Cables (semi tech rant)

[BeBMan]

So yeah, my TV produces nice pics, but the sound is kinda weak sauce.

So let's get a soundbar for better sound. I wisely took one with multiple ways to connect...or so I thought.

1. TV has HDMI2x. Soundbar has HDMI. Soundbar has funny lights on, great, now what can go wrong?

Ahh quite something it seems - the soundbar needs HDMI CEC/ARC. Which either my TV (which is just 3yrs old or so) hasn't, or I didn't find some setting for it, or whatever. Result:

Crappy TV sound 1, soundbar 0

2. Mkay, HDMI would be best I read, but it's just for snobs anyway. Real men use something else, like those good old cinch left/right audio cable(s) which I have in several variants from other stuff.

They fit perfectly, great. And the TV automatically switches something in the audio menu without the HDMI connection on, so there's a reaction!

But oh horror, still the result is:
Crappy TV sound 1, soundbar 0

3. There's also the possibility to use an optical cable. I never used one or even knew about those before, so I don't have anything to try. Ordered one extra now. hehe, let's hope there isn't a gazillion variations with the soundbar supporting all others only

Until this arrives I'm stuck with:
Crappy TV sound 1, soundbar 0



And of course there's no guarantee it will actually work this time.

But if not I just send the whole soundbar back and go for a refund

[Buster Crabbe's Uncle]

May I throw this into Return of the Revenge of the Son of Tech?

[BeBMan]

Yeah...sure

[Uncle Sparky]

[BeBMan]

[N35t0r]

The red/white rca plugs in your TV might be input-only. Check the manual (or study the available plugs) to see if there are any output ones (might be labeled 'monitor').
You might have the same issue with the S/PDIF Toslink cable.

If you have a stereo RCA to miniplug cable, the TV should have a headphone jack, which should work.

[BeBMan]

Thanks -- I'll try that