What is one of the two basic rules to follow for making the best connection options between consumer electronic devices?

Avoiding signal conversions is key to achieving the best connection between consumer electronic devices because each conversion can introduce potential problems such as signal degradation and latency. When you convert a signal from one form to another, you risk losing quality or introducing noise into the signal. For example, if you convert a digital signal to an analog one before it reaches its destination, the conversion process could affect the clarity and fidelity of the sound or image.

Therefore, when connecting devices, it is ideal to choose paths that allow for direct connections, retaining the original signal format as much as possible. This can provide a clearer and more reliable output, preserving the intended qualities of the audio or visual media. Other options are less optimal because focusing on signal processing, enforcing only digital or only analog connections, can limit flexibility and not necessarily result in the best outcome.