How to Install Digital Fiber Optic Audio Cables [3+ Best Step]

Optical digital audio cables are becoming popular alternatives to traditional audio cables. While traditional audio cables use wire to transmit electrical signals, optical audio cables transmit light through fiber optic communications, making them immune to interference to which traditional cables are vulnerable.

In the past many people have chosen to use traditional cables due to the high cost of digital fiber optic audio cables, in recent years these cables have become a simple and convenient alternative to traditional cables. Because of their convenience and ease of installation, they are very desirable. If you have already purchased an optical digital audio cable and are looking for an installation guide or are about to decide whether to buy it or not, the following guide will help you.

Step 1: preparation

Verify that the devices you want to connect both accept optical audio cables. Look for square connection ports with a rounded bottom; they can be labeled "Optical" or, sometimes, "Digital". Remove and store the plastic covers from the ends of the cable. You will need it when you are done using optical digital audio cables.

Step 2: make the first connection

Connect one end of the cable to the port on the receiving device marked "Optical input". It can also be marked with "Digital In." If you inserted it correctly, you will hear a click indicating that the cable is securely fastened.

Step 3: make the second connection

Connect the other end of the cable to the port on the source device marked "Optical output". As with the port on the receiving device, it can also be marked as "digital input". As with the first port, you will hear a click if the cable has been connected correctly.

Step 4: confirm successful installation

Turn on the devices and test the connection by sending some data from the source device to the receiving device.

If you followed these steps correctly, the cable should now be installed. If, for some reason, data cannot be transmitted between the two devices, check that you have installed relevant software and that the devices are compatible. If the problem persists, try connecting two different devices with the cable. If that also doesn't work, you may have a defective cable. Take it back to your place of purchase to see if an exchange or return is possible.

Be sure to replace the plastic plugs when disconnecting the cable, to prevent dust from degrading the cable. Note that if you need to bend the cable to connect the two devices, an optical digital cable will not function optimally. Optical cables work by sending light pulses between two devices and the light cannot bend. Although some people report that they have successfully used folded optical digital audio cables, there is no guarantee that the cables will work during bending. Make sure the cable is as straight as possible before deciding it is defective.