Optical USB can also refer to the use of optical technology in USB cables and connecters, such as fiber optic USB extension cables and hubs. USB cables are used to connect devices — such as printers, keyboards and music players — to computers.
Both will work fine, but optical has some major benefits over USB that just pushes it into first place. Not being affected by electrical and radio interference is a major advantage to me in the audio world. Personally I always use optical audio when possible.
How do I add optical audio to my computer?
Right-click anywhere in the Playback tab list, then click “Show Disabled Devices.” At this point, a device called something like “digital output” or “optical output” should show up. Right-click it and click “Enable” to switch it on.
How do you connect an optical cable to an external audio?
Can you use USB for optical? – Related Questions
Is sound better through optical or HDMI?
The biggest difference is that HDMI can pass higher-resolution audio, including the formats found on Blu-ray: Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio. These formats can’t get transmitted across optical. In terms of simplicity, HDMI also passes video signals.
What if my TV does not have an optical output?
What if Your TV Does Not Have an Optical Output? If you need to connect to a sound system that only has an optical input, then you will need to buy an audio adapter to convert the audio that your TV does support. You can purchase coaxial digital audio to optical converters.
Where do I connect the optical audio cable?
Plug one end of the optical digital cable into the OPTICAL DIGITAL OUT port of your TV. Plug the other end of the optical digital cable into the OPTICAL DIGITAL IN port of your soundbar. If the optical digital cable is already connected, disconnect it and then reinsert it firmly.
How do you connect an optical cable to a speaker?
How do I get my TV to play through my optical cable?
Make sure the home theater or stereo system is set to the appropriate input and mode for the optical connection. Make sure the optical cable is firmly connected to both the TV and the home theater or stereo system. Try changing the channel on the TV to another digital broadcast.
Can optical cable be used for audio?
Both HDMI and optical pass digital audio from one device to another. Both are better than analog (the red and white cables). Both can pass multi-channel audio, like Dolby Digital.
Is it better to use RCA or optical?
The Most Talked About Cables Around
Meanwhile, RCA cables are associated with analog signals. This is why optical cables offer superior sound quality and HDMI offers superior video and sound quality to RCA.
Is optical better than aux?
As we have said that AUX is susceptible to line loss and interference, you may not get clear sound performance. On the contrary, an optical connection can provide better channel separation and superior spatial quality.
Is optical the best for sound?
Although optical is a fine connection for older systems where it’s the only connection option, HDMI offers a much greater array of audio technology support, leading to better quality audio for watching modern and remastered content.
Is Dolby Atmos better than optical?
HDMI ARC is a better option. It supports Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, and up to 7.1 channels of uncompressed audio while Digital Optical only supports Dolby Digital and up to 5.1 channels of uncompressed audio.
Is optical audio louder than aux?
After eventually getting audio to function through both an aux wire and an optical connection, I was surprised to discover that the aux cable has higher quality and is much louder than the optical line, which is plainly the reverse of what it should be.
Why is my soundbar making static noise with optical cable?
Fixing strange noises when using optical
You can experience strange noises from your soundbar when the signal from your TV or set top box is incompatible with your soundbar. You need to change a setting on your output device (TV or set top box).
How do I get the best sound quality from my soundbar?
Turn off or mute your television’s internal speakers to allow your soundbar’s quality sound to shine through. Use HDMI (ARC) or other high-quality cables to relay audio signals to your Soundbar. Adjust your equalizer settings, if possible, to ensure your soundbar is optimally programmed for your specific audio source.
How do I get rid of cable humming?
The simple, inexpensive way to fix the ground hum is to plug the piece of equipment into a different outlet that is on a different circuit. Once you can identify which piece of equipment is causing the problem, this is the easiest fix.
Why does the bass on my soundbar keep cutting out?
It can be caused by Bluetooth interference or sound bar is operating without a rear satellite kit while signal source is configured to deliver true surround sound. There is no solution to the former other than hardwiring at times of heavy Bluetooth device traffic in the vicinity.
How long do soundbars last?
Soundbars: 6-16 years
A newer amplified soundbar, like a Sonos Arc, should not become obsolete anytime soon, though expect the hardware to operate for up to 7 years before needing a repair or a replacement.
