital cable comes with a connector with a tiny lens and comes with a cover to protect the lens from scratches when not in use. Plastic works well with S/PDIF but glass transmits better light for a better sound. The Optical digital cable is made either of plastic or glass. Toslink cables support several types of media formats. The Toslink cable (SPDIF Digital Optical cable) consists of an optical fiber cable with a SPDIF connector on both ends. It uses fiber optic through light pulses (not electricity) to transmit digital audio signals. Toslink is an optical fiber developed and manufactured by Toshiba Corporation.
This video: how to connect the optical cable to a TV Comparison ChartĬD player, MiniDiscs, Digital Audio tape (DAT) and DTS Dolby Digital decoders, computers to audio-video (AV) receivers and advanced video game consoles.ĭVD, television, CD player, Portable devices (MiniDisc playersĬontent: Toslink vs Optical: What is The Difference? Appearance