[Rathji]

I was going to post this on the cheap HDMI cables thread, then realized it deserved its own. I got a new HD TV, HD Satelite Box, and a 5.1 sound system on Boxing Day. I initially did not realize the Sat box was DVI, so I bought the wrong cables from Memory Express and have worked it out with video component cables for the present time, while I order the proper cable from Monoprice.com.

Since I am placing the order, I am going to be replacing some of my older audio and/or RCA cables as well. During my setup I noticed an optical port on the back of my DVD Recorder and at least one other component and was wondering what is was used for? Is it Audio, Video, or both? and is it any better than what I am using now? There is no mention of it in any doumentation that I can see.

Right now I am using
- S Video/Digital Audio Coax from DVD player
- (soon to be) DVI-> HDMI Cable / Digital Audio Coax from Satellite Box


Clearly I am out of date on this stuff since before this new setup I have never used anything but Coax or Red/White/(Yellow) RCA cables.