A digital audio port carries sound as digital data, but the label does not identify one universal connector. On TVs and home-audio equipment, it commonly means an S/PDIF optical or digital coaxial port; HDMI ARC/eARC is another way to send a TV’s audio to a soundbar or receiver. Check the port label, its direction and the audio formats the devices support before choosing a cable or converter.
What does “digital audio port” mean?
It is a general name for a physical connection that carries audio in digital form. The connector might be optical, digital coaxial or part of an HDMI connection; the phrase alone does not tell you which cable fits or which audio formats will work.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
On consumer TVs and home-audio equipment, labels may include “S/PDIF,” “Digital Audio,” “Optical Audio,” “TOSLINK” or “Digital Coaxial.” As Philips Support explains, “The S/PDIF jacks on your TV & external audio devices could be labelled S/PDIF, Digital Audio, Optical Audio, TOSLINK or Digital Coaxial.” Inspect the shape and exact label, and consult the device manual if the port’s role is unclear.
What is S/PDIF?
S/PDIF stands for Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format. It is used for digital audio over two different physical connection types: optical and coaxial. Both can carry an S/PDIF signal, but their plugs and cables are not interchangeable.
#1 Best Overall
- Optical digital audio cable: Perfect for equipment with a TOSLINK interface (OPT In / OPT Out or S/PDIF In / S/PDIF Out). TOSLINK connector to TOSLINK connector (F05 connector)
- Versatile: Ideal for transmitting crystal-clear digital audio from your TV, video game console (PS3/PS4/Xbox One), DVD/Blu-ray player, or TV streaming box to a soundbar, amplifier/amp, stereo/Hi-Fi system, D/A converter, and more
- High-End: This metal-free fiber optic audio cable, featuring a fully flexible PVC jacket, is entirely immune to electrical interference. Each cable undergoes multi-stage testing during manufacturing to ensure maximum product quality and durability
- 24K gold-plated connectors: Corrosion resistant gold plating keeps connectors clean. And because these cables are fiber optic, they provide 100 % signal transmission with 0 % loss
- No risk: 36 months manufacturer warranty
Optical (TOSLINK)
An optical connection sends the audio bitstream as pulses of light through fiber-optic cable. It uses a TOSLINK-style connector. Keep the connectors clean and avoid sharply bending the cable, which can interfere with the optical path. Philips and Sony describe optical as one of the S/PDIF connection types. (Philips Support; Sony Support)
Digital coaxial
Digital coaxial audio uses an electrical coaxial cable with RCA-type connectors. Although the plugs may look like familiar RCA audio connectors, use a cable intended for digital audio rather than assuming an ordinary analog RCA lead is suitable. Sony notes that digital coaxial cable is designed for the digital bitstream’s wider frequency bandwidth. (Sony Support)
Rank #2
- Please REMOVE the end protective caps before using the cable.
- IN THE BOX: 6-foot digital optical audio Toslink cable.
- CLEAR AUDIO: Multi-channel, fiber-optic digital audio output; corrosion resistant gold-plated connectors and buffer tubing for optimal signal transfer.
- DURABLE: Lightweight, flexible cable with a rugged PVC exterior and removable rubber tips that protect the cable when not plugged in; remove before using.
- CONNECTS DEVICES: Quickly connects a sound bar, CD player, Blu-Ray player, game console, or other device to an audio system or TV.
How do you connect digital audio ports?
Match the output on the source device to a compatible input on the TV, receiver or soundbar. “Out” and “In” labels matter: a cable cannot make a connection work if the signal is going the wrong way.
Recommended Free Tools
| What the devices show | Typical connection | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Out and Optical In | TOSLINK optical cable | Confirm both ports are optical and check the source’s supported output format. Philips Support |
| Digital Coaxial Out and Digital Coaxial In | Digital coaxial cable with matching RCA-type ends | Verify that both ports are digital coaxial, not analog RCA. Philips Support; Sony Support |
| Optical on one device and digital coaxial on the other | Optical-to-coaxial or coaxial-to-optical converter | Choose the converter for the actual signal direction: identify its input and output, then confirm compatibility with both devices. Philips Support |
| HDMI ARC/eARC on the TV and sound system | HDMI cable between the labeled ARC/eARC ports | Check ARC/eARC support and audio-format capabilities on both devices. HDMI Licensing Administrator |
What if the optical and coaxial ports do not match?
Use a converter that accepts the source device’s connection type and outputs the destination device’s type. For example, an optical output feeding a coaxial input requires an optical-to-coaxial converter; the reverse connection needs a coaxial-to-optical converter. Check the converter’s input and output labels rather than relying on its product name alone. Philips Support describes converters for these mismatched S/PDIF connections (Philips Support).
Rank #3
- Optical digital audio cable: Perfect for equipment with a TOSLINK interface (OPT In / OPT Out or S/PDIF In / S/PDIF Out). TOSLINK connector to TOSLINK connector (F05 connector)
- Versatile: Ideal for transmitting crystal-clear digital audio from your TV, video game console (PS3/PS4/Xbox One), DVD/Blu-ray player, or TV streaming box to a soundbar, amplifier/amp, stereo/Hi-Fi system, D/A converter, and more
- High-End: This metal-free fiber optic audio cable, featuring a fully flexible PVC jacket, is entirely immune to electrical interference. Each cable undergoes multi-stage testing during manufacturing to ensure maximum product quality and durability
- 24K gold-plated connectors: Corrosion resistant gold plating keeps connectors clean. And because these cables are fiber optic, they provide 100 % signal transmission with 0 % loss
- No risk: 36 months manufacturer warranty
How is HDMI ARC/eARC different?
ARC and eARC are audio-return features built into HDMI, not optical or coaxial S/PDIF sockets. They let a TV send audio back to an AVR or soundbar over an HDMI cable connected to the devices’ labeled ARC/eARC ports. The HDMI Licensing Administrator describes ARC as enabling a TV to send audio data “upstream” to an AVR or soundbar; eARC is an enhanced return channel that can support high-bitrate formats. Which formats actually work depends on the capabilities of both devices. (HDMI Licensing Administrator)
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which digital audio connection should you use?
There is no universally best choice based on the word “digital” alone. Choose a connection the source and destination both support, then verify the audio format you want to use in their manuals. Compare these points:
Rank #4
- 【Extra-Long 10ft Cable for Flexible Setup】iVANKY 10ft optical audio cable provides just the right length to connect your devices comfortably - no more struggling with cables that are too short. Enjoy the same pristine, lossless audio quality while having the freedom to arrange your home theater, gaming system, or audio components exactly how you want
- 【Ultra-Clear Audio Quality with Japan Toray Original Fiber Core】iVANKY optical audio cable uses Japan Toray Original Fiber Core to deliver zero-distortion, lossless audio. This toslink cable is compatible with uncompressed PCM audio and compressed 5.1 to 7.1 surround sound systems, including Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD High Resolution, and LPCM. This digital optical audio cable ensures a wide dynamic range for an immersive listening experience
- 【Universal Device Compatibility】This optical cable for soundbar and home theaters connects seamlessly to a wide range of devices with standard Toslink (s/PDIF, Optical) ports, such as TVs, Soundbar, Speaker, Receiver, PS4, Xbox, Blu-Ray players, and more. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enhance their audio setup with a fiber optic cable that works flawlessly across multiple devices
- 【24K Gold-plated Connectors & Superior Durability】 Unlike conventional PVC jackets, iVANKY optical cable features a high-quality nylon braided jacket that withstands over 16,000 bends, making it highly durable and resistant to breakage. The aluminum shell and 24K gold-plated connectors prevent tarnishing and maintain conductivity over time, ensuring long-lasting performance
- 【Precision Design】The precisely designed cuboid connectors of this digital optical audio cable make installation easy and secure. The flexible and lightweight nylon material ensures hassle-free handling. Additionally, removable rubber caps protect the connectors from dust and oxidation when not in use. CL3-rated, this cable is also designed for in-wall installation, providing flexibility for your setup
- Connector: Match optical to optical, digital coaxial to digital coaxial, or HDMI ARC/eARC to a compatible ARC/eARC port.
- Direction: Connect the source’s audio output to the destination’s audio input, or use the TV’s ARC/eARC return path where supported.
- Format: Confirm that both devices support the format you intend to send; a connector by itself does not establish format compatibility.
- Mismatch: For optical and coaxial S/PDIF ports that do not match, select a converter with the correct input and output direction.
For device-specific setup, use the exact TV and receiver or soundbar model numbers and the labels printed beside their ports.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Quick Recap
Best Value
- Optical digital audio cable: Perfect for equipment with a TOSLINK interface (OPT In / OPT Out or S/PDIF In / S/PDIF Out). TOSLINK connector to TOSLINK connector (F05 connector)
- Versatile: Ideal for transmitting crystal-clear digital audio from your TV, video game console (PS3/PS4/Xbox One), DVD/Blu-ray player, or TV streaming box to a soundbar, amplifier/amp, stereo/Hi-Fi system, D/A converter, and more
- High-End: This metal-free fiber optic audio cable, featuring a fully flexible PVC jacket, is entirely immune to electrical interference. Each cable undergoes multi-stage testing during manufacturing to ensure maximum product quality and durability
- 24K gold-plated connectors: Corrosion resistant gold plating keeps connectors clean. And because these cables are fiber optic, they provide 100 % signal transmission with 0 % loss
- No risk: 36 months manufacturer warranty
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
