All DVD players include at least one digital audio output for sending the Dolby Digital or DTS bitstream to a compatible decoder. Digital data transfer offers extremely wide bandwidth, immunity to radio frequency (RF) interference, and an easy one-cable connection. The two most common types of digital output are coaxial and optical. Both types require a special cable to connect to the digital input of your Dolby Digital/DTS-equipped in-dash receiver or surround processor.
A pure digital audio signal output that allows for a digital connection. The output comes in either a coaxial cable (RCA type)or a TOSLink optical cable. Digital outputs provide less noise and interference than any other type of connection.
most DVD players have digital audio outputs in order to send a Dolby Digital soundtrack to a Dolby Digital decoder or Dolby Digital TV. These digital outputs are normally either co-axial or optical, though many DVD players are equipped with both.
Transducer output that represents the magnitude of the measurand in the form of a series of discrete quantities coded in a system of notation.
Allows DTS or Dolby Digital signals to be taken from a DVD player and fed to an external decoder.
Allows the digital signal to be recorded or processed by an offboard DAC. Electrical or optical (fibre optic) outputs are provided.
Digital outputs transmit a bitstream digital data. This data is used to carry a Dolby Digital or DTS audio program. A compatible decoder is needed to receive the signal. Digital outputs offer a broader frequency response, immunity to interference, and a single cable connection. Digital outputs come in two forms optical, and digital. For both a special cable is needed.
normally an optical socket, enabling a digital link between your hi-fi and another digital source such as a MiniDisc recorder so that you can record digitally.
Allows an external DAC, in a mixer or recorder for example, to process or record the digital sound.
An output where the signal is in digital form to allow external processing before being converted to an analog signal.
A jack that delivers digital signals to downstream components, often via a fiber-optic cable.
An output signal which represents the size of an input in the form of a series of discrete quantities.
The two most common types of digital output are optical and coaxial. Optical digital connections require a special type of fiber optic cable. Virtually all home audio/video equipment with optical outputs or inputs require cables with Toslink connector plugs, while most portable digital devices use optical mini-jacks. Though coaxial digital connections use standard RCA-style jacks, a coaxial digital audio cable designed specifically for the wider frequency bandwidth of digital signals is recommended.
MiniDisc players may include optical (Toslink) and/or coaxial digital outputs. You'll need a special type of cable to connect to the digital inputs of your receiver, CD recorder, DAT deck, or external D/A converter. Keep in mind that portable MD players do not have digital outputs. Also, SCMS technology will not allow you to make a second-generation digital duplicate of copy-protected audio.
Coaxial/optical output on a DVD player for sending a Dolby Digital bitstream to a Dolby Digital decoder.
A sensor that exists in only one of two states: "on" or "off." The outputs of most sensors and sensing systems is digital.
On all DAT decks, as well as some DCC decks and CD, LV, and DVD players, this is the coaxial or fiber-optic output that can pass digital signals to outboard DIA converters or surround processors or other digital recorders. While it may be useful as a way to transfer digital data to another recording device for dubbing purposes or to an AC-3 decoder, connecting a digital output to an outboard converter to improve" ordinary playback sound quality beyond what a typical (even cheap) unit's built-in DIA converter can deliver is pointless and may actually reduce sound quality.
A signal output connection in digital format using TOSLINK connectors.
A digital signal generated by the data acquisition and control equipment. A digital signal has only 2 states. Software controls each digital output by just one bit - setting the digital line high or low. For more information see Issue 71 of our Monitor Newsletter.
