A backlight for a display device, such as a liquid crystal display device, includes a light guiding plate having a front and a rear surface. The apparatus includes a photosensor, and a reading system capable of generating a decoded signal regardless of the orientation of the optical indicia relative to the photosensor. The head unit has an electrically conductive exterior coupled to one output terminal of the equipment. A data storage microcircuit may also be provided within the hub to store identification information about the fibers being used.