Key differences in the performance quality inherent in both audio and video cable formats help determine how close to the source you can actually get. Two critical factors to consider are the features these cables deliver from your components and the quality of performance that is dictated by the technology formats themselves.

AUDIO CABLE FORMATS

Key Techinical Differentiators

HDMI

HDMI enables delivery of both uncompressed, all-digital, high-de?nition video and uncompressed, multichannel, digital audio through just one cable. HDMI enables full digital surround sound and is ideal for connecting digital display devices and digital source devices.

Digital Optical

Both Digital Optical and Digital Coaxial cables enable full digital surround sound from your components that incorporate DTS® and Dolby® Digital surround sound. They just differ in their construction. Digital Optical cables transmit digital audio signals as pulses of light. Pulses of light virtually eliminate the interference that is common in cables that use electrical impulses to transmit audio signals.

Digital Coaxial

Digital Coaxial cables are engineered speci?cally to pass a digital signal, and a good digital coaxial cable should provide 75-Ohm impedance for wider frequency bandwidth.

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Source to Sense

This chart describes the differences in the general formats of audio cables, and highlight which formats bring you closer to the source and improve your experience.

RCA Audio

RCA Audio provides a standard RCA connection found on nearly all home theater components. It does not enable full digital surround sound, but does enable analog surround sound from SACD players.