What is optical output on a TV?

The latest TV models can deliver excellent images, including 4K extension. However, the ability to reproduce high-quality sound in many devices is not at a high level. This is explained by the fact that the body of the equipment is becoming smaller and thinner and it is difficult to fit a good acoustic system there. You can output sound from your TV to more advanced speakers using an optical cable.

What is optical output on TV

Fiber optic developments began to develop rapidly in the second half of the 20th century. In the 80s, a special fiberglass-based cord was developed that transmits a light signal over enormous distances. The resulting development has found wide application in telecommunications systems. Optical output is the most modern and advanced method of transmitting sound without interference or distortion. The sound quality remains at the highest level. This is possible by eliminating the influence of various types of electromagnetic radiation on the signal. This output is available on new TV models, as well as various multimedia equipment.

LEDs are used as transmitters. They are special semiconductor mechanisms. A photodetector is used as a receiver in combination with an amplifier to recreate the distorted signal. The cord consists of the following parts:

• Shell.It is a mirror coating that gives complete internal reflection.
• Core. It is made from elements with an insignificant refractive index.

ATTENTION! One of the main features of this type of wire is its difficulty in connecting at the cut site. This procedure requires special devices and high precision. In this regard, ready-made wires of multiple lengths are used for home use.

Its functions

One of the perfect methods for directing sound from a TV receiver to speakers is the use of an optical output. It is this that provides the best quality of audio signal transmission. This connector allows you to send and receive multifunctional digital audio signals to your device. The television receiver must have a special connector - OPTICAL OUT. The main function is to create high quality sound.

Thus, when watching multi-channel films, it is recommended to use both built-in and attached speakers. The TV is capable of transmitting medium frequencies well, such as the human voice. Music systems act as adding special effects. Many modern fiber light transmission devices involve the following basic data transmission paths:

• Formation of an optical signal using electrical conversion.
• Repetition of sound without distortion and transmission of its strength.
• Optical signal reception
• Converting an optical signal into an electrical one.

However, it should be understood that high-quality cables can only work truly well with high-end equipment. They are able to cope even with very complex tasks.

Causes of failure

When purchasing a cable, you should pay special attention to the surface and general condition of the product. It should not be twisted or have creases. Damage of this kind occurs due to poor storage and transportation. Such deformations can lead to both signal distortion and complete failure of the device. Before installation, you must carefully study the instructions and recommendations. Let's look at possible problems that users encounter, as well as ways to solve them:

1. If you connect the speaker system to the TV and there is no sound, you need to change or check the settings of the TV receiver. In most models, switching automatically occurs only to headphones.
2. If there is no sound, it is also important to double-check that the cable is connected correctly. It is necessary that the OPTICAL OUT cord connector on the TV is connected to the OPTICAL IN connector on the system receiver. The signal should be supplied strictly from the TV output connector to the receiver output connector. Otherwise, there may be no sound.
3. If there is sound, but you are satisfied with its volume, then in the settings increase the volume for the signal supplied to the output being used.
4. You also need to make sure that this function is supported by the TV and that the cable is connected to the connector labeled accordingly. For example, audio output.

The sound may not be directed to external speakers. They will play whenever they are turned on. When both types of amplifiers play simultaneously, in most cases you will hear echoes and various noises. This is due to the long time it takes to convert digital to analog. Many users note this nuance and call it the effect of being in an empty hall.In such cases, you should set Mute to the built-in speakers or reduce their indicators to almost zero so that the indicator of the disabled amplifier does not blink.

REFERENCE! Make sure that the equipment settings are set to output sound to the speaker system.

What are there

When purchasing a fiber optic device, there are no fundamental differences depending on the manufacturer or design. The same cannot be said about analog connections. A high-quality product must be made from many tiny fibers of small thickness. When choosing, you should still pay attention to the main characteristics:

• Length. This figure should not exceed 5-10 m. There are cases when settings are made for signal transmission up to 30 m. In these options, you need to understand that the quality of the devices will depend on the TV model.
• Bandwidth. In most cases it should be up to 11 MHz and the higher the better. This parameter is especially important for multi-channel audio with high sampling rates.

IMPORTANT! It should be noted that most ordinary consumers cannot distinguish between the quality transmitted over optical and coaxial wires.

Fiber optic cable costs several times more than regular coaxial cable. Therefore, its use is justified only in Hi-Fi devices, and also if the signal is transmitted over a distance of more than 10 meters.

Most television receivers are not designed to create high-quality audio, because... Speakers cannot reproduce sounds over a wide range of frequencies. Optical audio output from the TV comes to the rescue. Before buying cords in a store, you should make sure that the required connectors are present in the equipment.