Question 1

What's exactly does this do? I don't mean to sound stupid, I just don't know?

Accepted Answer

Optical output is one of the early digital signals developed over traditional analog outputs.  Many devices can take advantage of the optical output from the device.  Early on, CD players could use this output as a digital signal and send it to your amp for sound processing.  More recently, sound bars are now using this signal.  Many HD/UHD TVs have an optical output and can send a signal to the soundbar using this interface.  It beats the old RCA outputs.

Question 2

If you use a good hdmi cable do you need a digital optical cable.

Accepted Answer

The answer is "it depends." My Samsung TV, for example, will accept the digital audio from my FiOS receiver, but it will convert the 5.1 signal to simple stereo for output. So, if I want the 5.1 signal to go to my home theater system, I need to ALSO use the Digital Optical cable and go directly from my FiOS box (and Blue Ray / DVD) directly to the home theater system. The TV will output a 5.1 signal for web programming (NetFlix / Amazon Prime), since it doesn't do a conversion like it does for HDMI input. Hope that makes sense. If you use a home theater, you should connect directly to it using the Digital Optical cable from the source.

Question 3

Does it help to connect to wireless headphones?

Accepted Answer

You will need some form of wireless communication from your audio source. Case 1: your audio is Bluetooth and your headphones are Bluetooth. Done.  Case 2: your audio is RCA phone jacks and your headphones are Bluetooth. Connect an analog audio to Bluetooth converter box. Done. Case 3: your TV only has Digital Optical Audio Toslink and your headphones are Bluetooth. Use an Amazon Basics Optical cable to an optical to RCA converter box. Then connect to a Bluetooth converter box.  Done. Only Case 3 requires the optical cable.

Question 4

Does not fit my in the optical input of my new 55 inchlg oled tv. seems cord connection is too small for optical input on tv. help??

Accepted Answer

There is usually a plastic or rubber protector on the tip that needs to be removed before plugging it in

ASIN	B00NH11H38
Best Sellers Rank	#287 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #2 in Fiber Optic Cables
Brand Name	Amazon Basics
Cable Type	Fiber Optic
Color	Black
Compatible Devices	Television
Compatible Phone Models	Audio System,Sound Bar,Home Theatre
Connectivity Technology	Toslink Cable
Connector Gender	Male-to-Male
Connector Type	TOSLINK
Customer Package Type	Standard Packaging
Customer Reviews	4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (172,717)
Global Trade Identification Number	00848719055474, 05008487190554
Indoor Outdoor Usage	Indoor, Outdoor
Item Shape	Round
Item Weight	2.66 ounces
Manufacturer	Amazon
Model	7GSW
Model Name	Digital Optical Audio Cable for Sound Bar
Number of Items	1
Number of Pins	2
Other Special Features of the Product	Tangle Free
Outer Material	Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Part Number	7GSW
Recommended Uses For Product	Connect Devices
UPC	848719055474
Unit Count	1.0 Count

Toslink Digital Optical Audio Fiber Optic Cable, Multi-Channel, for Sound Bar, Audio System, Home Theatre, Game Console, Blu-Ray Player, Gold-Plated Connectors, 6 Foot, Black

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