Optical/Digital Audio Output from MacBook

Question

Optical/Digital Audio Output from MacBook

So I am interested in hooking up my MacBook to my HDTV so I can watch movies with it. I know for video I need to get a mini-DV to HDMI cable. That's easy. But what about audio? I would ideally like to have playback in surround sound. I have read that the headphone audio output also doubles as an optical output. Is this true? If so what cable can I buy and will it output surround sound from a DVD movie?

MacBook 2.1 GHz Core Duo, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Dec 26, 2009 2:25 PM

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Answer 1

Josh118

Level 1

15 points

Dec 26, 2009 11:20 PM in response to David Willard

Yes, the audio port doubles as an optical in and output. You will need a optical cable from your macbook to your sound system to have surround sound/dolby digital, and when you play the dvd it should automatically convert the output to a digital signal. I have this setup on my iMac and Macbook. I have the logitech Z680 (now Z-5500), and when I play a DVD, the screen on the controller says 'digital'.

The cable you'll need is a optical audio cable 3.5mm (for the macbook) to a toslink (square shaped with two corners tapered). You can buy cables which are toslink to toslink that come with adaptors for 3.5mm jacks.

Message was edited by: Josh118

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Answer 2

Dec 27, 2009 10:06 PM in response to Josh118

Thanks man! Just needed to know what to search for. Found a toslink to 3.5mm adapter online for like $3. I had no idea the MacBook audio port was so versatile.

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Answer 3

Dec 29, 2009 4:18 PM in response to David Willard

Here is more info about the optical out on MacBooks

http://blog.neyrinck.com/?p=23

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Answer 4

Feb 3, 2010 12:56 PM in response to David Willard

I like this one. Supports optical out and HDMI out.

http://www.kanexlive.com/products/item.aspx?id=3495

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