Coaxial v.s Fiber Optics cables

[The sound guy]

Realizing that coaxial and fiber optic cables both utilize digital data, which one provides the best minimal error free signal transfer?

Thanks to all for their help,
Bob

[bandphan]

in short runs it wont make difference, refering to the toslink variety of optical cables, longer runs over 10' might require a amp

[avaserfi]

Both will result in the same exact signal. Some people get caught up in cable type and such, but I wouldn't worry about it. Just use whichever and you will be fine.

[Alex2507]

Fiber optic can not pick up EMI or RFI. It has a less than robust connector so if you plan to disconnect it a lot you should use the coaxial cable because of it's more sturdy connection and count on the cable's shielding to ward off interference.

Edit: Wow, other answers came quick!.

[Seth=L]

If a coaxial cable is shielded it shouldn't be affected by EMI and other interference.

[The sound guy]

I have one high-quality Monster Cable 6 ft toslink cable that got a permanant 45 degree bend near its end by touching a very hot trouble lamp I was using while installing cables in my home theatre. The jacket itself has a slight melt mark like a 'smiley'.

I functioned it and it appears to work, but I was wondering if there's a chance the bend could affect the accuracy of the digital data transmission, in which case I'll just accept the loss and pitch it.

Thanks,
Bob

[MDS]

Yes extreme bends can affect signal transfer. The light propogates through the tunnel due to the principle of total internal reflection. If there is a deep bend or kink in the plastic or glass that makes up the tunnel then the pulses may not reflect properly and timing could be messed up.

But if it works then no need to worry. It really has to be a pretty severe break to mess things up to the point where it is audible.

[rnatalli]

Either one. I personally use coaxial simply because of the connector.