What:
Toslink or optical cable is commonly used to transmit the digital audio from a media player to the A/V receiver. Computer’s sound card includes an S/PDIF interface which is used for the digital audio. Optical cable provides higher quality and clearer sound compared to the analog audio signal which is the common application when connecting a computer to the A/V receiver with an RCA-audio cable.
Why:
Most people connect their Home Theater PC (HTPC) with an analog RCA-audio cable without realizing that they could enjoy clearer digital audio with their existing devices. Digital optical audio in connection can be found from most A/V receivers. In addition, this enables you to enjoy Dolby Digital sound as the digital audio is transmitted through the optical cable. I have used it to replace an analog RCA-audio cable which connected my Mac Mini to the A/V receiver. This optical cable allows the receiver to do the digital-to-audio conversion and you can immediately hear that the sound is so much better.
How:
Use the optical input on your A/V receiver and Toslink to optical mini adapter. This Toslink Mini Adapter allows you to connect your HTPC’s digital audio output with the optical cable. You can use your existing optical cable and simply purchase an Toslink mini adapter or purchase a complete set which includes Toslink optical cable and mini plug. Another benefit of an additional Toslink mini adapter plug is that there are adapters that helps you to correctly orient your cable and provide less strain on the connector if the digital audio out in the computer is in an awkward place. This was the case with my old laptop which had the audio out connection sockets at the front of the laptop while I needed the cable to go behind the laptop.