What is the advantage of Digital Audio (Fiber Optic) vs. Analog audio (RCA)?

I don't know what Shaun is smoking but he's way off.... If you want full surround sound digital sound ( Dolby Digital or DTS) You have to use the optical (fiber optic) cable or a similar cable called digital coax (which is a single cable that ooks alot like a RCA) All you get out of the Audio cables in an A.V cable set up is analog stereo. On some older setups you can use the 6 cables for a simulated analog 5.1 but the lkey word is analog 5.1 not digital 5.1 AND yes there is a difference. Blu Ray, has the ability of delivering 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS through the same cable ( fiber optic or coax) The only way to listen to the enhanced 5.1 or 7.1 mix, if available is through the HDMI cable. But getting back to what Shaun claimed.....he didn't really know what he was talking about as I was confused. Bottom line is you cannot get any digital sound out of the RCA cables...they are not made the same way as a digital cable. and anaolg 5.1 is not the same as digital 5.1 Dolby Digital will not be decoded through the RCA cables. You can trick your receiver into putting sound out through the 6 speakers, but it will not be Dolby Digital nor DTS.