Wireworld Nova Toslink optical NTO 5m
Wireworld Nova Toslink NTO, digital optical cable
Connecting a TV to a soundbar or a CD player to a converter using light rather than a copper wire has an often-overlooked advantage: no current flows from one device to the other. Wireworld, an American cable manufacturer founded by David Salz, treats this connection with the same care as its electrical cables. The Nova uses a single-strand acrylic fiber with ends that are polished three times.
A single-strand acrylic fiber
The signal travels through a single strand of acrylic polymer (PMMA, the material used in plexiglass), surrounded by optical cladding that reflects the light back toward the center whenever it reaches the edge. This single-strand construction is the most common in Toslink cables. It is flexible and handles movement well, without the fragility of very fine glass fibers. In the Wireworld range, the Nova is the entry-level optical cable. The higher-end Supernova switches to a bundle of 338 borosilicate glass fibers.
Ends polished three times
Light enters and leaves the fiber through its two cut faces, and this is where much of the transmission quality is determined. A rough cut leaves micro-scratches that scatter light in all directions. Some of the signal is lost, and stray light blurs the transitions between on and off that encode the data. Three polishing passes produce a clean surface that transmits more useful light and sharper signal edges.
The aim is to reduce jitter (in English, jitter). The term refers to small irregularities in the timing of digital data, which the converter must reconstruct before turning it into sound. A clean light signal leaves less uncertainty about the exact instant of each transition. The final effect also depends on the receiving device: a converter that retimes the data itself (known as reclocking) is less sensitive to this parameter than a simpler input circuit.
Audio formats and compatible devices
The Nova NTO has a standard Toslink connector at each end. This square, keyed connector is used for the optical output on TVs, TV set-top boxes, consoles, CD and Blu-ray players, as well as the input on amplifiers, home theater receivers, soundbars and converters. Since the connection is purely optical, it completely isolates the two devices. No ground loop can form, and electrical noise from a set-top box or computer does not travel with the signal.
The format carried is S/PDIF, the standard shared by optical and coaxial digital connections. It supports stereo PCM, generally up to 24 bits / 96 kHz and up to 192 kHz on some devices, as well as Dolby Digital and DTS in 5.1. Lossless Blu-ray formats and Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio) exceed its capacity and use an HDMI eARC connection.
Connection and everyday precautions
Insert the connector until you feel a slight click, without forcing it. If it meets resistance, check its orientation, as the square shape only fits one way. An active optical output shows a red glow at the end of the socket, making it easy to check that the source is transmitting. The fiber tolerates gentle curves, but a sharp bend causes light loss and can crack it. This is the point to watch behind furniture placed flush against a wall: it is better to let the cable form a loop than to crush it against the wall.
Technical Specifications
Connectivity
- Type: single-strand
- Conductor: acrylic
- Connectors: standard TOSLINK
Finish
- Triple-polished ends
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the NTO and NMO references?
The NTO, shown here, has a Toslink connector at each end. The NMO pairs a Toslink connector with a 3.5 mm optical mini-plug, the format found on some computers, portable players and small converters. The fiber and polishing are the same.
Does the cable have a specific connection direction?
No. The fiber transmits light the same way in both directions, and both ends are identical.
What does the Supernova offer compared to the Nova?
The Supernova replaces the acrylic strand with 338 borosilicate glass fibers, also with polished ends. Glass is more transparent than acrylic, further reducing light loss. It’s the next step up for a good-quality source and converter. The Nova remains the logical choice for connecting a TV, a set-top box or a console.
Should you choose an optical or coaxial connection?
Both carry the same S/PDIF signal and the same formats. Coaxial uses a 75-ohm electrical cable with RCA or BNC connectors, and it electrically connects the two devices. Optical isolates them completely. The choice depends first on the available connections. When both are present, optical has the advantage if the source is electrically noisy, such as a computer or a set-top box.
Why does the sound cut out or crackle on my TV?
The problem often comes from the TV’s digital audio output setting rather than the cable. If the connected device cannot decode the format being sent, the sound cuts out or produces noise. In the TV’s sound menu, the PCM option almost always resolves this issue, at the cost of switching to stereo. The Auto or Bitstream options preserve 5.1 if the connected device can decode it.
How do I care for the ear tips?
The polished end face of the fibre is particularly vulnerable to dust and fingerprints, which scatter light just as a poorly finished cut would. When the cable is unplugged, it is best to protect the ends. If an end face is dirty, a puff of air or a soft, dry cloth is enough. Cleaning products and paper towels could scratch it.
Can an optical cable change the sound compared to the one supplied with the device?
The data arrives intact in both cases: an optical cable does not alter the transmitted digits. The difference lies in timing precision, and therefore jitter, and its effect depends on how the receiving device’s converter handles it. In a system with carefully implemented digital-to-analog conversion, a well-polished fiber is a fitting link in the chain. With an entry-level soundbar, the difference will be less noticeable.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: WINTO05
- GTIN / EAN: 8110070322284
