HDMI vs. Optical: Which Digital Audio Connection to Use? - CNET
![HDMI vs. Optical: Which Digital Audio Connection to Use? - CNET](https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/533e8e6af785988390ed3c30d415ae7e72a3cc30/hub/2022/05/23/f944b9fb-d2d1-4836-a3f4-ae8c28686aa8/optical-vs-hdmi-audio-cable-connections.jpg?auto=webp&fit=crop&height=1200&width=1200)
When hooking up an audio system or sound bar, you generally have to choose an HDMI or optical digital audio connection. Find out which one is better and why.
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HDMI ARC and eARC: Audio Return Channel for beginners - CNET
![](https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/kabeldirekt.jpg?fit=720%2C720&p=1)
HDMI ARC or digital optical: What's the difference?
![](https://www.lifewire.com/thmb/IWfiZXXF5eRZZij2uLiGtYnpTV8=/360x240/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/VGA-vs-HDMI-6e9f55d50dea46bba603743f886d5a27.jpg)
HDMI vs. Optical: Which Connection You Should Use
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HDMI ARC vs. Digital Optical (TosLink)
![](https://nerdtechy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/optical-cable.jpg)
HDMI ARC vs Optical - Which Connection is Better? - Nerd Techy
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Is the optical cable dying? - CNET
![](https://nerdtechy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/hdmi-arc-cable-input.jpg)
HDMI ARC vs Optical - Which Connection is Better? - Nerd Techy
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QkqCPvlf0Y4/hq720.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEhCK4FEIIDSFryq4qpAxMIARUAAAAAGAElAADIQj0AgKJD&rs=AOn4CLDPct7-V7VzV6MJcXcf7bwBM9ER3g)
HDMI ARC vs. Digital Optical (TosLink)
![](https://www.sfcable.com/media/wysiwyg/blog/Never_settle_for_picture_and_sound_quality..png)
HDMI vs Optical Cables: Which one to Consider?
![](https://thehometheaterdiy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/HDMI-Cable-and-Digital-Optical-Cable-on-a-Desk-1-Smaller.jpg)
HDMI ARC vs Digital Optical: Which is Better?