Which type of fiber is used for Consumer digital audio applications?

Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) is commonly used in consumer digital audio applications due to its advantages in ease of installation and flexibility. POF is made from polymer materials, which allow for simpler handling compared to glass fiber. This makes it particularly well-suited for home environments where DIY installations may be common.

Additionally, POF is robust and can be bent more easily without the risk of damage, allowing for more versatile routing in residential settings. The lower cost of POF compared to glass fibers also makes it an attractive option for consumers.

While other types of fiber, such as singlemode and multimode graded-index, are often used in specialized telecommunications and data environments, they are not typically found in consumer audio applications where the advantages of flexibility and ease of use presented by POF are more beneficial. Loose tube cables, on the other hand, are more relevant in outdoor or harsh environments for backbone cabling, and they are not designed specifically for consumer audio.

Thus, POF stands out for consumer digital audio applications due to its practicality and user-friendly characteristics.