A TOSLINK audio connection, also known as an optical audio connection or fiber optic audio connection, is a type of digital audio cable that uses optical fibers to transmit audio signals from one device to another.

TOSLINK stands for Toshiba Link, as the technology was originally developed by Toshiba in the early 1980s. The technology was later adopted by other companies and is now used in a wide range of audio devices, including home theaters, audio receivers, soundbars, and gaming consoles.

The TOSLINK cable is unique in that it uses light to transmit audio signals instead of electrical current. This makes it less susceptible to interference from electromagnetic fields and other sources of electrical noise. As a result, TOSLINK provides a cleaner and more reliable audio signal, especially over longer distances.

The TOSLINK connection operates using pulse-code modulation (PCM), a method of digital audio encoding that uses a series of numerical values to represent analog audio signals. The TOSLINK cable transmits these PCM signals as a series of light pulses that are decoded by the receiving device and converted back into a digital audio signal.

One advantage of TOSLINK is that it supports multiple audio channels, up to 7.1 surround sound. This makes it ideal for use with home theater systems and other audio setups that require high-quality, multi-channel audio.

TOSLINK cables are typically available in lengths ranging from a few feet to 50 feet or more. They are also compatible with a wide range of audio devices, including TVs, cable and satellite boxes, DVD and Blu-ray players, and game consoles.

In summary, a TOSLINK audio connection is an optical audio cable that uses light to transmit digital audio signals between devices. It provides a clean and reliable audio signal, supports multiple channels, and is compatible with a wide range of audio devices. If you want the best audio experience for your home theater system, soundbar, or gaming console, consider using a TOSLINK connection.