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Difference between Coaxial and Optical Digital Audio Cables
Coaxial and optical digital audio cables are widely used for transmission of digital audio signals between electronic devices. However, they are absolutely different from each other in terms construction, transmission method, and many other characteristics. The most fundamental difference between coaxial and optical digital audio cables is in their transmission method, i.e. coaxial digital audio cables use copper conductors for transmitting digital audio signals, while optical digital audio cables use optical fibers to transmit digital audio signals.
In this article, we will explore all the major differences between coaxial audio cables and optical digital audio cables along with their basic description. Let’s get started with a basic introduction of coaxial digital audio cables.
What are Coaxial Digital Audio Cable?
Coaxial digital audio cable is a commonly used type of cable for transmission of digital audio signals between different electronic devices. Coaxial digital audio cable consists of copper conductors to transmit audio signals in the form of electric current. The copper conductor is the core component of the coaxial audio cable, and it is surrounded by an insulation layer to prevent electromagnetic interference between the core conductor and the outer metallic shield. The outer metallic shield prevents the external electromagnetic interference.
In coaxial digital audio cables, the electrical transmission method is employed for transmission of digital audio signals. The most common type of connector used with the coaxial audio cables is the RCA (Radio Corporation of America) connector. The RCA connector consists of a central pin and an outer ring, where the central pin carries the digital audio signals while the outer ring acts as the ground connection.
The coaxial digital audio cables support a wide range of digital audio formats, such as Dolby Digital, Digital Theater Systems (DTS), and many other audio formats. Another major advantage of coaxial digital audio cables is their compatibility with a wider range of audio devices like sound systems, TVs, gamming consoles, CD/DVD players, etc. Also, the coaxial digital audio cables are relatively less expensive than other types of audio cables.
What are Optical Digital Audio Cables?
Optical digital audio cable is a type of audio cable used to transmit digital audio signals between electronic devices. It uses optical technology for transmitting audio signals. Hence, it is also known as fiber optic cable or TOSLINK cable.
The optical digital audio cables use optical transmission method, i.e. it converts electrical audio signals into light signals and then transmits through the optical fiber. This type of audio cable consists of a large number optical fibers enclosed within a protective cover. Since, optical fiber is typically made of glass or plastic, making it flexible and lightweight. The connector used with the optical digital audio cables is the TOSLINK connector, which is a standard optical connector with a square-shaped plug.
Optical digital audio cables are compatible with a wider range of devices like TVs, CD/DVD players, home theater systems, etc. and support various digital audio formats. However, this type of audio cable is limited to use for short distance transmission of audio signals due to signal attenuation. The optical digital audio cables are also relatively expensive than coaxial digital audio cables.
Difference between Coaxial and Optical Digital Audio Cables
The important differences between coaxial digital audio cable and optical digital audio cable are listed in the following table −
Parameter |
Coaxial Digital Audio Cable |
Optical Digital Audio Cable |
|---|---|---|
Basic |
Coaxial digital audio cable is a type of audio cable that uses copper conductors to transmit digital audio signals between audio devices. |
Optical Digital audio cable is a type of audio cable that uses optical fibers to transmit digital audio signal between audio devices. |
Signal transmission method |
Coaxial digital audio cables use electrical transmission method. |
Optical digital audio cables use light transmission method. |
Construction |
They are made up of copper conductors. |
These cables are made up of fiber optic strands. |
Bandwidth capabilities |
These cables have higher bandwidth capabilities. |
Lower bandwidth capabilities. |
Strength |
Coaxial digital audio cables are stronger. |
Less strong as compared to coaxial digital audio cables. |
RF interference |
Influenced by radio frequency interference |
Optical digital audio cables are not influenced by radio frequency interference. |
Electromagnetic interference |
Affected by electromagnetic interference. |
There is no effect of electromagnetic interference on optical digital audio cables. |
Distance limitation |
Coaxial digital audio cables can transmit digital audio signals over longer distances without significant loss in signal quality. |
Optical digital audio cables can transmit audio signals over shorter distances due to signal attenuation. |
Connector type |
Coaxial digital audio cables use the RCA (Radio Corporation of America) connector. |
Optical digital audio cables use TOSLINK connector. |
Noise immunity |
Less immune to noise |
Optical digital audio cables are more immune to noise. |
Ease of installation |
Fairly easy to install. |
Optical digital audio cables require careful handling; they are slight difficult to install. |
Device compatibility |
Compatible with a wider range of audio devices. |
Optical digital audio cables are not supported by all devices. |
Sound quality |
Coaxial digital audio cables provide superior sound quality due to higher bandwidth. |
Optical digital audio cables provide slightly inferior sound quality due to lower bandwidth. |
Cost |
Coaxial digital audio cables are less expensive. |
Optical digital audio cables are more expensive than coaxial cables. |
Conclusion
Both coaxial and optical digital audio cables perform the same function, i.e., transmission of digital audio signals. However, they are completely different from each other as described in the above table.
The most significant difference between coaxial and optical digital audio cables is that coaxial digital audio cables use copper conductors and electric signals to transmit digital audio signals between devices, whereas optical digital audio cables use fiber optic strands and light signals to transmit digital audio signals between devices.
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