Optical Digital Audio Cable

TOSLINK cables are a popular format for optical digital audio cables. TOSLINK is an optical fiber standard known for transmitting and carrying lossless digital sound, originally developed by Toshiba for use with the company's home audio products and home entertainment devices, particularly Toshiba CD players. TOSLINK itself is an abbreviation of "Toshiba Link." It is still considered an alternative to HDMI cables. Unlike HDMI, TOSLINK only carries a digital audio signal, but many home users prefer it for stereo and audio equipment.

What Are Some Benefits of TOSLINK Digital Optical Cables?

TOSLINK has a reputation for providing lossless sound quality, and many home entertainment and audio enthusiasts prefer to use these optical audio cables when hooking up 5.1 surround and Dolby Digital systems. Lossless, in this context, refers to a reduction of the buzzes and hisses that result from electromagnetic interference. TOSLINK cables also provide greater sound loss over the length of the cable. If you're trying to connect an older DVD player, you may need to stick with running RCA component cables.

What Is a Digital Optical Connection?

Optical digital audio cables use light pulses to transfer an audio signal. The data, sent by LED, converts into audio information by the receiver. You can then enjoy those analog signals through speakers, headphones and various Bluetooth®-enabled devices. The plastic fibers in the original digital optical cables were typically short (no longer than 5 feet), but today's TOSLINK cables are available in a variety of lengths to give you as much flexibility as possible.

TOSLINK Cables Provide Quality Sound for Home Audio and Gaming Systems

Because digital optical cables do not support video, you can only use a TOSLINK optical digital audio cable to power audio signals. If you like the lossless quality, look for soundbars and stereo receivers with TOSLINK outputs. Many home users enjoy the flexibility of customizing their entire home entertainment setup, and TOSLINK cables often facilitate connecting clean signals from computers to home entertainment surround systems. Sound quality is just as important to gamers as it is those watching movies or listening to their favorite music. Digital TOSLINK PT6 audio cables reduce interference and cut down on jitters from soundbars or surround speakers running directly to gaming consoles or gaming towers. Note that some older gaming systems, like an Xbox 360® or Nintendo® Wii™ require RCA composite cables to connect them to HDTVs.

Important Features of TOSLINK Optical Digital Audio Cables

Cables often feature endcaps to protect the sensitive conductors from tiny dirt and dust particles that could impact sound quality. Nonslip connectors make handling easier when you're hooking up equipment quickly or in low-light rooms. PVC insulation covers and protects the cables for years of use. Brass and gold-plated ferrules can also extend the life of extension cables.