Digital optical cables

[tj1182]

I have a '42 Panasonic 720p HDTV with Directv HD and a Phillips DVP5982 Divx player. The DTV box has a digital optical port and so does my TV, does it really make a difference if I use these ports for Audio? Right now I just have it setup to use HDMI for both.

Also, my Phillips player has digital coaxial, should I buy a converter box or am I Just wasting money as this won't make a difference without a surround system.

Thanks.

[edDV]

You are doing fine with HDMI for stereo. You can set the player to output stereo, AC3, DTS etc. out over HDMI or S/PDIF (optical or coax) but the TV probably only wants stereo.

You can route the S/PDIF to a surround receiver-amp for the full AC3 or DTS experience.

[sanlyn]

I'd stay with the more versatile HDMI. There are variables, of course. Some HDMi output circuits are better than others, and some products have better coax/or optical circuits than HDMI, and so forth. The only way to tell is to use HDMI, then hook up the optical, then try the coax.

My own experience with audio over the years is that the audio quality alone is best transmitted by digital coax cable, and many audiophile maniacs wouldn't touch HDMI audio with a ten-foot pole. Your mileage may differ. But if you're satisfied with HDMI audio, stick with it.

[edDV]

The issue is mainly whether the TV processes or passes through AC3 surrround audio or just extracts stereo.

If you want AC3 surround you have several ways to get there based on the equipment you have and the way source video content copy protection is encoded.

Easiest way is run separate S/PDIF (optical or coax) to your AC3/DTS surround sound receiver.

Optical and coax have equal "quality". Optical avoids ground loop issues.

The industry is moving to a forced HDMI connection for content protection issues. That forces the customer to eventually replace their current surround audio receiver for one that is HDCP compliant. Only a few top end models are HDCP compliant today.