[yugyug]

I'm increasingly having more and more problems with my headphone/line out jack switching to optical audio out i.e the "red light" problem, as documented on this megathread:
https://discussions.apple.com/messag...sageID=3255575

The problem for me is that I can no longer fix it by sticking a toothpick in the slot... does nothing, and the red light continues to come on, and off, randomly and intermittently. So I reckon its a software problem. Or the switch is filled up with gunk. Before I try and solve the latter by taking my MBP apart or dipping a cotton bud in alcohol and sticking that in the slot (which seems extreme to me) I'd like to consider a software solution.

Apparently some Linux users have figured out a way to disable the optical out (IEC958) with some commands, here:
Code Overtones: Mac book red light audio jack problem on Linux
and here:
No sound out of MacBook speakers & red LED in Headphone jack [Fixed] ~ The Pirado

among other places.

So my question is, cannot the same solution be implemented via a command in os x via terminal? I never use the optical out, it seems to me that a software fix bypassing the hardware switch completely would work well and stop people (finally) from shoving toothpicks, biro tubes and even hairclips (and more) inside their macbooks....!

[Athens]

I have only seen that on Bootcamp and it was a driver problem. For the amount of work involved to take apart the computer, I would just use a piece of tape to cover the hole if the light bugs you that much.

[yugyug]

Athens the red light is just the result of the optical audio becoming activated. The real problem is that analog sound is deactivated through speakers and headphone line out. Its a problem that many many MBP users have experienced.

[Waragainstsleep]

I can confirm that it happens way too often. I have swapped out many logic boards and I/O boards fixing it.

[yugyug]

thats correct - I neglected to mention that replacing the logic or i/o board is the official Apple solution. A bit overkill. And not a great option for many people who prefer the less expensive toothpick. But I can't fathom why Apple haven't written a patch themselves to fix it.

This forum is filled with smart people who have helped me on numerous occasions... surely their must be someone who can figure out a way to do it, or perhaps tell me why it can't be done?

[P]

Not sure if this will work for you, but it is possible to enable more than one audio device.

[Thorzdad]

Originally Posted by yugyug 

...But I can't fathom why Apple haven't written a patch themselves to fix it.

Probably because it's a hardware issue, not a software issue. All those ports are fixed on the board. Thus, the entire board replacement as the official fix.

[yugyug]

Thorzdad I assume you mean its a hardware issue to fix the problem so that optical out activates and de-activates normally. But to disable it entirely must be possible by software, because thats what the Linux users have done.