What is a digital audio output cable?

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An optical digital audio connection is used to send digital audio signals between devices. It supports stereo audio, Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 multichannel audio for people with surround sound systems. It does not support SACD, DVD-A or high-definition audio such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.



Beside this, what is digital audio output?

From Lifewire.com. A Toslink (or optical) audio output is a fiber optic connection that makes use of LEDs to transmit digital signals from the source to the receiver. Similar to the SPDIF, it is a reliable way of transferring signals and is able to carry 2 uncompressed or compressed signals (in 5.1 or 7.1 sound).

Subsequently, question is, is digital audio output the same as optical? Unlike other cabling standards, the optical audio system uses fiber optic cables and laser light to transmit digital audio signals between devices. The port is typically labeled “optical audio”, “TOSLINK”, “Digital Audio Out (Optical)” or something similar, but you certainly don't need a label to identify it.

Considering this, what is the optical digital audio output for?

Also known generically as an "optical audio cable" or just "optical cable", its most common use is in consumer audio equipment (via a "digital optical" socket), where it carries a digital audio stream from components such as CD and DVD players, DAT recorders, computers, and modern video game consoles, to an AV receiver

How do I connect digital audio to speakers?

Most likely the input on the stereo or home theater receiver is an RCA jack. For digital connections, locate an unused optical digital or HDMI input port. Using a cable with the appropriate plugs on each end, connect the audio output from the television to the audio input of the receiver or amplifier.

38 Related Question Answers Found

How do I connect optical digital audio output to RCA input?

Connection. The digital output from your digital source device goes to the digital input on your digital to audio converter adapter. Plug one end of your RCA audio cables (the red and white cords) into the outputs on your adapter; plug the other end of your RCA audio cables into your analog receiving device.

Do all TVs have optical output?

Although we didn't explicitly test it, most TVs are capable of outputting true Dolby Digital via their optical output when using the TV's internal over-the-air tuner.

What is optical output on TV?

The optical jack is designed to output sound when the video you're watching contains digital audio (PCM or Dolby Digital® technology). This feature is available on certain digital broadcasts and streaming video, and isn't supported on standard cable or analog stations.

Is there an adapter for optical audio to RCA?

The new DAC-2016 V2. 0 Digital to Analog Audio converter box takes your coaxial or optical (S/PDIF or TOSLink) digital audio source and converts it to standard analog left/right audio, available for connection to an external device such as an amplifier or recording deck via standard RCA-style jacks.

What is digital audio input?


The receiver then amplifies the signal, which is what you hear through your speakers. Connect a digital audio cable to the DVD player's digital audio output jacks, feed it into the digital audio input jacks on your A/V receiver, and you have a completely digital transmission path.

What does a digital audio cable look like?

A digital coaxial connector looks like an RCA connector, but it transmits digital data instead of analog signals. The digital coaxial cable is thicker than a typical audio cable, however, because it uses the same type of shielded coaxial cable you use to connect your television to your cable box.

What if my TV doesn't have optical output?

If your TV doesn't have any inputs for optical cable, then just use HDMI connections. HDMI connection is definitely a better alternative. By the HDMI connection, you can even transmit 7.1 or more surround channels. This connection also allows you to transmit the uncompressed high fidelity streams.

What is a digital optical audio cable used for?

A digital optical cable is used to transfer data, usually audio or video, from one source to another. Digital optical cables are typically more expensive than other types of cables, such as coaxial or composite, but are much more effective at reproducing a signal through the transfer.

Can you use both HDMI and optical audio?

Both HDMI and optical pass digital audio from one device to another. Both are better than analog (the red and white cables). Both can pass multi-channel audio, like Dolby Digital. So if you want just a single cable between two devices, HDMI is your pick.

How do I connect my digital audio to Optical?


1 Connect the digital audio cable to the Digital Audio Out (Optical) port on your TV. 1 Connect the HDMI cable to the TV labeled as HDMI IN (ARC) connection. 3 Set the source on the TV to the HDMI input you want to view. The audio and video signal are sent from the external device to the TV via HDMI.

How does an optical audio cable work?

A digital optical cable transmits digital signals as on/off pulses of red light that go between the components. The light itself is a basic LED light, not a laser light. Optical cables are immune to the effects of Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and Electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Does Optical Cable carry video?

Optical cables are indeed fiber optic cables. There is currently no consumer standard in place for transmitting digital video signals over a fiber optic connection. In fact, the fiber optic connection will eventually be superceded by latest HDMI standard, at least in theory.

Is optical cable better than HDMI?

The major difference is that HDMI cables can pass higher resolution audio which includes formats found on Blu-ray like Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master audio. Fiber optic cables won't be able to transmit these high-res sound formats. HDMI can also pass video signals. Here, optical cables will be the perfect fit.

What is digital coaxial audio output?

A coaxial digital output is often used when sending multi-channel audio from a DVD player or computer to your surround sound system. Or, from a CD player to a stereo amplifier. Your TV might have a coaxial out on the back. To send the audio to an amplifier or AV receiver. But, your TV might have coax instead.

Do the x1 boxes have an audio output?


X1 box and audio output via hdmi - stereo only. The audio select option on the X1 box will only send a stereo signal out over the hdmi cable I have connected to my Samsung 6000 series HD TV. This appears to be a mystery to comcast.

Can I connect headphones to digital audio output?

Get an Adapter or Converter
Your TV probably doesn't offer a headphone jack, so you'll need an adapter that can connect your headphones to the type of audio output it offers. Modern TVs may no longer have analog RCA audio outputs. They may just have digital audio output.

Is Aux digital or analog?

Though they are both commonly used in speakers and transmit audio, the ways they work are entirely different. This difference comes down, in part, to their connectivity: optical is digital and aux is analogue.