The maximum length of an optical audio cable depends on the specific cable and the quality of the signal you need. Generally, you can expect to achieve good sound quality with lengths up to 15 meters (50 feet).
However, there are factors that can affect this:
- Cable Quality: Higher-quality cables with thicker cores and better shielding can handle longer distances without signal degradation.
- Signal Strength: The strength of the signal being transmitted also plays a role. A strong signal can travel further than a weak one.
- Environmental Factors: External interference, such as electromagnetic fields, can impact signal quality.
Practical Insights:
- For shorter distances, like connecting a TV to a soundbar, a standard 1.5-meter (5-foot) cable is sufficient.
- For longer distances, consider using a fiber optic cable, which can transmit signals over much greater distances with minimal loss.
Examples:
- You could use a 5-meter (16-foot) optical cable to connect your Blu-ray player to your AV receiver.
- A 10-meter (33-foot) optical cable could be used to connect a home theater system to a projector in a large room.
