Digital Connections Explained

Are you still with us? So far we've briefly talked about the path a signal takes, the difference between analog and digital connections, and now we're going to examine the different digital connections currently used in Home Theater.

The cords often used with digital connections can be more expensive than their analog counterparts, but the rewards are much greater. Furthermore, if you have a High Def TV and you are not using digital hookups, you should just throw yourself off a cliff. I mean seriously, what's the point of having an HDTV if you're not going to put a decent connection into it. Your video is only as good as the connections that feed it.

Modern Digital Connections

	Optical This connection carries audio in a digital format using light. How cool is that? The only real drawback with this kind of connection is that the cord seems to be easier to damage than it's brother, the coaxial cord. A great connection in any event.
	Coaxial Digital Like Optical, Coaxial carries sound digitally. There is not a huge difference between coaxial and optical except that coaxial cords can take a little bit more of a beating. You will find though that self proclaimed "true audiophiles" say that coaxial cables produce a slightly richer sound then optical.
	DVI Stands for "Digital Video Interface". This is a multi-pin connection that carries a high definition video signal. Unlike HDMI, it only can carry a digital video signal. Does that mean that we should expect DVI to be going away soon? Yes and no. It's such a robust connection that it will probably stick around at the very least for computer monitors and such. But yes, in a couple of years, it is likely that this connection will be gone in favor of HDMI.
	HDMI High Definition Multimedia Interface. Essentially the same as DVI but this bad boy can carry video AND audio. This connection will probably become industry standard very soon. Both HDMI and DVI transfer information using a technology called T.M.D.S., which stands for "Transmission Minimized Differential Signaling."

So you're saying, "Ok, now I understand the differences between Component and HDMI...Now what?" Well, depends where you want to go from here I guess. Most importantly though, when it is time for you to purchase your own system, you now have a understanding of what kind of quality goes with what connection. So if you're thinking about buying a new receiver or television, you know what connections to look for depending on the kind of quality you want.

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