fiber optic cables vs. hdmi fiber optic cables: Is there a difference in a digital fiber optical cable and an hdmi fiber optic cable?
1315923
An HDMI cable is copper based; not fiber optic. To answer the meat of your question, yes, an HDMI cable is able to carry both Video (Picture) and Audio (Sound). While, an optical cable only carries audio.
15502
If you have digital cable service that includes HD channels, or a HD source such as a Blue-Ray player or a HD DVD player, you will need to purchase some HDMI cables. Remember, you have to have the HDMI cables to get the full effect of high definition. They sell them here for cheap. You can find HDMI cables here for about $2-10, which is an absolute steal. Don't let anyone tell you that you have to get Monster cables. They are a complete rip off!
2254512
I am not sure what the question is but a HDMI signal is digital and component is analog so the two are not compatible.
176656
Depending on your setup, this is incorrect.If you have an HDMI cable out to your TV, any input signal is getting upconverted. That means if you have a composite cable at 480i going in, it's getting sent at the highest possible conversion. Of course, there's only so much you can do with a 480i signal, so it doesn't look all that much better - but yes, there is upconversion happening.
2033349
If you have a TV with HDMI connection this is the best way to go. HDMI cables carry high bandwidth signal and audio with just one cable. HDMI cable is not provided (I found some great ones on amazon). Your next best option is optical cables to carry your audio signal. At this time one HDMI cable is running my entire system.
1251612
No, you did the right thing. There isn't really any difference between component cables and HDMI. 91 bucks seems pricey, I bought one a year ago for 30 bucks. The only advantage over HDMI is it carries both audio and video. Also when HDCP is implemented you don't have to worry about your videos not playing over component, but that won't be done for years.
546978
HDMI isn't the only type of video signal that can output in 1080p by far. In fact, the only difference between DVI and HDMI is the fact that HDMI carries the audio in the same cable, whereas DVI carries only video, but other than that they're identical.
375338
Yes, an HDMI cable is a universal connection type cable. Similar to let's say a USB cable or connection. The current version is V 1.3
838612
There are different versions of HDMI cables. Versions 1.4 and above support 3D. So an "HDMI 3D" cable just means it is 1.4 or above. A version 1.4 cable will also transmit 720/1080p content just fine. Wikipedia has a great version comparison chart: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI#Version_comparison
1126074
HDMI are 100% digital cables, either you have a good connection, or you don't. Signal loss for even budget HDMI cables doesn't happen until around 50ft, and those are the thinnest, cheapest cables. Spotting signal loss is simple, you will see very apparent snow over the video image, or have no image whatsoever. If your image is clear, then rest assured that you have the clearest image any HDMI cable can give you. A $50 Monster 6ft HDMI cable will not give you a clearer image than a $3 6' budget HDMI cable. That's the beauty of digital signals.
109929
No, optical cords are for audio only. Usually people will run component video, or S video. If you're going to do the HDMI there's no need for the optical.
1041432
I do not know about fiber optic, but they are stationary. They do not flicker or waver.
258481
No, but I wouldn't pay more. HDMI is digital so unless you're going really long distances or getting some interference you shouldn't need ferrite cores. If you are seeing interference put a ferrite filter on your cable. They're very inexpensive.
1257570
According to the manual, both the SPDIF and the optical (toslink), even though they are 'digital', are according to the owner's manual, 'bandwidth limited' ( compared to any/all HDMI cable ). You have an excellent (!) analog out section, (both 2 ch. and 5.1 ch.) .... why process through additional DAC ? The RCA outputs are analog preamplifier circuits, and are without question superior to any tubed analog circuit especially if you add an additional, possibly unnecessarily (?), DAC section, tubed or not tubed, if that is the question.
711660
HD is better, however the signal is affected by the same things that have afected analog. The diference is that with analag disturbances you would still see a pcture but it could become grainy or have ghosting, with digital if the signal gets too much interference your digital tuner doesn't have enough data to construct the picture and either severe pixalation occurs or the picture vanishes. Even a high quality outdoor digital antenna will experience the same problems.
110459
Hi squeezil1, HDMI connection transmits both video and audio signals in digital format while optical cable only transmits audio signal. If you are using this Sony Soundbar for audio purposes only, you can use optical cable. However, if you are using this unit for both video and audio (when a cable box is connected), you can use HDMI instead. So bottom line is that both connection has superior quality, it just depends on your type of usage. -Ely
25173
My question to you is "If you are hooking up with an HDMI cable, why are you also using and optical cable?". HDMI carries the complete spectrum of audio and does not require an additional audio cable. You may be confusing either the player and/or your audio receiver.