Confused! Toslink and/or audio analog cables (1 Viewer)

[Eddie L]

I haven't found the answer anywhere, and this may be a dumb question, but........
I have a DVD and laser disc player that have toslink cable outs.
Will these only output digital audio from a disc that puts out digital audio?
Do I need to also connect the 'ole red/white audio analog connector cables also, for playing discs that don't output digital audio?
Will the toslink do both?
Thanks everyone,
Ed

 

[Michael Reuben]

The answer is different for a DVD player and an LD player.

DVDs only have digital audio signals. A Toslink connection from the DVD player is sufficient for all purposes.

With the exception of older titles that are analog only, LDs have both digital and analog audio tracks. On some LDs, these are identical, but on many they're not. For example, all commentary tracks on LD are analog. If the LD player is connected only by Toslink, you will not be able to play the analog tracks. That's why LD players should be connected for both digital and analog output. (And, of course, getting Dolby Digital from an LD player is a whole separate topic.)

M.

 

[Eddie L]

Thank you Michael!