MacBook combined optical digital audio output/input

[ChrisDaMacMan]

In the Tech specs for the MacBook the information for the audio input/output are as follows

Combined optical digital audio input/audio line in (minijack)
Combined optical digital audio output/headphone out (minijack)

What i'm wondering is that are the minijacks actually optical, therefore will i be able to connect it to my hi-fi through an optical cable with a minjack adapter on the MacBook connecter.

Also in the ipod Hi-Fi tech specs it mentions that the input will accept S/PDIF optical digital miniplug. is this the same as the MacBook, if so will i be able to use a 'fibre optic' connector to achieve pure digital connections.

I would like some help as i've been to my local apple store and have been getting different answers.

Thanks Chris

[ChrisDaMacMan]

Hello can anyone help?

[Londor]

Combined optical digital audio output/headphone out (minijack)

That means that in the same port you can plug either a minijack (http://www.music-abc.com/minijack.jpg) for analog audio or a mini plug/mini toslink (http://www.ethnicdance.net/minidisc/Digital_Mini_Plug.jpg) for digital audio.

So yes, you can hook up the MacBook and your hi-fi with an optical digital cable. Same applies to the iPod Hi-Fi.

[Chucker]

Note that, usually, optical audio cables come with a different plug, and you'll need an adapter, or a specific cable.

[ChrisDaMacMan]

thanks guy i can now buy myself the ipod hi-fi with the correct cable to play my tunes with my macbook! :D