S/PDIF, Coaxial and Optical 5.1 support?

Question

Which one of these connections have COMPLETE DIGITAL support for Dolby Digital Pro Logic II and DTS? Google isnt my friend right now, so dont say GOOGLE IT! I DID! A LOT and got REALLY REALLY CONFUSED!! PLease, a simple answer, PLEASE!!!

Answer 1

S/PDIF is a protocol, not a connection type, and is actually utilized by both coaxial and optical (toslink) connections. Both digital coax and fiber optic outputs will give you dolby digital 5.1 and DTS audio.

As to which one is better ... the debate has raged since the advent of DVD players. In a nutshell: digital coax has a wider bandwidth, while fiber optic is unaffected by electrical interference. Realistically, unless you're running it a few thousand feet, it doesn't make a bit of difference.

I take digital coax every time because the end does not have to be lined up a certain way to fit into the plug.

Answer 2

They are the same, just go with whatever is cheaper.

Answer 3

Both digital coaxial and TOSLINK optical will deliver any of those formats. They are both digital cables and transmit the same data. Most digital receivers employ both connection types. The only factor you might consider when choosing a cable is which connection type the device you're wanting to connect uses. If it has both, flip a coin.