Optical out on my iMac?

Hello,
I purchased my 24" iMac last March 2009 right after the line came out.
I'm trying to find info about its optical audio output.
All it says about it is the following.
Audio Built-in stereo speakers with 24-watt digital amplifier, built-in microphone, optical digital audio output/headphone out, optical digital audio input/audio line in
What kind of optical digital audio output is it?

The manual briefly mentions it, without saying any more more than
+This port is also a S/PDIF stereo 3.5 mini-phono jack.+
You can covert it to Toslink using one of these adapters
http://www.amazon.com/Toslink-To-Optical-Mini-Adapter/dp/B0002MQGRM
There are also cables that have the "mini" connector at one end and the standard Toslink at the other end
http://www.amazon.com/6ft-Toslink-Mini-Cable/dp/B000FMXKC8/ref=pdcp_e1
(32 cents - really? What's the shipping cost?)

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All,
I have a white imac and have recently bought a receiver and 5.1 speakers to go with it. I have connected up amp to PS3 through optical cable and it works fine, but I am hoping to connect my mac straight up to the receiver through the optical out.
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It is my girlfriends 25th birthday on Friday and I really need the speakers all woking for then!!!
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Optical out on my iMac?

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