Disclaimer: I am not an electrical engineer, nor am I a physicist specializing in optics.
However, I have used both optical and coaxial digital connections in my setup and have only ever experienced problems with optical.
Though optical cables are designed to be bent, my understanding is the material within can break--losing the continuity of the light signal. I have had an optical cable "break" in the past, evidenced by its inability to produce a red glow when connected to an output with a live signal. Surely, this was due to my "connect and shove" method of hooking up components in my entertainment cabinet.
I see no difference in sending ones and zeros over optical or coaxial cable for home theater purposes. Therefore, I choose the coaxial for its durability (never broke one).
Thanks for your time, and please dont't hate me.
