What is a Toslink optical cable?

There are many methods to transfer audio data signals between audio devices. For many years, the only solution was a simple wired connection. These interconnect cables were usually made of copper, they had various connections to connect to devices such as televisions, hi-fis, radios, and home theater systems. The connection of choice used to be RCA Phono or 3.5mm jack. However, these connections have been superseded in today’s modern digital world. The current gold standard connection for transferring audio information is the optical audio connection known as Toslink.

Toslink, known to many people as “Optical Audio Cable,” carries digital signals using light over fiber optic cable. Toslink was developed by Toshiba in 1983. It was used to carry signals from DVD or minidisc players to amplifiers. Some portable devices use a smaller version called mini Toslink, which uses the same cable but ends in the smaller plug. The smaller Mini Toslink is similar in size to the 3.5mm minijack used on MP3 players around the world to connect headphones.

Optical audio cables may experience signal loss over longer lengths. Even the most basic Toslink cables can handle distances of five to ten meters without any loss. If you need to use a longer cable, it’s a good idea to upgrade to a higher quality cable or consider using a repeater device. These devices are placed between two cables, they simply rebuild and amplify the signal.

Many amplifiers or home theater systems only have an optical audio jack to allow for a single Toslink cable. This can cause problems, with so many devices using Toslink you can quickly run out of inputs. The solution is an optical audio switch. These devices allow you to connect multiple devices (usually three) to a single socket. Just plug your three devices, maybe a DVD player, game console, and satellite box into the splitter, then plug the splitter into your receiver or amplifier and select the device you want to use on the switch. A basic optical switch can be bought online from as little as ten pounds in the UK.

You can pay anywhere from three pounds to fifty pounds for an optical cable. The more expensive Toslink cable will use a higher grade fiber optic core and better quality glass in the plugs. No matter how much you spend on your optical cable, you shouldn’t be disappointed in the audio quality it produces.