The audio cables field is rapidly changing from analog to digital resulting in much confusion about what the current standards are and how they should be used.
Note, this page covers audio cables and connections only. See our Video Cables page for details on video cables and connections.
The popular audio formats are (In order from best audio quality to worst):
HDMI
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), released late in 2002, is an all-digital audio/video interface capable of transmitting uncompressed streams of data. This is the format everything is currently moving to, however it includes a Digital Right Management implementation that can limit devices that can use it. See our HDMI section for HDMI articles and additional information.
Coaxial Digital Connection
Do not confuse this with an RF cable (See Coaxial RF below), which is sometimes called coaxial. A digital connection to your receiver from your players (DVD, CD, etc.) is a very good option. This sends unprocessed sound information to the receiver for decoding and amplifying, the receiver typically has a better digital to analog signal processor then a DVD or CD Player. Note some players such as SACD or DVD-Audio players only provide a analog signal such as 5.1 channel audio (see below) in which case that is the only option with those players.
Optical Digital Audio Connection
A optical digital connection sends signals in the form of light, as opposed to electrically. This allows for longer audio cable distances in addition to the advantage of being immune to EM and RF interference. Disadvantage is that they can be more expensive. Similar to the Coaxial Digital Connection above, this is also a great way to connect your audio. A digital connection to your receiver from your players (DVD, CD, etc.) sends unprocessed sound information to the receiver for decoding and amplifying, the receiver typically has a better digital to analog signal processor then a DVD or CD Player.
5.1-Channel Audio Connection (Also 6.1 and 7.1)
A 5.1-channel analog audio connection sends processed audio signals (as opposed to the raw audio data sent via a digital audio cable) from your SACD, DVD-Audio or DVD player with a built-in decoder to a home theater receiver (with 5.1-channel inputs) for amplification. A total of 6 cables is required and we recommend an all-in-one cable that's specifically designed for dedicated use in 5.1-channel applications. Cable quality is important so make the sure you have quality cables. See our article on Cheap HDMI Cables for information on how to find quality cables. 6.1 and 7.1 are the same as above, just with 6 or 7 cables.
Stereo Audio Connection
This the basic stereo audio cables that were used for years. Providing left and right analog audio. This provides a better signal than coaxial RF connections, but a digital connection is vastly superior and we recommend moving to one of the connection types listed above.
Coaxial RF
Coaxial RF Connections were the default for many years from the cable and satellite TV companies to connect your TV or VCR to their boxes. However the quality is not very good and we recommend moving away from this connection type to one of the more advanced options above.
Additional Audio Cable Information See our article on Cheap HDMI Cables for information on how to find quality cables. Also keep some things in mind when considering cables or hooking up your components.
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