Big Picture Big Sound

Question:

Dear Big Picture Big Sound,

How do I get audio out from my LG 42LD520 TV into my Sony home theater system with my TV having no audio outputs?

Thanks,

-Jonathan

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Answer:

Dear Jonathan,

While your LG TV doesn't have a set of analog RCA audio outputs, it actually does have two audio outputs that you can use to connect it to a home theater system, soundbar or audio receiver.  It has a fiberoptic (TOSLINK) digital output. This would use a standard fiberoptic cable, but only if your home theater system has an available fiberoptic input. The same cable would work with most soundbars.

Your HDTV also has a headphone output, which you can connect to stereo RCA inputs using a simple stereo 1/8" to RCA adapter cable.

Here are a couple of choices:

• 1/8" (3.5 mm) headphone plug to stereo RCA plugs (analog) - 5 feet long
• fiberoptic cable (digital) - 6 feet long

You could plug either of these cables (analog or digital) into your home theater system, depending on the inputs available on your receiver. The fiberoptic digital connection is preferred as it will allow you to get Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound from broadcasts that include it.

If you have a cable or satellite set-top box or DVR you could also plug the audio output of that box directly into your home theater system. Again, the fiberoptic or coax digital connection is preferred, or you could use the HDMI output if your home theater system supports HDMI inputs with audio processing.

Hope that helps,

-Chris

Related:

• How to Convert my TV's HDMI/ARC Output to Analog RCA Audio Outputs
• How to Connect Any TV to a Soundbar or Receiver - the Definitive Guide