TOSLINK 4G IPOD theory.

[SouthPaw]

Please choose the appropriate forum for this topic. Thank you. Please choose the appropriate forum for this topic. Thank you. I was quite interested in the mention of TOSLINK in the recent article:
Backstage: New IPOD 4G diagnostics

Interesting, it seems to think that an optical TOSLINK cable counts as headphones, but there might just be a physical sensor in there.

Having some experience with MD players I found this off hand comments quite interesting. MD players introduced a minor update to the TOSLINK connector spec. The upgrade created a connector the same size as an 1/8" or 3.5mm stereo jack. This allowed you to input or output digital optical using the same jack used for the headphones. The connector picture attached below.

Was usually mostly plastic and just plugged into the end of a standard TOSLINK digital optical cable.

So I attempted to connect my stereo to my IPOD 4G using one of theses adapters and got no signal.
I don't have the gumption to open my IPOD to see if the correct jack is in place on the circuit board. I reviewed the IPODING.com pictures they lack enough detail to decide. My guess is that there need to be a firmware upgrade to enable this feature if it exists.

More detailed pictures of the jack on the circuit board would prove or disprove my theory.

 

[~tl]

the iPod has never had optical TOSLINK output! ... i think the reviewer was just making the point that the iPod cant tell the difference between a 3.5mm jack and a TOSLINK plug ... meaning the on/off headphones switch must be a physical one

TOM

 

[Ornette]

Yes, but give this guy credit for using the word gumption in a sentence.

 

[SouthPaw]

Well I am more optimistic. Apple supports Optical on the Airport Express.

 

[j45rpm]

I'm a bit uncertain what the advantage of a toslink connection to your ipod would be--it's not like you need surround sound or anything.

 

[kloan]

output doesn't make sense.. input would make sense