Connect Speakers to TV with HDMI
HDMI cable from TV HDMI ARC/eARC port to soundbar or AV Receiver HDMI ARC/eARC port.
Select correct audio output settings on
TV and correct input source on sound device.
• How to Connect Speakers to TV
• Why you may not be getting the best Dolby ATMOS
• How to connect headphones to TV
• How to hookup Surround Sound for Netflix, Hulu
• Speaker setup surround sound
• Streaming TV and devices
• How to get Surround Sound from streaming TV
• XBox Series X Surround Sound Hookup
• HDMI Fiber Optic Cables
|
How to connect Speakers to TV
HELP! My TV sound is no good.
• I need to connect better speakers for a richer sound experience.
• How do I connect the TV sound to external speakers?
• How do I get surround sound?
• My TV only has Optical audio output jack
• My TV has NO audio output jack
There are many ways to solve all these questions. Using adapters and devices, you can get better sound for your TV.
TV Soundbars and surround sound systems enhance your TV experience.
How to hear the TV sound through the A/V Receiver or Home Theater System speakers.
Can I connect external speakers to my TV?
Yes you can. There are many ways to connect speakers to TV. How you do this depends on what kind of TV you have,
what kind of speakers you have, what kind of cables you have and
how you want to hookup.
You may want to get a soundbar if space is limited. Soundbars have
speakers inside and can connect to TV for better sound. Most have remotes to control volume.
Make sure you get a product with the connection capabilities to match your TV audio ports.
The best option is a full home theater system consisting of audio/video receiver and multiple full size
loudspeakers. This option is more expensive and takes up more space but provides the best possible sound.
Options to connect TV include the following:
Wired
• Connection using HDMI cable. HDMI.org
HDMI is best for the highest audio formats such as Dolby Digital Plus used by streaming content providers.
A TV with HDMI ARC / eARC can be connected to a soundbar or Audio Video Receiver or even powered speakers.
• Connection using Optical audio cable
Optical can handle Dolby Digital 5.1 or 2-channel stereo.
• Connection using analog audio RCA cables or 3.5mm audio cable.
RCA phono cables (white, red) and 3.5mm Aux are analog stereo audio only.
1. HDMI cable connection using HDMI eARC/ARC (newer TV)
2. Optical digital audio cable connection: This connection will be used if your TV doesn't have an HDMI jack labeled ARC/eARC.
3. Analog audio cable connection: This connection will be used if your TV has RCA (white, red) or 3.5mm headset audio output.
SOUNDBAR Ports - HDMI, Optical, 3.5mm Aux
TV HDMI ARC/eARC port
TV OPTICAL Audio output port
TV RCA Audio output port
TV 3.5mm Audio output port
Setting up TV sound output
In addition to making your cable connection from the TV to an external sound system, you may need to
adjust the TV sound settings so the TV outputs the correct audio formats.
Using the TV remote control, press the HOME or MENU button to bring up the TV Settings screen, then go to SOUND.
Samsung TV go to SETTINGS> all settings
Every TV make and model will have different looking menus and different options. You want to select "External Speakers" instead of
"TV Speakers" so the sound goes out to your connected sound device. Next, be sure you select the correct audio type and format
for the cable connection. The newer TVs have many options.
TV audio sources can be stereo or surround sound. You may need to adjust both the TV and the external sound system's audio
menus to get the best sound.
Selecting an audio setting on a TV
"PCM" means the TV will output uncompressed audio.
"Passthrough" allows the TV to pass along the original encoded/compressed digital audio format from the source to your soundbar/receiver for processing.
"Auto" will attempt to automatically select the best audio format based on the source content.
PCM (Pulse-Code Modulation):
Best for simple stereo sound, as it outputs the audio in its most basic, uncompressed form.
Ideal if you are only using your TV speakers or want the most basic audio quality.
May not provide the full surround sound experience if your audio content has multi-channel audio.
Passthrough:
Sends the original encoded audio format (like Dolby Digital, DTS, or Dolby Atmos) directly to your external receiver for processing.
Provides the best sound quality for multi-channel surround sound setups when used with a capable AV receiver.
Requires that your AV receiver supports the specific audio format being passed through.
Auto (Automatic):
Automatically selects either PCM or Passthrough depending on the audio format detected in the source content.
May not always provide the best audio quality as it could default to PCM when a higher quality encoded format is available.
Use PCM
if you only want basic stereo sound, are using your TV speakers, or if your receiver does not support the most advanced audio formats.
Use Passthrough
if you have a home theater receiver and want to take advantage of the best possible surround sound quality with advanced audio formats.
Use Auto
if you want the TV to automatically choose the best audio format based on the source content, but be aware that it might not always select the optimal option.
Is Passthrough the same as Bitstream?
Not exactly. Bitstream refers to the raw, encoded data stream itself, whereas "passthrough" refers to the feature that a device uses to send that bitstream along without decoding it, allowing another device to handle the decoding process instead; essentially, "passthrough" is a function that transmits the "bitstream" unaltered.
Bitstream: A sequence of digital bits containing encoded audio information.
Passthrough: A feature on a device that sends the received bitstream directly to another device without decoding it first.
Passthrough transmits the original encoded bitstream over HDMI connections. Passthrough is supported for Dolby Digital (AC-3), Dolby Digital Plus (EAC-3), and Dolby Atmos (EAC-3 JOC) bitstreams.
Dolby Digital Plus JOC (Joint Object Coding) refers to the underlying technology used to deliver Dolby Atmos via the Dolby Digital Plus audio format.
Dolby Digital Plus is the audio format used by internet content providers and may contain Dolby ATMOS metadata.
Wireless
• Connection using Bluetooth. Bluetooth.com
• Connection using Wi-Fi TV device
• Connection using WISA Wireless HD Audio
Sources of content
The source of your TV content, how you get your TV content, will determine to a great extent, how you enhance your TV sound.
• Broadcast or over-the-air TV.
• Satellite TV.
• Cable TV.
• Internet TV (Streaming).
• DVD or Blu-ray or VHS.
• Content you create on phone or video camera
Age of TV
Your TV will be a factor because the older your TV, the less connections are available.
• Analog tube TV - with only a RF or twin lead antenna connection. No audio out.
• Analog tube TV - with RF and RCA composite input connections. Possible headphone output.
• Analog tube TV - with RF, RCA composite and component connections and possibly VGA input.
• Digital TV - with RF, composite, component, VGA and HDMI. Optical audio out. Possible RCA audio out.
• Digital TV - with RF, HDMI inputs including HDMI Audio Return Channel. Optical audio out.
Connecting speakers to TV with no audio out or limited audio out
If you view TV using an antenna or satellite dish or cable box or internet streaming device or DVD or Blu-ray player or VCR,
you can connect speakers for better sound. The trick is you connect the speakers to the audio source and the TV sound is
muted, not connected or the volume is turned down. The audio is routed from the source device to the speakers. The source device is a
digital to analog TV converter box or a satellite or cable TV receiver, or internet streaming device or your DVD player and so forth.
The speakers can be a soundbar, audio video receiver or stereo receiver with attached speakers or just powered speakers.
These have audio inputs which connect to the audio outputs on the source devices.
POWERED SPEAKERS - STEREO SOUND
Powered speakers come with a left and right speaker for stereo sound. One speaker will have a built-in amplifier. Inputs can be
RCA analog (white and red), optical for a direct connection to TV optical out or even HDMI.
Some powered speakers have optical and coaxial audio inputs so you can connect directly from a TV audio output.
For those powered speakers or vintage stereo receivers without optical inputs, you can use a DAC or digital to analog converter to
take the optical or coaxial input and then output RCA analog 2-channel stereo (white and red). This way you can connect a newer TV
to speakers or vintage stereo receiver.
Internet TV - Streaming
The newer so called smart TVs have certain internet sources that can be accessed for content either using built-in apps or using an
external streaming device connected to the TV. Your home internet service is the gateway to internet TV content. But did you know that
you do not need a smart TV to view internet content? Yes, you can use your old tube TV and all you need is a streaming device and a
hdmi to RCA adapter.
For a TV with only an antenna RF coaxial input you can connect an RF Modulator which will take the 3 RCA cables
(yellow, white, red) and convert to single wire RF coaxial cable for connection to TV antenna RF input.
Streaming devices such as the Amazon Fire TV stick are very popular. To connect to an older tube TV, insert the stick
into the HDMI side of the adapter and using RCA cables for output, connect the yellow video cable into the TV (or use an RF modulator) and
connect the white and red cables into a powered speaker or stereo receiver or audio video receiver for much better sound.
The stick and the adapter need power. You can use a USB surge protector power strip.
The latest versions of TV streaming devices have Dolby Digital Plus surround sound capability.
Connecting the streaming stick directly to the AVR assures high level surround sound where connecting the stick to the TV means
that the TV must be capable of passing the surround sound audio format to the AVR or soundbar. Some newer TVs can pass most
and some can pass all but many TVs cannot passthrough the higher end audio formats. In this case, the TV may downmix
to 2-channel stereo before sending out to soundbar or AVR.
HDMI to RCA Adapter
•
HDMI to RCA: HDMI to RCA adapter converts HDMI video signal or audio singal to normal (AV) composite signal, available for TV, VHS VCR, DVD.
HDMI wired connection
Most modern flat screen TV will have HDMI connection options. The HDMI ARC/eARC connections will offer the best
possible sound. Look on the back of your TV to see if your TV has these ports. There should be a label showing which HDMI
port has the HDMI ARC/eARC capability.
• HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) and enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
The HDMI ARC/eARC capable TV can send sound out from the TV to a sound system for better TV audio. Using the HDMI ARC/eARC connection
and an adapter, you can connect to almost any sound speaker setup including vintage stereo systems.
Your TV may have HDMI ARC or the newer eARC. ARC or audio return channel allows a HDMI cable connection for sending video and audio over
the same HDMI cable. Once connected, you may need to navigate to your TV settings menu for SOUND and make sure CEC and ARC are both
enabled or ON.
CEC or consumer electronics control allows you to control volume and power with one remote for devices which comply with the standard.
Manufacturers call CEC by different names. Only VIZIO calls it CEC while the rest use names such as BRAVIAsync (SONY), AnyNet (Samsung),
Simplink (LG), Vieralink (Panasonic).
Using the TV remote, navigate to SETTINGS, and GENERAL, DEVICE MANAGER or HDMI control, then the CEC name of the make of TV.
TV rear HDMI port 3 is the ARC/eARC port for connection to sound systems.
HDMI port 1 is the ARC port. Be sure to connect the HDMI cable to the ARC port.
Using a capable HDMI cable, you can connect to a soundbar HDMI port or a
modern audio/video receiver HDMI ARC/eARC port.
HDMI cable
Next, navigate to the menu options on the TV for SOUND and select
the appropriate settings for HDMI connection. Also, you may need to select the proper settings on the soundbar or
the audio/video receiver. The audio/video receiver can have 6, 7, 8 or more speakers connected for the best sound.
HDMI cable connection diagram for enhanced TV sound
TV sound out to speakers using adapters
You can connect speakers using adapters for the HDMI ARC connection from the TV. Vintage stereo, mini stereo, powered speakers can all be
connected using an HDMI adapter.
If you cannot get the sound to work, unplug the TV, unplug the HDMI cables, unplug the sound system and wait 5 mins. then plug the TV and sound system back in
and plug in the HDMI cables. Make sure the sound is not muted, turn the volume up, select the proper input on the sound system.
For vintage stereo receivers you can use the PLAY input or the AUX input or the CD input.
HDMI can sometimes be difficult since each manufacturer can choose which features of the HDMI standard to implement. Incompatibilities sometimes mean you have to
get different gear to make it work. One device may work with Samsung, Vizio and LG but not Panasonic.
Optical digital audio out connection
Optical audio cable
If your TV only has an optical audio output, you can use this option to connect to a soundbar or audio video receiver or
modern mini stereo amp with an optical input
using an optical audio cable. This option has less capability than HDMI but still can provide great sound.
Optical audio output on TV rear panel
Optical audio cable connection diagram for better TV sound
Diagram TV sound out to DAC to Amplifier and Speakers
Select correct input on Amp and control volume on Amp
Wireless Bluetooth Home Stereo Amplifier - Multi-Channel 200 Watt Power Amplifier Home Audio Receiver System w/HDMI, Optical/Phono/Coaxial, FM Radio, USB/SD, AUX, RCA, Mic in - Remote
Digital to Analog Audio Converter DAC Digital SPDIF Optical to Analog L/R RCA Converter Toslink Optical to 3.5mm Jack Adapter
RCA analog stereo connection
If your TV only has an analog audio output, either RCA stereo (white and red) or the 3.5mm AUX port, then you can
connect the TV to a stereo system or soundbar or audio video receiver but only for two channel sound. This can
still provide much better sound than the TV speakers.
Older TV with analog audio out (RCA white and red, bottom right corner)
When connecting TV to speakers or stereo systems, usually the TV speakers are turned OFF and the volume control is done
by the powered speakers or stereo system. Some TVs offer the option to set the volume at a fixed level or variable so the TV
remote can still be used for volume control.
If you connect a headphone to the TV audio output and the volume level is fixed, you may need volume control for the headphones.
TV sound out to stereo or AVR or powered speakers
Analog stereo audio cable connection diagram for better TV sound
You may need to navigate to the SOUND menu selections on the TV using the TV remote and select
"External Speakers" instead of "TV Speakers".
Adapter for RCA analog stereo to 3.5mm stereo
Bluetooth TV connection
Bluetooth is a short range wireless technology built into some TV and speaker products. This hookup allows a wireless
connection for sound if your TV has Bluetooth and you have a Bluetooth speaker or Bluetooth adapter for a stereo.
Many soundbars are Bluetooth capable. You can also get a Bluetooth adapter which can convert audio so you can
send and receive sound from devices which are not already Bluetooth capable.
Bluetooth capable TV send audio to non-bluetooth capable device such as a vintage stereo receiver.
Older non-bluetooth capable TV send audio to non-bluetooth capable device wirelessly.
Bluetooth requires the devices to
"pair" with each other before transmissions begin. This can be an issue depending on the hardware used.
Bluetooth speakers can be placed anywhere near the TV for a wireless connection. Bluetooth stereo headphones
can also be used for private or enhanced volume listening.
•
Bluetooth Transmitter Receiver 3-in-1 Bluetooth 5.0 Audio Adapter
Stereo Headphones - Bluetooth wireless or wired. 65 hours playtime wireless.
WIRELESS CONNECTION: Updated Bluetooth version V5.2 ensures an ultra fast and virtually
unbreakable connection up to 33 feet (10 meters). USB charging and 3.5mm port for wired hookup.
Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter for TV to Wireless Headphone/Speaker,
Bluetooth Adapter for TV w/Volume Control, AUX/RCA/Optical/Coaxial Audio Inputs, Plug n Play.
Bluetooth Speakers,Outdoor, Portable,Waterproof,Wireless Speaker,Dual Pairing,
Bluetooth 5.0,Loud Stereo,Booming Bass,1500 Mins Playtime
Wi-Fi TV device connection
If you have home internet service and a streaming TV device, you can simply use your TV as a video only display
while enjoying the latest surround sound from soundbar or audio video receiver with loudspeakers. By connecting
the streaming device to a compatible soundbar or to a capable audio video receiver, you can deliver Dolby ATMOS
sound while passing the video to the TV using the HDMI ARC/eARC connection.
• TV streaming surround sound
o TV Surround
Sound
o Audio Output
HDTV
Digital Optical, Analog, ARC
o TV has NO sound output other than built-in speakers.
How to
convert HDTV optical digital audio
output to RCA analog audio
Audio Return Channel and other options |
Does your TV have only an optical digital audio output, only
an
analog RCA stereo out or no audio output options at all?
Often, TV manufacturers today only offer an optical audio output, a
stereo output or no output at all for
sound from your TV.
Many people do not have an audio/video receiver
with the capability to decode surround sound or have any audio device
with an optical input.
So how do you get sound out from the TV to
external amplifiers or speakers for richer audio?
Depending on what gear you have or are willing to buy, there are many
options. Surround sound is available from a variety of sources
including over-the-air TV broadcasts, cable, satellite programming,
games (XBOX, Playstation), Blu-ray discs, DVD, and more.
There are
converter boxes, switches, adapter cables and more, all available to
meet your audio goals.
How to connect Speakers to TV
If you want a simple stereo speaker setup for better TV sound and you do not need surround sound and you do not want to use
a soundbar then you can connect stereo speakers to the TV either by using active speakers and a RCA, AUX cable connection, or
use passive speakers with a stereo amplifier connection.
Powered or Active Speakers and Passive Speakers
You can use active speakers without the need for a stereo amplifier because these speakers have the amp built in while the
passive speakers require a stereo amp or receiver. Active speakers have inputs for RCA, Aux while passive speakers only
have speaker wire connections which connect to a stereo amplifier. The RCA audio cables or Aux cable connects to the amp.
Mini stereo amp with passive speakers connects to TV for better sound.
Remote control of volume levels. Bluetooth models can play music from mobile phones.
You can get small stereo speakers which have a built in amplifier and remote control for volume and connect
to your TV or your cable or satellite box or a DTV converter box for better TV sound. This setup has a variety of uses.
Connection diagram for old style TV using DTV converter box and active speakers to get much better TV sound.
If you have an older TV and are using the DTV converter box for free local broadcast TV, you can
get powered speakers for much better TV sound.
Connection diagram for TV speakers using stereo amp with passive speakers.
If your TV only has an optical audio output, you either need an audio digital to analog converter which will
allow the TV optical audio cable to connect to the DAC input and allow two RCA cables (white and red)
to connect to the DAC output and then to the stereo RCA inputs or you can get a stereo amp with an
optical audio input. If your TV only has a 3.5mm Aux audio
output, you need an audio cable with 3.5mm plug at one end and RCA white and red at the other end.
Bluetooth wireless stereo speaker connection
How to connect TV to speakers wirelessly
If you have a modern TV with Bluetooth, you can get a Bluetooth stereo amplifier connected to speakers for
better TV sound.
Fosi Audio BT20A Bluetooth 5.0 Stereo Audio 2 Channel Amplifier Receiver Mini Hi-Fi Class D Integrated Amp 2.0 CH for Home Speakers 100W x 2 with Bass and Treble Control TPA3116 (with Power Supply)
Bluetooth 5.0 core, up to 50ft connection range guarantees low signal delay.
Stereo Amp with Bluetooth, passive speaker wired connections, optical input, aux input
Audio Goals -
1. Get surround sound or stereo sound from TV to a soundbar,
audio/video receiver, or stereo amplifier for richer sound.
2. Get surround sound or stereo sound from TV with no audio outputs.
3. Get sound from TV with only optical output - only using stereo
amplifier.
4. Get sound from multiple A/V sources when TV does not have enough
inputs.
HDTV REAR PANEL
Some HDTVs have both analog audio out and digital audio outputs but
many TVs only have digital optical
audio out using an optical jack. In the
image above, the optical output jack is bottom right. It is labeled
DIGITAL AUDIO OUT
(OPTICAL). This is capable of surround sound or stereo (PCM). Some TVs
have a
3.5mm audio output jack for stereo sound. Just above the optical,
labeled AUDIO OUT.
Soundbar
Optical audio cable hookup is good for stereo or 2-channel audio or Dolby Digital 5.1,
but not for more modern audio sound such as 7.1 or Dolby ATMOS.
The point is that as technology advances, HDMI will be the connection of choice as HDMI can handle
every possible sound configuration from created sources in the near future.
Soundbars will not yield true surround sound. You need an Audio/Video Receiver for that
with 6 or 8 loudspeakers or more.
However, a soundbar will indeed yield better sound than TV speakers.
Remember to set the TV sound to the appropriate output using the TV menus.
The image above shows a closeup of an optical jack. You use a Toslink
optical
audio cable to connect to a soundbar or audio/video receiver or home
theater optical audio input. This way you can get surround sound or
stereo sound.
For the analog audio 3.5mm audio out, use a audio
cable with either
3.5mm plugs at both ends or an adapter
cable which has 3.5mm at one end
and two RCA plugs at the other end to connect to stereo amplifier or
receiver.
Soundbar for TV sound solutions
If TV has only RCA analog audio Outputs, use a RCA stereo to 3.5mm adapter cable to connect.
Diagram - TV Sound Output
Diagram - Converter box takes optical
input and outputs to RCA analog
audio. For TV with only optical audio output.
Use a DAC to convert TV optical audio output to a analog stereo input to amplifier or receiver for better sound from TV. Vintage stereo gear can use the AUX RCA inputs.
PROZOR 192KHz Digital to Analog Audio Converter DAC Digital SPDIF Optical to Analog L/R RCA
Converter Toslink Optical to 3.5mm Jack Adapter
Set TV audio output to PCM
DIAGRAM - HDTV optical connected to SoundBar or Home Theater for
surround sound.
TV has NO audio
outputs
Solution 1: Use
your Cable TV or Satellite TV receiver box.
If
you are using a cable TV box or satellite TV receiver box to get your
TV programming, connect the analog audio outputs (white and red audio
OUT on the rear panel of the cable box) using a standard RCA stereo
audio
cable (white and red) to your stereo amplifier inputs or wireless
speakers or other device.
The white and red analog audio outputs are
next to the yellow video output. These analog outs are usually
available on todays cable boxes for older TVs or VCRs but you can
hookup cables to the analog audio outs only and get the sound for your
TV show sent out to an amplifier and speakers. This also works for a
DTV converter box when using only an antenna for over the air TV
broadcasts. These converter boxes have RCA audio outputs to carry sound
to an amplifier.
DIAGRAM - TV stereo sound from cable/satellite TV set top box
Digital Cable/Satellite TV
set top box rear panel
Surround sound (when available) from the SPDIF output (7) can be used
to connect to a soundbar or home theater if TV has no audio output.
Usually requires a Toslink audio cable to connect.
Sometimes this solution works well and you do
not need to buy anything.
Some issues may occur with this solution such
as an audio delay. Your TV may have a feature to adjust audio delay but
if it does not and you are getting an audio delay, then go to the next
solution.
For DVD, Blu-ray, Xbox, Playstation sources, connect to A/V receiver
via HDMI or optical audio.
Use an HDMI switchbox for multiple sources such as games, DVD,
Cable/Satellite.
Use this HDMI switch to access sound from all your sources, including
cable TV or
game boxes and also a TV tuner box such as an ATSC TV tuner box. Just
connect
the audio output on the HDMI switch box to your audio
amplifier/receiver. Use the
optical audio or the HDMI output if your receiver has HDMI input, then
run HDMI
cable on to the TV. You can also use a soundbar.
Diagram Hookup TV HDMI Switch
box for sound
TV Tuner Box with
ATSC, HDMI out
Viewtv
At-163
ATSC Digital TV Converter Box and Media Player w/ Recording PVR
Function / HDMI Out / Coaxial Out / Composite Out / USB Input
http://www.amazon.com/Viewtv-Converter-Recording-Function-Composite/dp/B00GGVPKKC
http://www.viewtvbox.com/
Using this TV tuner box and a audio/video receiver, you can connect the
HDMI or digital audio output from the tuner to the AVR and then HDMI to
TV.
Solution 2: Use an
ATSC TV
Receiver box.
These boxes
cost around $30 to $40. Connect a UHF/VHF
antenna to the tuner box,
connect an
HDMI cable to TV and connect, typically a coaxial digital audio cable
to
a surround sound soundbar or A/V receiver. Or use the RCA white and red
stereo outputs on the ATSC tuner box to hookup to stereo receiver and
speakers.
These boxes usually record also to a USB thumb drive. Watch
one program using big screen TV tuner while recording
another show using the ATSC tuner box. These tuners will give you audio
output if your TV will not. Usually these tuner boxes have surround
sound outputs such as a digital coaxial which you can connect to a
surround sound receiver.
Diagram - Use two TV tuners, one for richer sound or if TV has no audio
output and one for viewing.
Solution 3: Use a HDMI audio extractor.
For more than one HDMI input device, use a HDMI switch box to connect multiple HDMI source devices.
Use
an audio converter.
This solution involves an audio converter box which
you will need to buy. Cost can be from $25 to $68 or so. These small
devices will accept the optical cable connection from your TV and allow
the stereo analog RCA output connection to your amplifier or other
device.
There are some considerations here, such as:
Does the converter box actually convert the digital audio to analog or
just pass
whatever the TV is sending out from the optical output? Some converter
boxes actually convert
the digital bitstream to analog audio but others will only pass a PCM
2-channel signal to the analog RCA output.
If you see a warning regarding the audio converter box you intend to
buy such as the example below, be sure your TV can output 2-channel
stereo and not just 5.1 signals.
IMPORTANT
NOTE! This device will NOT decode
5.1-channel signals. It will ONLY convert 2-channel digital stereo
(PCM) input signals to analog stereo output. This will not work with
TVs that only output 5.1-channel digital signals!
The best converters will convert surround sound to 6 channel analog
audio. Look at the audio converter box. Does it have 6 RCA output jacks
or
just 2 RCA outputs?
The reason this is important is because some TVs do
not have the option to output their audio as 2-channel PCM over the
optical out,
only as Dolby Digital
5.1, which needs to be decoded. Go into your TVs audio menu to check
which audio output options are available.
If your TV has the option to output
sound as 2-channel PCM or Dolby Digital 5.1, then you can buy a
converter box
with
only 2 RCA outputs (although you may want to buy a box with 6 analog
outputs). Set the TV to output PCM audio and connect a
standard stereo RCA cable to the converter box RCA outputs and then to
your inputs on a stereo receiver or other sound device.
If your TV can only output Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, then you
need a converter box which can decode the optical bitstream to 6
channel analog audio.
Audio converter box which takes optical input and outputs 6 channel
analog audio.
If you only have a stereo amp, only connect the FL (front left) and the
FR (front right) cable connections.
Converter box with only 2 analog audio connections. This box does not
convert the optical digital audio so you have to be able to give it PCM
2-channel audio.
This box accepts optical or coaxial digital audio cables.
Audio converter box for 6 channel analog audio output.
There are also soundbars
with optical inputs and wireless headphones
with optical inputs that may offer a solution. Soundbars for your TV
will give you some
enhanced sound while headphones will allow private TV listening. You
could also buy a home theater in a box system from Samsung, Sony, Onkyo
or Panasonic. These have optical inputs and give you richer sound from
loudspeakers. Just connect an optical audio cable from the TV to the
sound system and start enjoying better sound than your TV speakers can
produce.
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to PC hookup / record vinyl LPs to computer
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to Stereo hookup - how to play computer thru sound system
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cassette to computer hookup - how to record audio cassettes to PC
• PC
stereo hookup
Question:
Is
there a speaker which accepts an optical input?
Answer:
Yes.
Behringer makes a stereo speaker setup with amp and DAC which has an
optical input. See below.
Behringer
Speaker MS40 Digital 40-Watt Stereo
2-way active studio monitors ideally
suited for
computer studios, audio and multimedia workstations and keyboard
monitoring
Built-in 2 x 20-Watt amplifiers
Powerful woofers and high-resolution
tweeters
provide an ultra-linear frequency response
Ultra-high resolution 24-bit/192 kHz D/A
converters
for an incredible dynamic range
Optical and coaxial inputs to directly
connect
digital audio sources by S/PDIF interface
25.6 x 9.1 x 13 inches ; 21.3 pounds
Rear of Behringer Speaker - Optical Input and Coaxial Input plus Analog
Inputs
HEADPHONES for TV
Headphones for a TV
has many uses including private listening, volume increases for older folks without disturbing others, mobile listening and more.
There are basically three types of hookups, 1) wired, 2) wireless Bluetooth and 3) wireless RF. Wireless Bluetooth has some limitations such as about a
30 feet maximum distance of signal reliability and Bluetooth can suffer from an audio lag issue where the audio is not in synch with the video
creating a lip synch issue. More expensive Bluetooth headphones can sometimes fix this problem. Wired headphones are also limited in distance
and create a possible tripping hazard with the wire connection. Wireless RF headphones work up to 100 feet and do not suffer from audio lag.
Since TVs can have 3.5mm audio out, RCA stereo audio out or optical audio output, make sure to get a headphone transmitter unit with the proper connection
to your TV. Connect the TV to the headphone transmitter unit using an audio cable. If the TV has only optical audio output, connect the optical cable only from the TV to the headphone
transmitter unit. Next, set the TV to external speakers and the audio output to PCM. Headphones should have volume control.
Wireless RF Headphones with transmitter
Has 3.5mm, RCA and Optical connections.
Avantree HT280 Wireless Headphones for TV Watching with 2.4G RF Transmitter Charging Dock, Digital Optical System, High Volume Headset Ideal for Seniors & Hearing Impaired, 100ft Range, No Audio Delay
Optical Cable for connecting TV to headphone transmitter
Audio Return Channel - ARC
ARC
is a newer technology, part of the HDMI spec. Your TV must have ARC
capability and the other devices such as soundbar must also be ARC
capable. ARC lets
your digital TV output digital sound to an audio device and input
digital sound from the same audio device over a single
HDMI cable. ARC is
only available through the HDMI (ARC) port and only when the TV is
connected to an ARC-enabled A/V
receiver.
With ARC you no longer need to connect an optical cable from the TV to
a soundbar or A/V receiver for sound. The same HDMI cable from the A/V
receiver to the TV which carrys DVD, Cable, satellite, Xbox, Bluray can
also carry, in the reverse direction, sound from the TV back to the A/V
receiver. You can send audio from internal TV sources like the
HDTV tuner, or
built-in web streaming apps to home theater, soundbar with HDMI.
Send out the audio from other
HDMI sources as the TV becomes the central hub.
The TV switches all the sources, and the audio for each one (Blu-ray
player, cable box, etc), would get sent to a soundbar or Home Theater.
If your TV has ARC already, you’ll just need to get a
soundbar, HTIB, or A/V receiver that also has ARC.
HDMI cables needed:
An Audio Return Channel-enabled TV allows you to send audio over an
already connected HDMI cable. Typically, in order to transfer audio
from your source (TV tuner) to your home theater you would need a
separate audio cable (analog audio or digital optical) going from your
TV to the home theater. With the ARC function, you can send any audio
from your TV back to an ARC enabled home theater receiver and listen to
your TV's audio through the home theater system without having to
connect an optical audio cable.
These
are one example of the steps to enable ARC (Audio Return Channel)
- Make
sure your audio receiver
is ARC compatible
and that your HDTV is ARC compatible.
- Ensure
that you have an HDMI 1.4
high-speed cable
that is multi-directional.
- Use HDMI 1
or HDMI (ARC) on your TV. This will need to be plugged into
the HDMI OUT
of the audio video receiver.
- MENU -
Sound - Digital Audio on
your TV, change to Dolby Digital.
- MENU -
Sound - Turn off
the TV internal speakers.
- Turn
CEC
on.
- Ensure
the receiver is in TV control and is in discoverable mode.
- (You may
have
to reference the user manual for your receiver)
- Search
for the device under CEC menu
- This
will unlock System Audio Control
(under CEC), turn to ON.
Connecting
a TV compatible with the Audio Return Channel (ARC) function via an
HDMI connection.
Diagram ARC for TV sound
If your TV
supports the Audio Return Channel (ARC) function, set the receiver by
the following procedure to output the sound of the TV from
the speakers
connected to the receiver.
- Select
[Settings]
- [HDMI
Settings] from the home menu.
- Select
[Control
for HDMI].
- Select
[On].
HDMI Switch Box
Some HDMI switch boxes have ARC
Hookup
Diagram for HDMI switch box |
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