I think it cogent to mention that the "one" cable keeps the signal in the digital domain (like a toslink or coaxial cable), while the "whack of cables" (I DO love that descriptive phrase ) passes an analog signal. I think it's got to do with copy protection. Sony doesn't want a digital signal passed to prevent "perfect" copies from bing made. (I hope I've got this correct. It's been a tough day, and I'm not responsible for anything I say. )

Jack

"People generally quarrel because they cannot argue." - G. K. Chesterton