DVD players, High Definition Televisions, Blue Ray players all have something in common. They each need a special cable to function properly regardless of your audio/video television provider.

HDMI or High Definition Multimedia Interface cables connect your HiDef or Plasma television to a receiver such as a cable box or satellite receiver. It transmits uncompressed data from the receiver to your television. Although it is not necessary to view digital transmissions, it does provide a clearer picture and sound than using the coaxial cable provided by the receiver provider.

Toslink cables or TOShiba Link cables use fiber optics to transmit data. In fact, Toshiba copyrighted the name Toslink though today it describes a type of cable more often than as a reference to a brand name.

These cables are not interchangeable. The HDMI cables have a USB type connector on both ends that connect your television or home theater system and receiver. It usually has a gold colored tip.

The Toslink cable has a plug type connector such as the ones for cell phone chargers on both ends. Again, you connect your television to your audio/video output device.

HDMI and Toslink will work simultaneously on one system. However, they do interfere with each other’s performance on occasion. Most of our research showed it is better to use one or the other.

Modern televisions, home theater centers, and stereo centers have input spaces provided for both cables. When you purchase an output device such as a blue ray player, DVD player, or other digital image and sound device they will provide the right cable.

Now here is the catch. Digital receivers for satellite or cable come in two types. The standard type of receiver, while digital, is not high definition capable. You will have to get a new receiver from the company. Most companies charge a fee for the high definition receivers. Many also require an upgrade of service as well.

Before you rush out to buy your new home theater system or plasma television, consider the costs involved. Unlike buying peripheral devices for your computer where you have to purchase separate cables, these are included in the purchase. However, they may not be compatible with your current system. There are no adapters available to help these products bridge from one system to another.