Toslink optical connection different on 2009 Mini vs 2008?

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Toslink optical connection different on 2009 Mini vs 2008?

Hi,
I am trying to use the optical out on my 2009 Mac mini (new), don't see the red light, and have no sound out of my sound system. I tested the same toslink mini adapter and cable on two other Mac mini (2008) I see the light on the cable end as well as the female end of the mini adapter plug. I've many other hookups that are using toslink, my DVR, CD, and MD all have the red light.
Called Apple support and they replaced the sound card and still no light, no sound.
Here is the mini toslink plug I'm using http://www.startech.com/item/GCTOSMINIFM-Toslink-to-Miniplug-adapter-FM.aspx
Nothing special on the cables that I'm using just standard stuff and have used on other equitment before so they should be fine.

Am I missing something here? Does the 2009 minis need a different type of mini plug than one that would work on a 2008 mini?

Thanks

Mini 2009, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on May 16, 2009 12:43 PM

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Answer 1

tgibbs

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May 16, 2009 2:18 PM in response to ivan3288

I don't know if this is related to your problem, but unlike every other component I've had, the red light goes out 30 seconds after the Mini stops actively outputting sound through it--for example, if I pause iTunes or a movie. This confused me during setup, because I didn't see the light, which I normally take as an index of a correct connection. It is also a continuing problem, because my receiver generates annoying loud static if there is no optical carrier signal.

I'm hoping there is some way to tell the Mini to keep this port active all the time.

As I said, I don't know if this is related to your problem, but the fact that the Mini is capable of turning off the port raises the possibility that it might turn it off when it shouldn't.

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Answer 2

ivan3288 Author

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May 16, 2009 2:36 PM in response to tgibbs

I saw your own post with you not see the light when audio is off, so I hooked up anyway and play a DVD. The sound worked. I didn't finish my connection 3 weeks ago because there was no light and basic system sound did not play from my speakers. I got the mini back from Apple Friday and saw no light and thought it was still not working.
I also notice what you said about the toslink light going off when no sound is played. You're right, the light goes out after a few seconds after sound is done. I don't have the "static" problem from my Amp when there is no light.
Thanks for your help! and I hope your issue is clear up soon.

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Answer 3

ivan3288 Author

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May 16, 2009 2:51 PM in response to tgibbs

Thank you tgibbs!

Your post "Does digital optical audio output "sleep"?" and your reply above help me finish my hook up to my TV and sound system. Now, time to finish the setup on the mini, add Plex, and remote....

I'm just not sure why two different Apple Care calls, 3 trips to the Apple Store and sound card replacements... nobody at Apple was able to tell me the 2009 Mac mini Optical does not make light when no audio is played. Because the 2008 mini optical light is on as soon as the mini plug is in, with or without sound and it stays on.

Thanks again!

Message was edited by: ivan3288

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