An equipment to transmit data via light without interference – this is the most accepted definition of optical cable. Very useful product in the transmission of audiovisual resources, but that has been losing space for the HDMI cable in certain devices.Have you ever stopped to think about how the optical cable is built? The production of the product includes the coating of a layer of resin over the optical fibers.

In most popular versions, there is a final plastic cover. The electronic device compatible with this technology has an input to accept the optical cable.

As with many electronic accessories, there is a positive and negative side to using an optical cable these days.Many people do not give up using devices with optical cable, mainly due to the product’s ability to transmit signals free from interference generated by other devices in the environment, as in the use of coaxial cables or RCA, for example.

Another beneficial point is that you can connect complex devices, such as home theater , using only one cable. This makes the installation of electronics more practical and with less accumulated wires.

There are not many variations on this type of product. What really changes are the formats.The most basic forms have two openings, one for entry and one for the exit. These standards are priced lower. They are widely used to connect video games to TVs, stereos and video.

The most advanced formats have several openings for entry and one or more for exit. Also known as splitter, these products must be used in networks, balancing the quality in sending data to all connected devices.

Some higher priced versions of optical cable have a metal shield. These products are more resistant to bites from rodents, dogs or children.

In terms of composition, it can be said that there are 2 types of mixtures for optical cable:

• Plastic : Plastic versions are slightly less resistant.
• Fiberglass : Models with fiberglass are a little more resistant.

Are HDMI cables better than optical cables? This is possible to discover during this section!The HDMI cable is known for being able to work without difficulty with the heavier and more complex audio encoder formats of devices such as home theater, for example. In turn, the optical cable, while also accepting audio transmission, cannot work with all advanced encoders in a perfect and lossless way.

Another key point in both versions is durability. As you have read in another section of this Buying Guide, the optical cable is made of fiberglass or plastic. Until the compositions of the optical cable have a certain durability, but it is nothing comparable with HDMI cables, super-resistant in silver or copper wires.

Any small dent can impair the functionality of the optical cable, while HDMI cables are more resistant because of the rich materials in the composition.

Speaking of noise and interference, we can say that optical cables have more advantages. They transmit data via light, without the need for grounding and conductor as in the case of HDMI cables susceptible to radio frequency or electromagnetism.

In terms of length, there are also differences. The size of an optical cable is a maximum of 8 meters, on average. HDMI cables can extend the sending of high-resolution video and audio up to 30 meters without difficulty because they are more robust.

See the table below to better understand the differences between using optical cable and HDMI cable:

How much?

Where to buy?

Purchasing criteria: Factors for finding the best optical cable deals

How many times have you instinctively bought a bunch of trinkets and in the end have you felt tremendous regret? For this not to happen when buying optical cable keep an eye on the 5 best comparison criteria for purchases:

• homologation
• Length
• Compatibility
• Coating
• Temperature

The significance of each of these optical cable comparison criteria is shown below.

homologation

Never give up buying a product certified by ANATEL, attesting to the quality, efficiency and safety in the use of the optical cable. The approval certificate must be on the optical cable packaging.

Do not forget to access the ANATEL page to find out if the product is truly certified.

Bear this concern in mind if you want to buy an optical cable from a not very famous brand.

Length

It is important that you know the necessary cable length to begin the installation project for home theater or other devices. Keep in mind that optical cables can be up to 8 meters.

It is not recommended to buy very large versions unnecessarily, while the purchase of optical cables that are too small is also contraindicated.

Compatibility

The positive news is that most devices that have an appropriate input for this type of technology accept the connection with universal optical cables.

However, some electronics only accept cables that are produced by the same manufacturer.

Make sure your device is compatible before purchasing the universal version of the optical cable. This can be checked on the electronics packaging or in the electronic related news forums.