Digitl Optical Cable/Toslink/MBP Question

[Titan]

So I am currently using a normal 3.5 mm cord connected to my cd input to watch shows from my Macbook to my HDTV.

I need to order some other cable and was wondering if it worth my while to get a digital optical cable cord.

My receiver, an older JVC, says it will take a digital optical cable. Is this the same as a toslink cable? The receiver is square. I guess I would then either need an adapter or a cable that has the mini doc to plug into the mac.

So, two questions:

1. Would the quality be worth the effort?
2. Is Toslink the same as digital optical cable?

Thanks.

Monoprice to the rescue: Is this what I need? Is it worth it?
http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...t=1#largeimage

[FanIn80]

That's the one you need!

The square that fits your receiver is the black square around the gold connector on the TOS end. The the other end goes into the speaker jack on your MBP (it doubles as a digital out).

The quality is worth it to me, though others might not agree.

[OBCT]

Originally Posted by Titan

So I am currently using a normal 3.5 mm cord connected to my cd input to watch shows from my Macbook to my HDTV.

I need to order some other cable and was wondering if it worth my while to get a digital optical cable cord.

My receiver, an older JVC, says it will take a digital optical cable. Is this the same as a toslink cable? The receiver is square. I guess I would then either need an adapter or a cable that has the mini doc to plug into the mac.

So, two questions:

1. Would the quality be worth the effort?
2. Is Toslink the same as digital optical cable?

Thanks.

Monoprice to the rescue: Is this what I need? Is it worth it?

1. It's possible, but quite doubtful.
2. Yes. Toslink is the "trade name" for that type of digital optical cable, as it was originally invented by Toshiba.

As to whether it is worth buying... that's up to you. It isn't exactly expensive, so it's not a risky purchase. That is definitely the product you want (monoprice picture) if you want to utilize the digital optical input on your receiver.

[FanIn80]

I can see this thread degrading into another "lossy vs lossless" debate.

Ultimately, even if you can't tell the difference... It's a cheap cable, and it's a convenient way to connect.

[Titan]

Nevermind. Monoprice to the rescue. I did use the live chat feature and dude was very quick and helpful pointed me to what I would have bought on ebay. Guess what? It was way cheaper from Monoprice.

[Titan]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

I can see this thread degrading into another "lossy vs lossless" debate.

Ultimately, even if you can't tell the difference... It's a cheap cable, and it's a convenient way to connect.

Thanks everyone.

I hope to avoid the dreaded lossy vs lossless at all costs.

I was getting some iphone stuff anyways and so bought the 25 ft toslink to mini and will try it out.

[Titan]

FTR I got my digital audio cable today. I am by no means an audiophile but when I went from analog to digital it was about a 30% improvement in sound. It was deeper and crisper and you could pick out the different instruments much better. I was just using a regular rip on itunes. Could also tell the difference watching entourage on VLC.

Well worth the 5 or six bucks.