What if my TV doesn’t have an audio output?

Answered by Frank Schwing

If your TV doesn’t have an audio output, it can be a bit more challenging to connect it to a home theater or stereo system. However, there are still a few options you can try to resolve this issue.

1. Check for alternative audio outputs: Some TVs may have alternative audio outputs, such as RCA (red and white) or headphone jacks. Look at the back or sides of your TV to see if you can find any of these ports. If you do, you can use the appropriate cable to connect it to your home theater or stereo system.

2. Use HDMI ARC: If your TV has an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port, you can utilize this feature to connect your TV to a compatible home theater system. HDMI ARC allows audio to be sent from the TV to the audio system through the same HDMI cable used for video transmission. Make sure both your TV and audio system support HDMI ARC and enable this feature in the TV’s settings.

3. Use an HDMI audio extractor: If your TV has HDMI ports but no audio output options, you can consider using an HDMI audio extractor. This device allows you to extract the audio from the HDMI signal and output it to a separate audio connection, such as an optical cable or RCA jacks. Simply connect the HDMI cable from your TV to the HDMI input of the audio extractor and then connect the audio extractor to your home theater or stereo system using the appropriate audio cables.

4. Use a digital-to-analog converter: If your TV only has a digital audio output, such as an optical or coaxial port, and your home theater or stereo system only has analog inputs, you can use a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). This device will convert the digital audio signal from your TV into an analog signal that can be connected to your audio system. Connect the optical or coaxial cable from your TV to the digital input of the DAC, and then use analog cables to connect the DAC to your audio system.

5. Consider a wireless audio transmitter: If none of the above options work for you, you can explore using a wireless audio transmitter. These devices allow you to wirelessly transmit audio from your TV to a compatible receiver or speaker system. Simply connect the wireless transmitter to your TV’s audio output (if available) or use an alternative audio connection method, and then pair it with the receiver or speaker system to enjoy wireless audio.

If your TV doesn’t have an audio output, you may need to explore alternative connection options such as using HDMI ARC, HDMI audio extractors, digital-to-analog converters, or wireless audio transmitters. Make sure to check your TV’s specifications and available ports, and choose the option that best suits your setup and preferences.