HDMI or SPDIF is What you should use
Sound you can transfer to many different types of optical or electrical, analog or digital:
- In the case of SPDIF and HDMI, the classification is easy. Both ways work digital.
- The Transmission of HDMI, but it works electrically. SPDIF on the other hand, electrically or also optically established (see TOSLINK).
- SPDIF is the older Format, but it is extremely robust with regard to external interference. If you transfer by light wave conductors, are protected against electromagnetic influences as much as possible.
- A growing disadvantage has SPDIF, however: the Initial was the transmission standard only for PCM stereo transfers thought. The signals of the new multi-channel formats such as DTS have a very large bandwidth. As a result, the data rate increases enormously.
- The data rates of the new formats you can transfer via SPDIF. Although a Downmix of the formats is possible, however, the data rate must be limited for this strong, leading to a loss of quality. HDMI works, in contrast, loss-free and is thus the better choice.
- HDMI brings a further advantage: Both Video and Audio data over a connection and you save a cable.
- To do this, other Features like HDMI-CEC. Conclusion: With HDMI so save clutter, and are well prepared for the future. SPDIF, however, has now served its time.
Audio transmission via HDMI
In the next practical tip we will show you how to make your HDMI Connections easily extend can.
