aq_cable_theory 20 | Biblioteca audio audioquest

a Toslink cable is carrying five (5.1 or more) channels of audio information. It is the only single cable

OptiLink 1 has a very modest price, that first step from normal cable into the

was to continue to broadcast a b&w "Y" signal, but to supplement it with a second "C" signal at a high-

ater. All our many types of cable which carry a picture, are under the CinemaQuest banner. Video is

Component video is the somewhat confusing name for a three wire system which carries the "Y",

OptiLink 1 uses a low-loss low-jitter synthetic fiber, a precision machined termination (to minimize

LaserDisc is composite. The "S" output on an LD player will only outperform the composite output if

the core of the CQ line. Some CQ products, such as OptiLink 1, 2 and 4, have important applications

paragraph). "Y" is that same b&w signal as in Y/C cable (see previous paragraph). "I" and "Q" are the

CQ OptiLink cables can make so much difference because, when used in a Home Theater system,

the LD player's filters (which separate composite into Y and C) are better than the filters in the TV set.

dispersion and reflections), a brass ferrule plug, correct cladding (the fiber's intimate covering), and

er frequency. This is why broadcast TV and VHS tape recorders are Y/C media. Since an S-VHS tape

all the audio information. Performance is equally important no matter the number of channels, but the

components (get it?) of a "C" signal. In order to derive three colors from a b&w signal, there need to

and the type of plugs on the end.

machine has an "S" (Y/C) output, it gives you direct access to the separate Y and C signals, whether

There are four different systems for transferring a video signal. All four systems need low-distortion

S-Video is a two cable system which carries the two basic parts of a composite signal separately. The

When color TV was brought to market, it had to be compatible with existing b&w TV sets. The solution

Composite video requires a single high quality cable to carry the complete video signal. Standard

ing the color information is called "C". This explains why the proper name for this system is "Y/C".

Video Cables

CinemaQuest OptiLink 1 provides significantly higher performance than

products all have a significant role in Home Cinema ... which is much of the purpose of Home The-

Page 20

"I" and "Q" signals. Slightly confusing because the components of a color signal are RGB (see next

CABLE THEORY

cable is doing two and half (or more) times the "work" in a Home Theater system.

outside video (CD transport or MiniDisc to DAC). All the AQ brand products are also ideal in a Home

CQ OptiLink series, is the biggest step .... the most sonic improvement.

high-bandwidth 75 cables. The differences are in how many channels of signal need to be carried,

effective mechanical damping (cushioning for the fiber). The result is low distortion and better sound

connectors are either RCA or BNC plugs.

from this reliable cable.

machines will provide better performance than a composite output. However, the video signal on a

Theater. However, the video based world is a little less central to the existence of AQ brand products.

that so globally affects the performance. In a two channel application, a Toslink cable is also carrying

from a tape or from an over-the-air broadcast. "S" outputs on tape machines, cameras, DSS and DVD

is often thought possible with the Toslink interface system. Even though

black and white picture signal is known as "Y" and the signal containing all the information for decod-