Optical audio output cuts out

Question

Level 1

0 points

Optical audio output cuts out

I searched for some answers to this and didn't find any. I didn't even find any reference to the same problem.

I have a PowerMac G5 Dual 2.7GHz and running 10.4.9. I need to get digital audio from my G5 to my theater in another room. I bought an optical-coaxial digital audio converter and used an optical cable and a 50ft coaxial digital audio cable to make the connection. Sound cuts out constantly about every second. I've tried playing material from Final Cut Pro, iTunes, Quicktime Pro, and Finder and get the same results so I know it's not any of those specific apps causing the problem. I have the latest versions of everything, OS, applications, and firmware.

I tested the optical-coaxial adapter, optical cable, and the 50ft coaxial digital audio cable on another source and it worked perfectly. Any idea how I can fix this? Is there a setting or preference somewhere or is it a hardware issue? Anyone else out there have this problem?

PowerMac G5 Dual 2.7GHz, Mac OS X (10.4.9), 30" HD Cinema Display

Posted on May 19, 2007 11:33 AM

Reply

Answer 1

May 20, 2007 3:30 PM in response to flmmkr

flmmkr-

What was the other source that this cable assembly worked with? Does digital audio out work properly when not using the 50 foot cable and converter?

Luck-

-DaddyPaycheck

Reply

Answer 2

flmmkr Author

Level 1

0 points

May 20, 2007 7:36 PM in response to DaddyPaycheck

Here's what I've tried and whether it worked or not. In all instances where the optical-coaxial adapter is used I used the 50ft coaxial digital cable.

1. G5 to home theater via optical-coaxial adapter = doesn't work at all anymore.
2. MacBook Pro to home theater via optical-coaxial adapter = doesn't work at all
3. G5 to MacBook Pro via optical cable = works
4. MBP to G5 via optical cable = works
5. AppleTV to home theater via optical-coaxial adapter = works
6. DVD player to home theater via optical-coaxial adapter = works
7. MBP to home theater via optical cable = works

I tried with 3 different optical cables and also tried using the coaxial cable as a video cable (the green or Y in a component video connection) to make sure it was okay. In the case where the MBP was used I have a mini-toslink to toslink cable.

Is it possible the strength of the optical signal coming out the G5 and MBP just isn't strong or isn't to standard so the adapter doesn't recognize it? Odd that it works from the AppleTV but not the G5 or MBP. I would really like to get this working so I can show FCP projects on the theater.

Reply

Answer 3

May 21, 2007 3:39 AM in response to flmmkr

flmmkr-

Stoopid question, I know, but are you selecting the digital audio out as the output source?

It almost sounds like the coaxial cable or the adapter itself are questionable. I take it the G5 is considerably further away from the source than when you go computer-computer? Does the cable it pass through or around some device that might be generating interference?

Although your optical port could be malfunctioning, this isn't a standards problem as most folks do not have your problem when using the optical port.

Luck-

-DaddyPaycheck

Reply

Answer 4

flmmkr Author

Level 1

0 points

May 21, 2007 10:59 AM in response to DaddyPaycheck

Digital audio is being selected and I also tried 44.1 and 48kHz, and 16bit and 24bit. I tried all this in the Audio MIDI settings app in the Utilities folder under Applications. Is there anywhere else to change this?

The adapter and coaxial cable work with two different DVD players on 2 different systems, as well as my AppleTV, so I don't think it's the adapter or the coaxial cable.

There's nothing that could be interfering with the signal as far as I could tell. No other electronics or power cords or outlets near the cable.

The optical cable going from the G5/MBP to the adapter and from the G5 to the MBP are the same length and same brand.

Reply

Answer 5

May 21, 2007 11:04 AM in response to flmmkr

flmmkr-

Maybe their is a bugger or dust or other crud in one of the optical connections. Have you tried physically inspecting all of the optical connections? Maybe some compressed air sprayed into the connectors would help disperse any debris.

Luck-

-DaddyPaycheck

Reply