Should I remove the little black "cover" on the fiber optical audio output on my saterlite receiver?

Question

HI, I have never used a fiber optical output (for digital audio, such as Dolby 5.1) before. This ouput on my Dish Network receiver (Model VIP722) is covered by a little black plastic - Is this just for protection purpose? Should I remove it before pluging my optical (Toslink) cable? Thanks!

Answer 1

The other 2 people that answered this question were right in each their own way, but they didn't touch on both circumstances.

1: If the black cover isn't flat and looks somewhat like a plug, then yes, that needs to be taken out before you put in your optical cable. It is used for protection in case you don't have a cable in there.

2. If the black cover is flat and doesn't look like it can be removed from the receiver, then it is a one way "door" that will open up when you put the cable into the input. This is just another way to protect the input, and will open up fine when you put the cable in there.

Hope this helped answer your question and enjoy your new system!

Answer 2

Yes - if you are going to plug in a optical cable.

Also - optical cable often have a tiny rubber cap on the end of the fiber.

Some optical jacks have a "plug" that acts like a dust cover.  The other style is a trap-door where a spring loaded cover simply covers things until you push in the optical cable.

Answer 3

NO.  That little piece of plastic protects your optical input from being obstructed by dust or other foreign objects.  When you plug in your Toslink cable, that little black flap gets moved out of the way.  Since optical wires/signals work by transferring light, it is important to keep those openings clear when not in use.