DTV Express Learning Center:
Audio Cables and Connections

Stereo Audio Interconnects Audio Interconnects are the primary means of connecting analog stereo audio sources to an audio amplifier, whether part of an A/V Receiver, or built into a Plasma TV or other display device. Stereo Interconnects use two cables, one for the Left channel, and one for the Right, and are terminated with RCA connections (Sometimes called "Phono Plugs").

Optical Digital (TosLink) Optical Digital, or "TosLink" cables transmit digital audio signal via fiber-optics made of glass or special plastics. Optical Digital cables provide pure digital signals with excellent sound quality, and may carry Dolby Digital or other multi-channel formats, or stereo audio signals. The TosLink connector is the industry standard for optical cables.

Coaxial Digital Coaxial Digital is also used to transmit multi-channel or stereo audio signals in a pure digital format, but uses a more traditional cable design. The cable itself is similar to a stereo interconnect cable, but is specially designed to provide the much larger bandwidth required by digital audio signals. Coaxial digital cables are terminated with RCA plugs.

Cable and Hookup Tips

Cables should be as short as possible—but not too short! Since even high-quality video and audio signals can degrade over long distances, shorter cable runs help to maximize signal quality. Just make sure you have room to connect all your equipment comfortably.

Don't try to make a short cable reach. Avoid kinks or bending cable at sharp angles—this can damage cable connectors, or the terminals of your A/V equipment. It's better to buy a longer cable, if you must.

Arrange excess cable in an "S" shape or a figure-eight: do not leave it lying in round loops. This can help minimize electromagnetic interference, which can produce static or noise.

Keep power cords away from audio and video cables if you can. Even shielded cords can cause electromagnetic interference and signal degradation. If you must cross cables over power cords, try to do it at right angles.

For interconnects or other audio cables with arrows printed on the outer jacket, hook it up so that the arrow follows the signal from source (DVD Player, CD Player) to destination (Plasma TV, A/V Receiver).