Actually, the fiber is not timed, whereas the coax is. This is no problem with DVDs, as I understand it, but it can be with CDs. It's subtle, though. And IT'S ALL DIGITAL... It's 1010010010101101111010111011. It doesn't take much to transmit that.... Now that I've argued two different ways, it also depends on your components. For example, my DVD player doesn't have optical out.

I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!