HDMI and Optical Cable (TOSLink) Audio Comparison

So I just purchased a AV Receiver that comes with HDMI input (few weeks ago), so i plug in my PS3 and played some music through it the sound quality was clear and loud. I tested the same song again using Optical Cable (TOSLink) for sound output and the sound that came out of the Speaker was not as loud as the HDMI (same volume level on the Receiver).

Optical Cable (TOSLink) and HDMI Cable

For those ppl that own a PS3 should already know that PS3 7.1 channel surround sound can only be output from HDMI cable (Mention on the Manual). Those that used TOSLink will only get 5.1 and with usual AV cable you get 2.1.

The HDMI pin out

The HDMI and TOSLink both used digital signal to transfer information while the AV cable used analog signal. TOSLink used fiber optic technology, and it has maximun range of 10m (but user are recommend to have it less than 5m), and it can only be used to transfer audio signal. Currently it supports almost all formats except for the latest Dolby Digital Plus, TrueHD and DTS HD audio streams.

The HDMI on the other side is has not declared any maximum cable length like TOSLink. It transfer Audio and Graphic signal together and support all the latest audio formats (depends on the HDMI version).

So if you were to purchase either 1 of the cable, what price do you expect to paid? If I tell you that the cheapest one will do, I think you will most likely don't believe me. As i mention earlier this 2 types of cable delivers digital signal which are like 10101010. Unlike Analog signal that works on frequency and easily suffer on distortion due to distance!

So for digital signal you either get a very nice sound or you don't get anything!

What is the biggest different between a cheap cable with very expensive one?
For HDMI and TOSLink cable the more expensive one only give u a better quality cable or a little bit more bandwidth and include a lot of loyalty fees! Since HDMI came from DVI, and have u ever seen any super expensive DVI cable which sells more than RM200??? Same goes with TOSLink do you really think that a more expensive cable will help it transmit light better???

Conclusion is just go and grab a cheap cable, it will be enough to serve your needs!