For 30+ Audio run, hdmi or optical?

[BLindsay]

Basically its just for playing music from my computer to reciever so i dont care about lossless. But i just wonder whats better for a long run cause technically speaking shouldnt the optical cable be less prone to any kind of interference? (the run will be straight up the wall throught the ceiling and then straight down on the otherside of the room)

[Grevlin]

Will it always be JUST audio? Cost may be an issue. I just ordered a 50' HDMI from monoprice for $50.

So do you have hdmi and optical outputs from your computer?? I understood it as audio streaming from your computer to the receiver.

[zicmubleu]

Originally Posted by BLindsay

Basically its just for playing music from my computer to reciever so i dont care about lossless. But i just wonder whats better for a long run cause technically speaking shouldnt the optical cable be less prone to any kind of interference? (the run will be straight up the wall throught the ceiling and then straight down on the otherside of the room)

I would think HDMI would be better simply because it has more capabilities as well as more tolerance for any bending in the cable. Optical cables really have to be carefully arranged since it is more subject to breakage and sharp bends can add loss that might exceed the spec's of the termination electronics. Futureproof yourself and get a high grade HDMI cable, I think people recommend BlueJeans cable for superior quality over Monoprice.

[BLindsay]

Originally Posted by Grevlin

Will it always be JUST audio? Cost may be an issue. I just ordered a 50' HDMI from monoprice for $50.

So do you have hdmi and optical outputs from your computer?? I understood it as audio streaming from your computer to the receiver.

yes it will always just be audio, yes my computer has optical, digital coax and hdmi outputs

[Grevlin]

Originally Posted by BLindsay

yes it will always just be audio, yes my computer has optical, digital coax and hdmi outputs

Buff audio card, I say hdmi. The 50' hdmi I got from monoprice has excellent build quality- weighs a ton and is very well constructed. ($50)

[matthewrounds]

If money is not a huge issue, I'd go with the HDMI cable. This is only because I know that it is more likely to get reused for another application in the future.

If money is a concern, get a Fiber Optic Cable.

[Driver_King]

Originally Posted by BLindsay

Basically its just for playing music from my computer to reciever so i dont care about lossless. But i just wonder whats better for a long run cause technically speaking shouldnt the optical cable be less prone to any kind of interference? (the run will be straight up the wall throught the ceiling and then straight down on the otherside of the room)

Regardless of if you are using lossless right now, if for whenever or whatever reason you decide to connect your HTPC to a receiver for lossless, you could do that with an HDMI cable. If you just want to save money, get an optical cable. If you want a cool looking one, get this. You may also want to look at this if you want just another option.

[BLindsay]

Originally Posted by Grevlin

Buff audio card, I say hdmi. The 50' hdmi I got from monoprice has excellent build quality- weighs a ton and is very well constructed. ($50)

well the onboard sound has the optical and digital coax, my video card actually has the hdmi out (and yes the hdmi out on my video card passes audio as well)

[kevinokev]

That is some card. What do you happen to have ?