The basics 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.

HDMI is the new standard for audio/video connections, but a great optical audio cable is just as important. Here are several of the best optical connections.

A war of audio capabilities Fundamentally, both HDMI ARC/eARC and optical let you send digital audio from one piece of hardware to another. The idea behind this is to be able to send whatever ...

If you actually wanted to convert HDMI to a optical signal run on real fiber, that would be 10 gbit's of data or so, then it gets expensive fast. Couple of grand or so for most easy solutions I've ...

An entry-level cable like the QED Performance Coaxial will do a fine job for most. Coaxial might not be as widespread as its rival optical connection these days, but you'll still find it at the back ...

Introduction: When setting up your home entertainment system, choosing the right audio connection is crucial for getting the best possible sound quality. Two common types of digital audio connections ...