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HDMI Cable Vs. Optical Cable for the XBox 360 Elite

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cables are, as their name suggests, a data-intensive means of transmitting audio and video from a media device to an output such as stereo or television. Optical cables are another audio transmission format, using pulses of light to relay sound data. Both are available for Microsoft Xbox 360, and both have different advantages to offer.
  1. Quality

    • The number one concern for many people weighing up HDMI against optical cables is the sound quality that either format is able to offer. The short answer is that HDMI offers a higher sound quality than optical cables. Electronics salesman Danny Goulter explains: "HDMI was developed to work with high definition devices. That means it transports uncompressed audio and video data, allowing crystal clear sound from a compatible audio receiver. Optical cables were comparatively impressive in the pre-HD days, but because they have to compress the signal, it&'s never going to be as clear as HDMI." This means your Xbox 360 can deliver clearer music, more audible movie soundtracks and deeper, more authentic in-game sound.

    Compatibility

    • The reason many Xbox 360 gamers choose optical over HDMI is its wider compatibility base. While top-of-the-line stereo receivers and systems incorporate HDMI sound as standard, optical ports have been standard on even mid-range home stereo systems since the late 1990s. This means that the audio quality of optical cables--which is still higher than standard-definition RCA cables--is accessible to far more people than the high-end audiophile standard offered by HDMI cables and receivers. If choosing an audio setup from scratch, HDMI is the superior choice, but for connecting your Xbox 360 to an existing setup, an optical port is far more likely to be among your options.

    Cost

    • Optical cables have the advantage over HDMI in the price war. While new optical cables can be purchased online for as little as one cent, HDMI cables can retail for anything between $20 to $100 in 2010. This is the case for two reasons. Firstly, the cables contain more sophisticated wiring than the elegant simplicity of an optical lead, and so materials and manufacturing are more costly. Secondly, because HDMI is a newer format, manufacturers can charge higher markups on the cables.

    Ease of Use

    • Both HDMI and optical cables are designed to be easy to connect and set up. However, because HDMI is a video and audio solution in one, it offers an easier setup than optical. Setting up optical audio for your Xbox 360 still requires connecting a separate video cable, then delving into the system&'s settings to divide the two signals. Plugging in an HDMI cable, however, is a one-step process.

    Durability

    • Many Xbox 360 gamers like to transport their systems often, for LAN parties and gaming get-togethers. If transporting the audio setup as well, HDMI has a slight edge in this regard. HDMI cables contain thicker shielding and insulation, necessary to provide a clear signal; this means the cables are less susceptible to strain or wear-and-tear than the lightweight optical cables.


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