Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Digital optical cables

Digital optical cables are widely recognized as optimal solutions for high-quality sound transfer. These cables stand for truly valuable connecting elements for different audio system because optical fiber enables an accurate transition of digital signals. Fiber optics has revolutionized communication industry simply because the transmission speed significantly outdistances previous connecting components. Moreover, optical fiber keeps unaltered the quality of all transferred signals. RCA cables are also very popular.  

 

The outstanding benefit of digital optical cables is the fact that fiber optics prevents electromagnetic interference that is the main cause for sound quality loss. This electromagnetic interference is commonly known as intermittent noise altering the accuracy of sound transmission. 

 

Experts agree upon the idea that digital optical cables surpass similar data transfer elements as long as we compare speed parameters, durability indices, bandwidth, and distance parameters. Digital optical cables seem to be the best alternative to old copper wires. The initial option allowed an electrical impulses transfer that is less efficient when it comes to networking. As for coaxial transmission, the cable is also made of copper.  

 

In order to understand the importance of digital optical cables, we should pay close attention to its evolution. Digital optical transfer is preceded by digital transfer that started in the early 80's when Sony and Phillips have launched the CD, a brand new type of digital audio transfer over coaxial cable. This protocol was reduced to the acronym S/PDIF, more precisely Sony/Phillips Digital Interface. Three years later, Toshiba launched a new digital transmission alternative using this time optical fiber that permitted data transfer through light impulses. 

 

The company named the product Toslink, suggestively merging the brand, Toshiba and the basic utility of the item - linking. Although, at the very beginning Toslink had some major disadvantages regarding the sound quality, manufacturers have improved significantly the initial version. 

 

Digital optical cables are actually assemblies of digital optical fibers, two different connectors that allow data transfer to the audio system and a surface layer. The last element is supposed to protect the assembly from external factors that might affect data transfer. Digital optical cables fall under different categories depending on their utility and implicitly on the diameter of assemblies. The coverage is manufactured so as fibers are protected from all kinds of hazards. Impermeability is the first requirement that has to be accomplished when it comes to provide properly digital data. 

 

Connectors are classified as termination elements and play a crucial role in digital transfer, therefore, the way they are terminated, conditions the quality of data transfer. 

In addition to an adequate NA (numerical aperture), connectors are designed to resist long-term usage. 

 

It is worth mentioning that optical cables match with different sound systems, therefore, you can use the same cable for different sound equipments. 

 

Comparing prices, digital optical cables are more expensive than analogous cables or coaxial cables. Therefore, customers who choose economical solutions when it comes to performant sound systems and their accessories will not benefit from high quality sound transmission. For more info, you should visit http://www.digitalopticalswitch.com/ 

 

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