Digital vs. Analog

[rack04]

Maybe the topic is not a well representation of this question but here it goes. Can a digital coax cable transmit analog signals? The reason for the question is that I am trying to figure out if I will need a set of analog rca cables to receive the analog signals from my digital cable box to my receiver.

 

[markw]

"Digital" coaxial cables with RCA connectors on the ends can be used for analog signals with no problems

 

[rack04]

So, for example, these cables will transmit digital and analog signals, but optical will not?

 

[markw]

Socratic method of answering questions by asking others.

1) Can you name any analog signals that are tranfered opticaly?

2) Can you physicaly attach an optical cable to an analog circuit path?

3) Did you know that optical cable passes light while coaxial passes electricity?

FWIW, your page won't display 'cause I don't allow all cookies but these are good questions to think about anyhow.

 

[rack04]

I guess what I am getting at is, if I hook up the digital cable receiver with a digital coax cable to the A/V receiver will I not hear any of the analog only signals?

 

[Unregistered]

If you hook up ONLY the digital coax cable from coax digital out on the cable box to coax digital in on the receiver, then NO you will not be able to hear sound from analog only channels. You must also connect cables from the analog audio outs of the cable box to the analog audio in on the receiver.

As markw already said, you can use the 'digital' coax cable for analog audio (except you need two of them, one for the left and one for the right).

So to get both digital and analog signals from the cable box to the receiver you need 3 cables:
1. 1 digital coax (any 75Ohm cable will do)
2. 2 analog audio cables (l/r). You can use normal 50 Ohm analog audio cables (color code white for left and red for right) or the same digital coax you used for the digital connection.

 

[zipper]

No,no,& yes.Did you know that light is actually measurable in frequencies?

 

[markw]

Did you know that light is actually measurable in frequencies?

Yes, but it's called wavelengths. And until light can be transmitted through a coaxial connector, I'll stand by my analogy.