[mythtv-users] New system spec -- seeking comments.

[Brad DerManouelian]

On Jun 10, 2008, at 8:24 AM, Robin Hill wrote:

> On Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 08:10:12AM -0700, Allen Edwards wrote:
>
>>> If you have the option for optical into your pre-processor, take it.
>>> It will eliminate any possible interferrence (hum, hiss, whatever)
>>> that may occur in the connection.
>>>
>>> Kevin
>>> _______________________________________________
>>
>> Interesting input. I have used Coax S\PDIF inputs for years and never
>> had a problem.  I don't really understand the benefit of optical and
>> am not sure why people use it, to be honest.  You just need to be
>> careful of your grounds, make sure they are all the same reference.
>> You need to do this anyway as you are going to have video connections
>> that are not optical.
>>
> Optical just eliminates any issues with interference over the
> connection.  However, most systems use very cheap optical parts, so  
> you
> end up with added interference/errors in the electrical/optical  
> conversion
> process instead.  Overall I doubt there's much in it, unless you're
> running the connection through a particularly noisy area.

Optical cables (TOSLink) are great for long runs. Not very common in  
myth setups, but awfully common in recording studios which is where  
many of my components once lived. Coax is just as good on short runs.  
They should perform exactly the same.