{"id":8031,"date":"2023-01-28T10:07:38","date_gmt":"2023-01-28T10:07:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clooms.com\/?p=8031"},"modified":"2023-01-29T05:36:28","modified_gmt":"2023-01-29T05:36:28","slug":"what-is-an-optical-cable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clooms.com\/what-is-an-optical-cable\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is an Optical Cable: A Detailed Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
What is an optical cable? This question is common among aspiring hi-fi enthusiasts who need clarification about cables<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In truth, cables are essential for transferring signals between devices. So you can rely on them to boost sound quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But there\u2019s always a debate between the HDMI<\/a> and optical cable for price, usage, and design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this article, you\u2019ll learn more about optical cables, how it works, their comparison with other cables, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n An optical cable is a device that transmits signals with light. Typically, the optical cable is less than five meters in length. And you can use the device to transfer audio signals from one device to another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What are the common audio formats that the optical cable transfers? It transmits DTS multichannel audio, Dolby Digital<\/a>, and PCM stereo audio.<\/p>\n\n\n A man holding an optical cable<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Optical cables use light to transfer audio digitally instead of the usual copper wire. In short, the optical cable is a variant of fiber optics that works for different applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, digital optical cables operate with this principle. But the difference is that digital optical cables are specifically for audio-only applications at shorter distances. Additionally, digital optical cables change audio data on the source end from electrical signals (digitally encoded) to light. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, an LED<\/a> light drives the signals to the receiving end via a cable. At this point, the light pulses change back to electrical pulses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a result, the audio moves through the connected component for amplification or devices like stereo receivers, home theater, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Afterward, the signal will finally change to analog for you to hear the sound effect through headphones or speakers.<\/p>\n\n\n A man inserting the cable into an optical input<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Optical cables are useful for telephone lines, cable television, internet, and computer networking<\/a>. Also, you can use these cables for the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In truth, the connectors are different for various devices. And it\u2019s because manufacturers design a device\u2019s connector based on the function. For instance, an external speaker features an input connector, unlike TVs that have output connectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, optical cables have different ends compared to HDMI cables, which have the same ends. So, it\u2019s crucial to connect the right end to the device. <\/p>\n\n\n A close view of an HDMI cable<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s no surprise that HDMI cables are so popular. After all, they provide an all-in-one solution. Also, these cables offer high-definition transmission for video and audio signals. Hence, you can easily connect your video and audio with the HDMI cable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, it\u2019s a great option for gaming consoles like Xbox One, PS4, etc., as these devices feature HDMI port connections. And this cable is easy to use as both ends are the same.<\/p>\n\n\n A Set-Top Box with different connectors and cables<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The HDMI cable is useful for connecting your PC to another monitor as an extended screen. In other words, this HDMI is an excellent choice for multitasking on different windows. Also, you can watch movies on your TV from a laptop with this cable. In addition, HDMI cables provide high-definition content when you link the Set-Top Box and gaming console to your television.<\/p>\n\n\n The HDMI connector has a design that looks like a USB port. The only difference is that the connector is usually longer than the USB port, with unequal slot side lengths and a trapezium shape. Further, the HDMI connector is typically next to USB ports on laptops, TVs, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n Here are the main differences between these cables to help you make a more informed decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do optical cables support all audio formats?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n No, they don\u2019t. And it\u2019s because these cables can\u2019t support the entire range of surround sound and audio formats.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTable of Contents<\/h2>\n
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Optical Cable: What It Is<\/h2>\n\n\n
What Is the Working Principle of an Optical Cable?<\/h3>\n\n\n
Where Can You Use an Optical Cable?<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Optical Cable Connector: How Does It Look?<\/h3>\n\n\n
HDMI Cable: What It Is<\/h2>\n\n\n
Where Can You Use an HDMI Cable?<\/h3>\n\n
HDMI Connector: How Does it Look?<\/h3>\n\n\n
Optical Cable Vs. HDMI Cable: The Major Difference<\/h2>\n\n\n
Features\/ Functions<\/strong><\/td> Optical Cable<\/strong><\/td> HDMI Cable<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Build<\/td> These cables come from optical fiber<\/a> (light-reflecting cables) that use fast lighting mediums to transfer data with minimal interference. Also, optical cables have a dark sheath coat that helps to halt any information loss.<\/td> The HDMI cable transmits signals with copper wires. And the copper wire helps to reduce data leakage because it is wrapped in appropriate insulation. Further, it has an inner material made from silver, aluminum, or gold. Also, the PCV cover contributes to the cables\u2019 flexibility.<\/td><\/tr> TV volume controls<\/td> No<\/td> Yes<\/td><\/tr> Audio coming on with the TV<\/td> Yes <\/td> Yes<\/td><\/tr> Stereo support<\/td> Yes<\/td> Yes<\/td><\/tr> Video<\/td> It\u2019s possible to watch videos with optical cables. But you\u2019ll need two cables for video and audio.<\/td> HDMI cables provide uninterrupted video and audio transmission from one cable.<\/td><\/tr> Audio<\/td> Optical cables are ideal for surround sound systems with around 5.1 channels.<\/td> This cable supports Dolby Digital, Blu-Ray, TrueHD formats, and DTS HD.<\/td><\/tr> Maximum audio bandwidth<\/td> 384kbps<\/td> 1.0Mbps<\/td><\/tr> Price <\/td> This cable is more expensive because it requires two different cables.<\/td> The HDMI cable is cheaper; you don\u2019t need additional cables to use this option.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n