Two commonly used methods for transmitting audio signals from source to receiver are HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) and optical audio cables. As of 2023, both options have their own strengths and limitations, catering to different needs and preferences. Whether you’re setting up a home theater system, gaming console, soundbar, or simply connecting your TV to external audio equipment, understanding the differences between HDMI and optical audio cables is essential to making an informed decision.
Table of Contents
HDMI vs Optical Audio Cables:
High-Definition Multimedia Interfaces (HDMI cables) are the best modern way to connect your multi-channel home theater system with several components like speakers, TVs, projectors, etc. that provide audio and video simultaneously. It is a single cable connection that supports high resolution to your video and audio. Different receivers have different HDMI connectors like standard, mini, and micro located at the back.
Optical audio cables also work like HDMI means transfer digital audio from one component to other but they cannot transmit digital video with high resolution. An optical audio cable will be a good option if you have an old receiver at home and all you want is to adjust its audio.
At the back of the receiver you will see optical input port through which your device like amplifier receive sound and optical output by which your device like TV, projectors send the sound. For proper working you should click cables in right place.
In order to run home theater system smoothly you must connect different components correctly. It means you must know which type of HDMI cable is suitable for your TV, projector. You must keep in consideration the type of HDMI cable and HDMI connectors before buying HDMI cables.
HDMI vs Optical Audio Cable: Comparison On The Basis Of Different Aspects
| Aspect | HDMI Audio Cable | Optical Audio Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Quality | Supports High-Resolution Audio (e.g., Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio) and Lossless Formats | Supports High-Quality Audio (e.g., Dolby Digital, DTS) |
| Audio Formats Supported | Wide range of audio formats, including surround sound and multi-channel audio | Limited to stereo (2-channel) or compressed 5.1 surround sound |
| Bandwidth | High bandwidth capacity (up to 18 Gbps in HDMI 2.0) | Moderate bandwidth capacity (up to 1.5 Mbps for TOSLINK, up to 125 Mbps for ADAT) |
| Audio Transmission | Transmits both audio and video in a single cable | Transmits audio only; requires a separate video cable (e.g., HDMI) |
| Device Compatibility | Commonly found on TVs, Blu-ray players, game consoles, and home theater systems | Commonly used in audio systems, soundbars, and older AV equipment |
| Cable Length | Signal degradation over long distances (over 50 feet) | Can maintain signal integrity over longer distances than HDMI |
| Interference | Susceptible to electromagnetic interference | Immune to electromagnetic interference, but susceptible to signal loss due to sharp bends or cable damage |
| Setup Complexity | Simple plug-and-play setup | Requires careful handling and alignment of connectors |
| Audio Lag | Minimal audio lag, suitable for real-time audio (e.g., gaming) | Negligible audio delay, suitable for real-time audio |
| Audio Quality | Generally delivers better audio fidelity, especially for high-resolution audio | Offers good audio quality for most home theater setups |
| Surround Sound | Supports various surround sound formats (e.g., Dolby Atmos, DTS:X) | Supports basic 5.1 surround sound |
| Cost | Slightly more expensive due to added video capabilities | Generally more affordable |
| Future-proofing | HDMI standards continuously evolving for better performance | Optical audio technology has reached maturity |
Overall, the choice between HDMI and optical audio cables depends on your specific needs and setup. If you require high-resolution audio, support for advanced surround sound formats, and the convenience of carrying both audio and video signals in a single cable, HDMI audio cables are a solid choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for an affordable option for stereo or basic 5.1 surround sound setups and don’t mind using a separate video cable, optical audio cables can fulfill your requirements effectively.
You should be aware of the following HDMI cable types:
| Type | Bandwidth | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Standard HDMI cable(most basic and commonly used cable type) | 5Gbps | 720p |
| High speed HDMI cable(modern one and support deep colour technologies) | 10.2Gbps | 1080p |
| Premium High-Speed (low electromagnetic interference and good for PC gaming) | 18Gbps | 4K at 60Hz |
| Ultra high speed HDMI cables (can be used easily with any type of HDMI devices) | 48 Gbps | 8K at 60Hz |
If you want a resolution of 4K you for your device then you should go with standard as it will work quite good. But for higher resolution you should buy high speed cables.
Length of cable should also be consider while buying. Short HDMI cables are usually better in performance as longer cables will result in distortion in audio and video if bends occur in the wire.
Can you use both HDMI and Optical audio cables simultaneously?
Yes, it is possible to use HDMI and Optical audio cables simultaneously, but the specific functionality will depend on your audio source (e.g., TV, audio receiver) and the devices you are connecting.
1. Using HDMI and Optical Together from the Same Source:
Some audio sources, such as modern TVs, AV receivers,multi-zone receivers and amplifiers, and Blu-ray players, may have both HDMI and Optical audio outputs. In such cases, you can connect both cables to your audio system or soundbar simultaneously. This allows you to have audio output options and gives you the flexibility to choose the preferred audio connection based on your setup or requirements.
For example, you could connect an HDMI cable from your TV to your AV receiver or soundbar to pass both video and audio signals. Additionally, you can use an Optical audio cable to connect the TV to another audio device (like a soundbar or external speaker system) if needed.
2. Using HDMI for Video and Optical for Audio Separately:
Another common scenario is when you want to use HDMI for video transmission while opting for Optical audio for a different audio setup. This can happen when you have a TV connected to an AV receiver via HDMI for home theater surround sound but want to send audio separately to a soundbar or an external speaker system in another room using the Optical audio connection.
Limitations:
Keep in mind that some audio sources might disable specific audio outputs when certain audio settings are selected. For example, if your TV is set to send audio through the HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) connection to an AV receiver, it might automatically disable the TV’s Optical audio output. This behavior can vary depending on the manufacturer and model of your devices
How can you connect HDMI and Optical audio cables to your TV and other devices?
Connecting HDMI and Optical Audio Cables to a TV:
- HDMI Connection:
- Locate the HDMI port on your TV. It is usually labeled as “HDMI.”
- Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI output port of your audio source device (e.g., Blu-ray player, game console, AV receiver).
- Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to an available HDMI input on your TV. Make sure to take note of the HDMI input number (e.g., HDMI 1, HDMI 2) used for this connection.
- Optical Audio Connection:
- Find the Optical audio output port on your audio source device. It is usually labeled as “Optical Out” or “TOSLINK.”
- Connect one end of the Optical audio cable to the Optical output port of your audio source device.
- Connect the other end of the Optical audio cable to the Optical input port on your TV. The Optical input on the TV is typically labeled as “Optical In” or “TOSLINK.”
Using Both HDMI and Optical Audio Cables Simultaneously:
After connecting both the HDMI and Optical audio cables to your TV and audio source device, you need to configure the audio settings on your TV to use both connections simultaneously. This setup is often referred to as “Audio Passthrough” or “Bitstream.”
- Access TV Audio Settings:
- Turn on your TV and navigate to the audio settings menu. This can usually be done through the TV’s on-screen menu or by pressing the “Menu” button on your TV remote and selecting the audio settings.
- Select Audio Output:
- In the audio settings, you should see options for selecting the audio output. Choose “HDMI” as the primary audio output to transmit audio via the HDMI connection.
- Enable Bitstream (Passthrough) or Audio Output Format:
- Next, find the option to enable “Bitstream” or select the desired audio output format for the Optical connection. This setting ensures that the audio signal is transmitted over both the HDMI and Optical audio cables simultaneously.
- Audio Delay (Optional):
- Depending on your TV model and audio source device, you may need to adjust the audio delay to synchronize the audio output from both connections. This step is typically necessary if there is a noticeable audio delay between the two audio outputs.
Once you have completed the configuration, your TV should now transmit audio signals through both the HDMI and Optical audio connections simultaneously. This setup allows you to use either audio connection independently or together, providing flexibility in your audio setup based on your preferences and device compatibility.
Best recommended HDMI and Optical Audio Cables:
Birdie 8K Fiber Optic HDMI 2.1 Cable 50 Feet in-Wall CL3 Rated (8K60hz 4K120hz HDCP 2.3 2.2 48Gbps) Ultra High Speed Compatible with Apple-TV Dolby Vision Atmos PS5 Xbox 3080 3090:
About this item:
- Fibre Optic HDMI Cable is Directional and In-Wall CL3 Rated, making it perfect for in-Wall installation. The term “directional HDMI” refers to the fact that only one end of the cable—the source end—must be plugged into the HDMI output of a source (such as a DVD player, computer, PlayStation 4, or Xbox), while the other end serves as the display for your monitor, TV, or projector.
- HDMI A-Male to A-Male Cable, 50 feet (16 metres), Backwards compatible with HDMI 2.0b, 2.0a, 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, and 1.1 versions.
- In order to connect any USB port other than a HUB or any USB adapter, you must use the HDMI USB cable that is included in the HDMI box
8K HDMI Fiber Optic Cable 60ft, 4K120 8K@60Hz HDMI 2.1 Cable, ARISEN Long HDMI Cable 48Gbps Ultra High Speed Slim HDMI Optical Audio Cable, eARC HDR10 HDCP 2.2 Compatible with PS5 Xbox TV Projector
About this item:
- In addition to 4K120, 8K60Hz, and VRR, it has Dynamic HDR, eARC, 8K60Hz, QFT, QMS, and up to 10K resolutions.
- THE FIBRE OPTICS TECHNOLOGY. According to the HDMI 2.1 specification, it provides a high-speed 48Gbps solution for improved picture and sound.
- SUPERB PERFORMANCE: The optical fibre transmission used by HDMI optical fibre cable has a wider frequency spectrum and more communication capacity. The ARISEN HDMI cable features two connections that are gold-plated, a housing composed of pure metal and zinc alloy, a very tiny diameter, and a light weight. supports a cinematic aspect ratio of 21:9, a sample rate of 1536 kHz, and 32 audio channels. You may take use of the plethora of capabilities on this HDMI monitor cable to enjoy immersive audio for surround sound 7.1 and 5.1 channels.
- Can be used easily with Apple TV, LG TV, Samsung QLED TV, Fire TV, and Sony 8K, ARISEN 8K optic HDMI cable and others.
I am renowned researcher with profound expertise in multi-channel systems, providing authentic product reviews. With an unbiased perspective, I provide honest and insightful reviews of multi-channel products. As the creative mind behind this blog, my in-depth knowledge enriches your understanding of multi-channel home theatre systems.
Ahmed Raza is a highly skilled software engineer and SEO expert with a passion for leveraging technology to drive online success. With a strong educational background in software engineering and years of hands-on experience in the dynamic field of search engine optimization, He has become a respected authority in both domains.