What is the Optical Digital jack on my iMac for?

[PatriotInvasion]

Ok so I should know this, but was is the other mini jack on the back of my iMac used for? Is this an input for a guitar or something like that?

Also, the iMac tech specs list the headphone out jack as also being an optical digital audio output. My understanding is that the external speakers I have plugged into this jack gives me a standard analog axillary audio connection.

I've never seen computer speakers with optical digital inputs so how would I ever use this jack in that fashion? Also this doesn't appear to be a TOSLINK type connection so I'm just confused on how it is considered optical digital

 

[PatriotInvasion]

38 views and no one knows?

 

[QuarterSwede]

It sounds like you're describing the minijack input which is analog and digital (mini toslink) just like the headphone output minijack.

 

[spinnerlys]

As there are users out there, who don't use computer speakers, but their Hi-Fi sets with optical-in, this plug has a use to connect to such optical input.

And most guitars don't have an optical out, they still use analog outputs to connect to whatever you want to connect it to.


Proper cables: http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229#1022902

3.5mm end

TOSLINK end

Toslink to Mini M/M OD:5.0mm, Molded Type - 3ft

This is a high quality full size TOSLINK to mini TOSLINK fiber optic digital audio cable. This cable features mini TOSLINK (not to be confused with mini phono headphone plug) on one end and regular TOSLINK on the other end. Mini TOSLINK is mainly found on laptops by Apple. Full sized TOSLINK connectors can be found on many consumer electronic devices. TOSLINK optical cables are used to transmit S/PDIF digital audio information in optical form (red light). It is used by Dolby Digital and DTS sound systems.

Features:

- Mini TOSLINK to full sized TOSLINK connectors.
- Thick 5.0mm jacket to protect the delicate internal fiber optic materials.
- Gold plated ferrule resists corrosion and provides maximum protection for the connector tip.
- Precision polished fiber tips for maximum signal transfer (includes tip protectors).
- Molded strain relief connectors reduce strain where the cable and connectors meet.

from http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=1022902&p_id=1556&seq=1&format=2#description

 

[PatriotInvasion]

It sounds like you're describing the minijack input which is analog and digital (mini toslink) just like the headphone output minijack.

Right, so what would one use the input for? And what would you hook up via mini TOSLINK using the output? - a Home Theater system? I don't get it.

 

[spinnerlys]

Right, so what would one use the input for? And what would you hook up via mini TOSLINK using the output? - a Home Theater system? I don't get it.

A receiver with digital input, like most 5.1 systems.

 

[QuarterSwede]

A receiver with digital input, like most 5.1 systems.

Exactly. I sometimes hook my MacBook up to my HT system to watch something on the HDTV using the optical out.

 

[IceB]

A receiver with digital input, like most 5.1 systems.

Most receiver have the TOSLINK version... Is there any adaptor or a cable with diferent connection at each end?

 

[PatriotInvasion]

A receiver with digital input, like most 5.1 systems.

Oh I see...but you would still need an adapter to hook up a TOSLINK cable right? And also, I would imagine you'd use the OUTPUT on the iMac to hook up to a receiver...but, I still don't get who would use the INPUT on the back of the iMac with a TOSLINK adapter....instruments?

 

[spinnerlys]

Most receiver have the TOSLINK version... Is there any adaptor or a cable with diferent connection at each end?

You mean these?

As there are users out there, who don't use computer speakers, but their Hi-Fi sets with optical-in, this plug has a use to connect to such optical input.

And most guitars don't have an optical out, they still use analog outputs to connect to whatever you want to connect it to.


Proper cables: http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229#1022902

3.5mm end

TOSLINK end

Toslink to Mini M/M OD:5.0mm, Molded Type - 3ft

This is a high quality full size TOSLINK to mini TOSLINK fiber optic digital audio cable. This cable features mini TOSLINK (not to be confused with mini phono headphone plug) on one end and regular TOSLINK on the other end. Mini TOSLINK is mainly found on laptops by Apple. Full sized TOSLINK connectors can be found on many consumer electronic devices. TOSLINK optical cables are used to transmit S/PDIF digital audio information in optical form (red light). It is used by Dolby Digital and DTS sound systems.

Features:

- Mini TOSLINK to full sized TOSLINK connectors.
- Thick 5.0mm jacket to protect the delicate internal fiber optic materials.
- Gold plated ferrule resists corrosion and provides maximum protection for the connector tip.
- Precision polished fiber tips for maximum signal transfer (includes tip protectors).
- Molded strain relief connectors reduce strain where the cable and connectors meet.

from http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=1022902&p_id=1556&seq=1&format=2#description

Oh I see...but you would still need an adapter to hook up a TOSLINK cable right? And also, I would imagine you'd use the OUTPUT on the iMac to hook up to a receiver...but, I still don't get who would use the INPUT on the back of the iMac with a TOSLINK adapter....instruments?

Devices with a digital output, like digital field recorders that still use tape (DAT).

 

[QuarterSwede]

Oh I see...but you would still need an adapter to hook up a TOSLINK cable right? And also, I would imagine you'd use the OUTPUT on the iMac to hook up to a receiver...but, I still don't get who would use the INPUT on the back of the iMac with a TOSLINK adapter....instruments?

Most likely equipment that has to do with them or any type of audio input. Garageband does come with any Mac purchase.

 

[PatriotInvasion]

Most likely equipment that has to do with them or any type of audio input. Garageband does come with any Mac purchase.

Yea, figured it had something to do with GarageBand. So, I have a 2.1 speaker system hooked up via the standard 3.5mm headphone jack. This is an analog connection.

If I had a 5.1 home theater system with TOSLINK digital optical in, would I hear a noticeable difference in sound quality due to the digital connection? (aside from the 5.1 vs 2.1 obvious difference)

 

[QuarterSwede]

If I had a 5.1 home theater system with TOSLINK digital optical in, would I hear a noticeable difference in sound quality due to the digital connection? (aside from the 5.1 vs 2.1 obvious difference)

Noticeable? ... maybe. It's certainly technically better but not all people can hear a difference as cheap analog outputs are much better than they used to be. The most notable is that it sounds cleaner with no hiss when cranking the volume.

 

[IceB]

You mean these?.

Exacly!