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. So if you want just a single cable between two devices, HDMI is your pick.
Simply so, can you use HDMI ARC and optical audio at the same time?
Safer if simply split optical. Using both HDMI and optical may induce echo. Thanks alexoiu, you mean HDMI ARC from TV have to connect to this converter box. From box both HDMI and optical can take in same time.
Also, which is better optical audio or HDMI ARC for soundbar? In practical terms, if you have a surround sound system, such as a 7.1 soundbar, the HDMI eARC will be your best choice. eARC has much higher bandwidth and it can support Dolby TrueHD audio. Optical cables do not support 7.1 audio channels because they can't transfer the required amount of data.
Furthermore, do you need both HDMI and optical?
Both the tv and home theatre (blu-ray player) has optical audio out. (ARC) is supported on both the TV and the Home Theatre system, you only need the HDMI cable. Without that feature on both devices you'll need the optical cable.
Is there a difference between HDMI and HDMI ARC cable?
HDMI is an abbreviated form of High Definition Multimedia Interface. It is a single cable that helps to transmit high definition video and audio. Audio Return Channel, or ARC, uses a single HDMI connection to send audio from a TV to the soundbar or AV receiver.
Similar Question and The Answer
Is it better to connect Soundbar with HDMI or Optical?
Both are better than analog (the red and white cables). Both can pass multi-channel audio, like Dolby Digital. The biggest difference is that HDMI can pass higher-resolution audio, including the formats found on Blu-ray: Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio. These formats can't get transmitted across optical.
Is Optical better than HDMI?
The major difference is that HDMI cables can pass higher resolution audio which includes formats found on Blu-ray like Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master audio. Fiber optic cables won't be able to transmit these high-res sound formats. HDMI can also pass video signals.
Is it better to use HDMI ARC or optical?
Distinguished Member. The biggest difference is that HDMI can pass higher-resolution audio, including the formats found on Blu-ray: Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio. These formats can't get transmitted across optical so if you can use HDMI, its generally the 'better' option.
Does it matter what optical cable you use?
Optical cables So if you're getting a Dolby Digital signal, and it's not cutting out, your optical cable is fine. If you're transmitting PCM, the audiophile answer is that different optical cables can cause different amounts of jitter.
How do I connect my soundbar to my TV with an optical cable?
Connect one end of the HDMI cable (sold separately) to the HDMI IN port on your TV. Connect the other end to the TV OUT (ARC) port on your sound bar. Then, connect an optical audio cable from the TV's Optical digital audio out to OPTICAL IN on your sound bar (this is necessary to hear the TV audio).
Is digital audio out the same as optical?
Unlike other cabling standards, the optical audio system uses fiber optic cables and laser light to transmit digital audio signals between devices. The port is typically labeled “optical audio”, “TOSLINK”, “Digital Audio Out (Optical)” or something similar, but you certainly don't need a label to identify it.
Does Optical Cable carry video?
Although digital optical connections may be included in DVD/Blu-ray/Ultra HD disc players or media streamers, they are not designed to transfer video signals. When connecting a DVD/Blu-ray/Ultra HD player or media streamer to a home theater receiver the digital optical connection, is for audio-only.
Do all HDMI cables support Arc?
"All HDMI cables will support Audio Return Channel functionality when connected to Audio Return Channel-enabled devices. You can use your existing HDMI cables"
Which is better Bluetooth or optical cable?
So yes, compared to Bluetooth specs to date, the optical will be of better quality. Neither will be as good as HDMI cable, which allows eight channels at 192kHz sampling and 24-bits/sample to be transferred, uncompressed.
What is an optical cable used for?
A digital optical cable is used to transfer data, usually audio or video, from one source to another. Digital optical cables are typically more expensive than other types of cables, such as coaxial or composite, but are much more effective at reproducing a signal through the transfer.
Does HDMI carry sound?
Does an HDMI cable transmit sound or just picture? HDMI transmits digital data. It carries video signals and yes, it combines the digital video with multi-channel digital uncompressed audio (“uncompressed” means it causes no losses in the process) and it can carry up to 8 channels into a single connecting cable.
What does D in mean on my sound bar?
If your soundbar was on the D. In input before then you were using an optical cable. If your TV & Soundbar have "soundconnect" capabilities then they can link up via bluetooth and the correct input on the soundbar would be "TV".
What is the best connection for a soundbar?
We'll start with the option that gives the best audio quality. HDMI. An HDMI cable is by far the best way to hook your soundbar up to your TV. Digital optical or digital coaxial. 3.5mm line out or RCA. Headphone jack.
Are Toslink and Optical the same?
The Toslink cable (SPDIF Digital Optical cable) consists of an optical fiber cable with a SPDIF connector on both ends. Toslink cables support several types of media formats. The Optical digital cable is made either of plastic or glass. Plastic works well with S/PDIF but glass transmits better light for a better sound.