Optical Cable

I was wondering what advantages do Optical/Toslink Cables have over normal Stereo (Red&White) audio cords ?
Whats the highest channel Optical cords can output ?
I am wanting to use the Toslink/Optical cable to output my audio from PS3 & input into my PC when i get a sound card compatible with Optical . But the main question is …
Is it worth buying the Sound Card just to record&output better sound quality if I am going to be inputing an Optical Audio Cable (Toslink) ?

Thanks
Answer #1
Whats the highest channel Optical cords can output ?
5.1
Answer #2
thanks
Answer #3
And the connection is digital your going to get MUCH better results.
That said maybe you dont need such high quality for what it is you are doing ? That’s the kind of thing sound technicians or musicians would use but if you got the disposable income go for it
Answer #4
Whats the highest channel Optical cords can output ?
there’s no limit
5.1, 6.1, 7.1 or whatever
Answer #5
Doesn’t toslink only accept compressed 7.1? From what I’ve heard, HDMI is the way to go for audio.
Answer #6
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Answer #7
And the connection is digital your going to get MUCH better results.
That said maybe you dont need such high quality for what it is you are doing ? That's the kind of thing sound technicians or musicians would use but if you got the disposable income go for it
I’ve got an optical cable, nd im getting a capable sound card for gaming. Doesn't toslink only accept compressed 7.1? From what I've heard, HDMI is the way to go for audio.
I use HDMI but the audio goes to my TV nd i want to record great sound instead of standard Stereo cords. So i will use HDMI -> TV for Video. Optical Out -> Optical In to PC -> Out to my surround speakers.