Coaxial Digital Connection v. Optical Digital Connection?
11-30-00, 08:32 PM
#1
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Is there a difference in output quality between a Coaxial Digital Connection and an Optical Digital Connection? I just picked up a Toshiba SD-1600 DVD Player and to my surprise it came with the coaxial connection rather than the digital. IS the coaxial a lesser connection? If not what is a reasonable price for a coaxial wire and where can I get one online for less?
Thnaks.
timpw27
Thnaks.
timpw27
11-30-00, 11:16 PM
#2
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They should both be the same quality, but due to inferior material often being used in the optical fiber, coax is probably the better of the two. As for where to get coax cable, any 75 ohm cable, usually called video cable, can be used. Check out Radio Shack. They have 3', 6', and 12' lengths of video cable with RCA plugs. That's all you need.
12-02-00, 07:25 PM
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Okay, Coaxial cable has everything an optical cable can do but with more.
In terms of audio quality, Both are same.
In terms of price, Coax is cheaper, you can just use an old RCA-Video cable
In terms of durability, Coaxial wins, because you can do almost whatever you want with it, and it wont snap, and cut off the digital signal, like optical does.
Just use a regular Shielded Composite Video Cable you find lying in a closet, dont be fooled and buy a "Digital Coaxial" Cable, coz its the same thing.... Except marked "Digital" and price jacked up.
[This message has been edited by electronix_kid (edited December 02, 2000).]
In terms of audio quality, Both are same.
In terms of price, Coax is cheaper, you can just use an old RCA-Video cable
In terms of durability, Coaxial wins, because you can do almost whatever you want with it, and it wont snap, and cut off the digital signal, like optical does.
Just use a regular Shielded Composite Video Cable you find lying in a closet, dont be fooled and buy a "Digital Coaxial" Cable, coz its the same thing.... Except marked "Digital" and price jacked up.
[This message has been edited by electronix_kid (edited December 02, 2000).]
12-02-00, 11:38 PM
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As stated above Coaxial & Optical cables are equal in audio quality! Unless you are getting actual audio breakups you are getting the exact same audio as coming off the DVD! Coaxial does have the advantages of being cheaper and less prone to damage (although Optical is not down right brittle as some would have you believe) but you need to keep in mind that your receiver has more Optical then Coaxial inputs (most 1999 and older receivers have only one if any Coaxial inputs) and you need to be aware that you will need to use both types if you have more then one digital component that will be attached to your digitakl receiver.
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