S/PDIF cables transmit better sound that standard stereo connectors.
An S/PDIF cable is a type of specialized audio connection. This type of cable transmits high-quality sound using a modified optical or electrical cable. These cables were originally developed as part of a partnership between Sony and Phillips. As a result, S/PDIF connectors are found on components made by those companies more often than others.
Instructions
1. Unplug the power cords of the devices you need to connect.
2. Spin the devices around so you can look at the cable connections.
3. Verify that both devices have S/PDIF ports. The ports should be clearly labeled as "S/PDIF" or "S/PDIF Optical." If you have both options, the optical version will give better quality sound.
4. Plug each end of your S/PDIF cable into your devices; make sure you use the same type of port on each device. For example, don’t try to plug the cable into the optical on one and the standard on the other. Either end of the cable can plug into either component.
5. Turn the components back around and plug them back in.
6. Power on the devices and set the receiver’s sound input feed to that of the S/PDIF connection. For most devices, there will be an "AUX" or "Optical" setting that controls the S/PDIF port.
7. Adjust your sound. You will find that the different inputs will have a different volume, and the S/PDIF port may be much louder or softer than you normally use.
Tags: cable into, PDIF cable, PDIF port