Here are types of audio cables for your home theater system. And comments about the pros and cons of each are discusses for our review.
Coax Digital Audio (S/PDIF) This offers digital connection with copper cables, most generally Coax. Cables are long. And Dolby Digital 5.1, 7.1, DTS etc. is supported. However, the copper cables mess with run into interference. Neither DVD-A or SACD are supported.
Firewire This offers digital connection with large bandwidth, multichannel audio. Highly compatible and choice for some HTPCs, new receivers, STB’s, DVD’s and with Digital Audio Workstations; and may have some support for DVD-A and SACD. However, lacks locking connector, also disconnects easily; so audio-only interface is main reason for use with a lot of systems at Asia99 this time, except for use with Set Top Boxes, audio and video with camcorder use, HDTV’s and Digital VCR’s.
Toslink – This offers digital connection without electrical interference, great for digital audio signals with compatible equipment; Digital Cable / DVD/Satellite Receiver with Toslink connector compat. Dolby Digital 5.1, 7.1, DTS etc. However, cable length is limited, the cables arent sturdy and they disconnect too quickly and easily. You will need fiber optic cables or repeaters for lengthy cable reaches. Neither is there is any DVD-A or SACD support, nor locking connector.
HDMI This offers a digital connection with great quality electrical interface transmitting
