Home theatre installation can involve climbing a pretty steep learning curve, so we here at PrimeCables.ca would like to take the time to clarify the various types of A/V cables you might be considering when preparing to DIY and create your very first home theatre setup.

If you’re a simple person looking for the simple answer: HDMI.

We recommend HDMI cables because they transmit audio and video signals flawlessly and in high definition across a multitude of devices. Whether you’re intending on inserting a sound system, game console, cable box, multimedia center, or desktop into your home theatre, HDMI delivers uncompressed audio via 8 channels, providing full 7.1 surround sound compatibility that comes standard with Blu-Ray players, as well as high def video, including 3D and 4K formats.

We have a huge selection of HDMI cables and adapters in our catalogue, although our number one top selling HDMI cable is the PrimeCables® Licensed HDMI® 2.0 Cable (with Zinc-Alloy), regularly priced $7.99, on sale now until the end of October for just $5.99. Featuring gold-plated connectors, 4K and 3D video support, up to 32 audio channel output, and built-in HDMI Ethernet capability, this is one of the best HDMI cables available on the Canadian market right now.

You might have special hardware or A/V demands in your home theatre, and that’s fine. Here’s everything you need to know:

There’s Optical / Toslink, which works via transmission by light pulses, once more prevalent than it is today. Although less commonplace now because of the predominance of cheaper HDMI cables, Toslink provides minimal signal degradation. But, even though it delivers optimal sound quality, it is limited to providing only up to 5.1 surround sound. Our recommended Toslink cable is the PrimeCables® 5.0mm Optical Toslink Cable, available in a variety of lengths starting at just $1.99 each.

There’s also Digital Coax, which delivers 5.1 surround sound audio, and remains in common use. Usually, its purpose is to connect your subwoofer to your audio receiver, providing superior sound quality much like optical / Toslink.

Last, but not least, is RCA cables, probably something your mom or dad used back in the day. These analog cords are reliable and capable of delivering surround sound with multiple connections. Because of their design purpose to provide analog sound, they can degrade sound quality in digital recording playback. They work great for heirloom hardware and old school setups, though!

Our recommended RCA cable is the Monoprice® Premium RCA M/M 22AWG Cable, sold two per package in a variety of lengths starting as low as $4.29 for the pair. This high-quality RG59U, 75ohm cable gives you flawless audio playback for all your old vinyl records.

For all the best info, prices, and deals on cables for home theatre, audio, and whatever else, visit us today at PrimeCables.ca!