How Far Does Optical Audio Cable Travel?

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When transferring large amounts of data over long distances, using modern interfaces such as optical audio cables, which are one of the most widely used types of interfaces, is the best way to ensure high data throughput with no lag.

Furthermore, because optical audio cables are a relatively simple connection to use, they are particularly well suited for transmitting digital audio sounds. But, what is the longest distance an optical audio wire can travel?

An optical audio cable can typically travel up to 10 metres without deterioration in quality. These optical audio cables are distinct from other types of cables, such as HDMI, which degrade in quality much faster than these optical audio cables.

To transmit messages between your devices, optical audio cables employ light as a transmission medium. The reason why optical audio cables are capable of traveling a greater distance is that they are constructed of materials that do not allow for the passage of noise through them.

As a consequence, as compared to most cables, it will be able to go a greater distance without interfering with or distorting the signal. Plastics, fiber optics, glass, silica, and other materials, among others, are employed in the production of these cable assemblies.

 

For several reasons, optical audio is used by the majority of devices. Because it can carry uncompressed audio data, it is often found in specific devices, and this is one of the primary reasons for its employment in these devices. Optical audio has the capability of transmitting audio signals such as Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound, among others.

Optical audio cables also offer the benefit of not allowing noise to flow through readily. One downside of utilizing these cables is that they are highly prone to bending while in use. This is because optical audio cables are excessively brittle, and if they are gripped too tightly or bent too much, they will break.

 

Is it possible to run optical audio cables for more than 10 meters?

An optical audio cable may be used to transmit audio signals as far as 30 meters. Running it across such great distances, on the other hand, will need the deployment of repeaters to maintain the signal strong.

 

Why Use Optical Audio Cables?

There are a variety of reasons you may want to use optical audio connections including: 

 

Good for long-distance routing

You must establish a long-distance connection. If you are aiming to establish a connection that will be more than 5 meters in length, an optical cable will be a preferable choice. While audio quality drops more quickly with HDMI, a digital optical connection may be extended as far as 30 m without sacrificing quality. It will be simpler to install music in bigger media rooms since optical cables will get more use out of them because of their lower sensitivity to noise.

Used for connecting Television to SOund system

 

Often all individuals desire is improved sound quality from their television, particularly if they are using a newer version that has subpar speaker performance. If you don’t intend to view Blu-ray or other high-definition media, it makes perfect sense to use an optical connection instead of a coaxial cable.

HDMI is a basic connection for a Television to speakers that don’t provide much in terms of features, and using an optical cable may assist you to prevent interference.

 

Good choice for audio zone set up

HDMI is capable of transmitting both audio and video, which is fantastic! However, if you are solely going to create an audio room, then opting for an optical connection is another good reason to do so.

Because most of the loudspeakers we have now do not even properly utilize the advantage of high-resolution audio, optical connections are likely to provide a better audio experience.

Due to the obvious longer links that can be established, it also provides you with more options when building up your network.

Conclusion

On average, an optical audio cable can travel up to a distance of 10 meters without deteriorating in quality. These optical audio cables vary from other types of cables such as HDMI, which degrade in quality much more quickly than these optical audio cables.

For the transmission of digital audio data, an optical audio cable is a fantastic choice for cabling. Because optical audio cables do not degrade in quality when extended to some point, you may connect them over long distances (up to 10 meters).

Some optical audio cables are capable of reaching distances of up to 30 meters. But, optical audio cables must be handled with care since they are constructed of materials that are much too fragile, making them extremely prone to damage.

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