[6] Toshiba originally created TOSLINK to connect their CD players to the receivers they manufactured, for PCM audio streams.

It can often be found on video source (DVD and Blu-ray players, cable boxes and game consoles) to connect the digital audio stream to Dolby Digital/DTS decoders.

[citation needed] Due to their high attenuation of light, the effective range of plastic optical cables is limited to 5–10 m.[1] They can temporarily fail or be permanently damaged if tightly bent.

However, it is very common for interfaces on newer consumer electronics (satellite receivers and PCs with optical outputs) to easily run over 30 meters on even low-cost (0.82 USD/m 2009) TOSLINK cables.

Many discontinued laptop computer and portable digital audio equipment models, such as the Google Chromecast Audio device,[10][11] Apple AirPort Express, and iPod Hi-Fi, as well as some MiniDisc recorders,[12] use these connectors that allow for the insertion of 3.5 mm analog (electrical) headphone output, microphone input, or mini-TOSLINK digital (optical) output (or input, in the case of MiniDisc recorders).