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What do I purchase for my Plasma TV to make my headphones work?

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Deal Addict
Aug 14, 2012
1724 posts
92 upvotes
Midtown Toronto

What do I purchase for my Plasma TV to make my headphones work?

Hi, be forewarned I am not a TV geek and need things explained in full :D

Bought headphones before Xmas on sale to drown out the sound of the TV when I am working nearby.
Cheap but figure they will do the job.
http://www.amazon.ca/Sony-MDR-RF985-Wir ... B009A6CZYO

BUT, IT DIDNT WORK :-0

ALL i heard was static



Told I don't have "audio out except for optical. Headphones won't work with such an Old TV" LOL :cry:

Have 2, what I thought were decent 50" Plasma TVs, just a few years old. Seemed fine to me. I am now told they are out of date and i need to buy new LED TVs. I don't watch TV often BUT I DID buy headphones for the living room one so I can put the on the head of the person viewing so I don't need to listen to it 24/7.

They did not work.
I don't need new TVs.
These are fine, I just need to get the headphones to work.


This is the main living room one. All 3 TVs are roughly the same but its this one i need them for.
http://www.lg.com/ca_en/tvs/lg-50PT350-plasma-tv



I was first told I needed to buy this at Amazon by someone in the US, so this is an amazon.com thread whereby I really need to purchase from amazon.canada
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Optical-C ... d_sxp_f_pt

Upon reading comments, it says it doesn't support Dolby. Guess thats not important for me I think, as i don't use home theater speakers but just the TV itself. I do run my Apple 3 TV through that TV but so far the sound is fine. Just watching movies anyhow.
BUT, somewhere I saw some comments saying that this doesn't seem to work well on LG TVs, but not sure why.



Is there anyone here that can help me get this sorted out please?

I would hope to get a link to either a spot online in Canada I can buy one OR a store here such as The Source but figure i can get a better deal online, IF ONLY i know for sure it will work. Otherwise I'd rather buy from a store and return there if need be.



Thanking In Advance :D

Am located in Mid Town Toronto if a store is mentioned.....

Quotes I noticed of interest on Amazon IF TRUE?

[QUOTE]This is the same devise radio shack sells. What is NOT said in the initial description is that it does not support Dolby. It only mentions it in the manual and in very fine print on the back of the box. So, since essentially all new TVs have Dolby audio, then this product is useless. You must use a converter that specifically says that it can decode Dolby.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE]I don't own any converter and this is not a review, gave it 5 stars cause I just wanted everyone to save money!!! If you have older sound system with RCA, you don't need to buy any converter. If you have a DVR, VCR or any devices connected to your TV, all you have to do is use the output audio L/R from those devices then connect to your surround sound (I have a older Bose) and bam saves $$$.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE]Only con - no remote volume control. [/QUOTE]

[QUOTE]Awful. Simply awful.

First off, let me say that I bought this unit at Radio Shack, and it was a Radio Shack "brand", but was the exact same unit and housing as this Jumbl "brand", so a red flag right there for potential buyers.

Anyway, I took it home and set it up, and it produced great sound for my Blu-ray player. I was having a great time watching my favorite movies with awesome sound. Since I was satisfied, I threw away the packaging and receipt (an action I would soon regret).

Three days later, I got ready to watch a movie, and suddenly there was no sound. I did some trouble shooting, and I tried everything: a new coax audio cable, new analog cables, a different input in my mixer, I tried outputting from my DVR to make sure it wasn't a Blu-ray problem...nothing worked. I concluded that the converter had simply stopped working.

Since I threw out all the packaging and receipt, I cannot return it and will have to eat the $40 I spent. I will now be putting out a little more money this time to look for a more professional grade adaptor.

Keep away from this piece of garbage.[/QUOTE]
I no longer check into this forum. Email me directly IF you have my newest address.
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15 replies
Deal Expert
User avatar
Mar 6, 2003
19713 posts
13577 upvotes
Ottawa
There are lots of similar boxes on the market.
http://www.thesource.ca/estore/product. ... ct=8016075 or
http://www.amazon.ca/Toslink-Dual-RCA-S ... B00007LT87
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=1 ... 1&format=2

What's not clear to me is whether your TV's optical output uses Dolby Digital at all.

If it does, then none of these Digital Audio to Analog boxes will work as they were designed to convert "2 channel stereo PCM only".

I think it's likely to work so I would try one and see.
Deal Addict
Aug 1, 2006
1510 posts
759 upvotes
Toronto
Sutherlandchick wrote: Hi, be forewarned I am not a TV geek and need things explained in full :D

Bought headphones before Xmas on sale to drown out the sound of the TV when I am working nearby.
Cheap but figure they will do the job.
http://www.amazon.ca/Sony-MDR-RF985-Wir ... B009A6CZYO

BUT, IT DIDNT WORK :-0

ALL i heard was static
... what were they even plugged into??? The headphones worked fine -- they just weren't connected to any usable source.
Sutherlandchick wrote: Told I don't have "audio out except for optical. Headphones won't work with such an Old TV" LOL :cry:

Have 2, what I thought were decent 50" Plasma TVs, just a few years old. Seemed fine to me. I am now told they are out of date and i need to buy new LED TVs. I don't watch TV often BUT I DID buy headphones for the living room one so I can put the on the head of the person viewing so I don't need to listen to it 24/7.

They did not work.
I don't need new TVs.
These are fine, I just need to get the headphones to work.

This is the main living room one. All 3 TVs are roughly the same but its this one i need them for.
http://www.lg.com/ca_en/tvs/lg-50PT350-plasma-tv

I was first told I needed to buy this at Amazon by someone in the US, so this is an amazon.com thread whereby I really need to purchase from amazon.canada
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Optical-C ... d_sxp_f_pt

Upon reading comments, it says it doesn't support Dolby. Guess thats not important for me I think, as i don't use home theater speakers but just the TV itself. I do run my Apple 3 TV through that TV but so far the sound is fine. Just watching movies anyhow.
BUT, somewhere I saw some comments saying that this doesn't seem to work well on LG TVs, but not sure why.

Is there anyone here that can help me get this sorted out please?

I would hope to get a link to either a spot online in Canada I can buy one OR a store here such as The Source but figure i can get a better deal online, IF ONLY i know for sure it will work. Otherwise I'd rather buy from a store and return there if need be.

Thanking In Advance :D

Am located in Mid Town Toronto if a store is mentioned.....
Most TVs made after 2011 dropped the headphone jack.
Your TV(s) are more than a few year old. They're not even 720p resolution. (The LG is only 1,024x768.)

You need a Toslink (optical) [input] to RCA [output] converter. These adapters only support stereo (L/R) output which is what the headphones support anyways (the headphones don't have a Dolby [surround/digital] decoder nor will they convert [or downsample] surround sound into 2-channel stereo).

There are various stores that carry them:
- http://www.amazon.ca/Portta-PETDTAP-Dig ... pd_cp_ce_1
- http://www.infinitecables.com/pop/vc-202.htm [404/Woodbine]
- http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_ ... _id=068321 [multiple locations]
- http://www.thesource.ca/estore/product. ... ct=8020220 [multiple locations]
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Deal Addict
Jul 29, 2001
2014 posts
665 upvotes
Calgary
This is all you need:

http://www.amazon.ca/Digital-Optical-To ... B0055MZCCY $11 with shipping from Amazon.ca

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=1 ... 1&format=2 If you rather trust Monoprice but more expensive.

Optical out from TV to the Box, connect your wireless headphones to your RCA on the box.

Done.

Now that said, there is a cheaper and easier way...

You don't state if you are using a Digital Cable box or not, if you are you can just connect the headphones to the cable box (RCA audio out), The TV will still have it's own volume when you need, and so will the headphones. Just press mute on the TV to block the speakers, it won't affect the headphones... use the headphones to control their own volume. Obviously this would only work for your digital cable box and not your ATV3
Deal Fanatic
Jun 17, 2013
5120 posts
1501 upvotes
Montreal
Do you have a stereo?

I run my TV via optical to my amp then my amp to my headphones
Deal Addict
Oct 5, 2008
1963 posts
831 upvotes
White Rock
OP you may want to check your TV's menu >> AUDIO.
Try to turn off your TV Speaker and see if your headphones work.
Deal Addict
Aug 14, 2012
1724 posts
92 upvotes
Midtown Toronto
[QUOTE]Most TVs made after 2011 dropped the headphone jack.
Your TV(s) are more than a few year old. They're not even 720p resolution. (The LG is only 1,024x768.)[/QUOTE]


I didn't write down the calendar date but I think one is 2.5 years old and the other a different model but roughly the same, about 4 years old?
Whatever....the screen is more than fine.

I just bought the 27" Retina iMac for $3000.
i can see a difference between my 2011 Macbook Pro screen and this new Retina but when I watch TV these screens look more than fine.
I don't feel the need to throw a tv out every 4 years LOL
Im not using them for BluRay but simple TV shows.......they are fine, I just want frigging headphones to work on them :)


[QUOTE]Now that said, there is a cheaper and easier way...

You don't state if you are using a Digital Cable box or not, if you are you can just connect the headphones to the cable box (RCA audio out), The TV will still have it's own volume when you need, and so will the headphones. Just press mute on the TV to block the speakers, it won't affect the headphones... use the headphones to control their own volume. Obviously this would only work for your digital cable box and not your ATV3[/QUOTE]

Digital Box as in what I get from Rogers?

Pictures Below--Yes I have some sort of Cicso Digital Box. I also have a PVR 3.0 and Home Networking so I can tape on this PVR and watch or delete shows from it on the 2nd one IF thats what you meant?
I do have a older DVD player but haven't really used it so its not hooked up...

YIKES its dusty down there

[IMG]http://i57.tinypic.com/2ijkj2r.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i62.tinypic.com/20af62h.jpg[/IMG]

When I use the ATV 3 i never use headphones for thats the only time I do watch TV. I have downloaded a film or TV show and run it from the mac to the TV. The rest of the time its not me watching it at all. Some of those times I wish to have the user use them. Sorry but I may know how to run computers and cell phones pretty well but I haven't ever been into TV or stereos so I am not familiar with the basics of them. Plus, men in this household tend to dominate the TV Clicker so even IF i wanted to, id never get near it...even if asleep, the TV clicker would be harder to get to than breaking into CIA headquarters - hence, don't pay any attention to them.



[QUOTE]You need a Toslink (optical) [input] to RCA [output] converter. These adapters only support stereo (L/R) output which is what the headphones support anyways (the headphones don't have a Dolby [surround/digital] decoder nor will they convert [or downsample] surround sound into 2-channel stereo).

There are various stores that carry them:
- http://www.amazon.ca/Portta-PETDTAP-...ref=pd_cp_ce_1
- http://www.infinitecables.com/pop/vc-202.htm [404/Woodbine]
- http://www.canadacomputers.com/produ...item_id=068321 [multiple locations]
- http://www.thesource.ca/estore/produ...roduct=8020220 EARN CASH BACK [multiple locations][/QUOTE]

Thanks, I will go though these as well and see whats best for me. Interesting that it can be found at Canada Computers. Thanks for all of those. I will go through and hopefully won't need to ask any more questions of you so thank you again for all those links to browse!!!!


[QUOTE]What's not clear to me is whether your TV's optical output uses Dolby Digital at all.

If it does, then none of these Digital Audio to Analog boxes will work as they were designed to convert "2 channel stereo PCM only".

I think it's likely to work so I would try one and see.
[/QUOTE]

LOL Well I can promise you that if it isn't clear to you, its really far less clear to me :)
Thanks, I will check those ones out as well. I have a few to check so cant comment right now other than to thank you and will look through each one carefully to see one or more will work for me or not. :)


[QUOTE]... what were they even plugged into??? The headphones worked fine -- they just weren't connected to any usable source.
[/QUOTE]

Well that is the million dollar question now isn't it? What were they plugged into. I can assure you that if I could answer that, I would doubtfully be here posting these questions, period :)

Obviously without saying, what they were plugged into, wasn't the right spot
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I have 3 +, pages of 100% Ratings for various BNIB items + Heatware, for sale but focus on sales elsewhere.
found Here!
Deal Addict
Aug 14, 2012
1724 posts
92 upvotes
Midtown Toronto
[QUOTE]OP you may want to check your TV's menu >> AUDIO.
Try to turn off your TV Speaker and see if your headphones work.[/QUOTE]


With the link I gave to the TV, it was someone else that told me that could not be done, apparently, but thanks anyhow. I do appreciate it


[QUOTE]Do you have a stereo?

I run my TV via optical to my amp then my amp to my headphones[/QUOTE]

Nope, haven't used one in years.



[QUOTE]This is all you need:

http://www.amazon.ca/Digital-Optical.../dp/B0055MZCCY $11 with shipping from Amazon.ca

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_i...seq=1&format=2 EARN CASH BACK If you rather trust Monoprice but more expensive.

Optical out from TV to the Box, connect your wireless headphones to your RCA on the box.

Done.

Now that said, there is a cheaper and easier way...

You don't state if you are using a Digital Cable box or not, if you are you can just connect the headphones to the cable box (RCA audio out), The TV will still have it's own volume when you need, and so will the headphones. Just press mute on the TV to block the speakers, it won't affect the headphones... use the headphones to control their own volume. Obviously this would only work for your digital cable box and not your ATV3[/QUOTE]


I have posted links in the post above.
So if I buy one of those, is that all I need or must I be buying some set of wires of some sort?

LOL Sorry, I REALLY don't have a clue about TVs :)
I no longer check into this forum. Email me directly IF you have my newest address.
I have 3 +, pages of 100% Ratings for various BNIB items + Heatware, for sale but focus on sales elsewhere.
found Here!
Deal Addict
Oct 5, 2008
1963 posts
831 upvotes
White Rock
The following is an alternative, but will work. And you get a cheap DAC.

$29.99 now till tonight PST.
http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/ ... 27426.aspx

A lot discussions here:
futureshop-bestbuy-turtle-beach-ear-for ... a-1630099/

You connect the DSS2 to your TV's optical out and USB port. Then connect your Sony's transmitter to the DSS2's headphone jack. You don't need to use the Turtle Beach headset.
Deal Addict
Aug 1, 2006
1510 posts
759 upvotes
Toronto
Sutherlandchick wrote: Digital Box as in what I get from Rogers?

Pictures Below--Yes I have some sort of Cicso Digital Box. I also have a PVR 3.0 and Home Networking so I can tape on this PVR and watch or delete shows from it on the 2nd one IF thats what you meant?
I do have a older DVD player but haven't really used it so its not hooked up...

YIKES its dusty down there

[IMG]http://i57.tinypic.com/2ijkj2r.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i62.tinypic.com/20af62h.jpg[/IMG]
You can connect the headphones directly to the RCA stereo output jacks on the Nextbox.

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/vVaMrGK.jpg[/IMG]
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Deal Addict
User avatar
Feb 18, 2007
4114 posts
299 upvotes
New Westminster
the Sony i have being delivered tomorrow has a headphone jack on it and i hope it works just by changing a few settings in the audio dept. I do not use headphones enough to pay for extra equipment to use with it although depending on the sound the TV has i may be using either a soundbar/soundbase or hook up my stereo and have 2.0 set up - that does have a tos link hook up and so everything should work fine.

I really dont understand why you couldnt get it to work just by changing the settings as someone else mentioned. unless i missed it which is quite possible you really don't say you tried it or not. it sucks to think they give us an option then make it so you need to buy crap to use that said option.

only thing i have ever heard before about headphones not working is when it comes to needing an amp for them but i haven't heard of needing something like that in years.

Anyway good luck on getting them to work. If i was still living at home or with a roomate i would be using them alot.
Poor Grammar and being long winded don't fit well together, Oh well.
Deal Addict
Aug 14, 2012
1724 posts
92 upvotes
Midtown Toronto
JPTN

Finally, someone that knows how to answer a technical question the way that I and most woman truly appreciate!!!
I was going to say that your talent should be directed towards writing DIY guides and then I saw the link to your condo and what you did to it and I can truly say that If I were a few decades younger, I likely would have proposed to you on the spot :)
Its a gift few have, to answer tech questions in a way that you are able to foresee the persons next questions before they arise, and answer them ahead of time.


So after all of that, I have just plugged it in as your diagram shows but someone here put them headphones back and left them on by mistake so I have to fully charge them again which should take a few hours. Hence, I am not able to respond with a YAY or NAY until thats done but I suspect it will be a Yay.
I will let you know at that time how it has gone, but thank you once again for the diagram/instructions/etc.


[QUOTE]Thinking JPTN is right. If that box works, you can get an RCA adapter at the dollar store to make a female headphone jack and you'd be done.

Looks like this and plugs into #5 on the picture.
http://img.misco.eu/resources/images..._1600x1600.jpg[/QUOTE]

Sorry, not yet sure why I would need this.
Once i get the headphones working I will re-visit your post.
Thank you



[QUOTE]the Sony i have being delivered tomorrow has a headphone jack on it and i hope it works just by changing a few settings in the audio dept. I do not use headphones enough to pay for extra equipment to use with it although depending on the sound the TV has i may be using either a soundbar/soundbase or hook up my stereo and have 2.0 set up - that does have a tos link hook up and so everything should work fine.

I really dont understand why you couldnt get it to work just by changing the settings as someone else mentioned. unless i missed it which is quite possible you really don't say you tried it or not. it sucks to think they give us an option then make it so you need to buy crap to use that said option.

only thing i have ever heard before about headphones not working is when it comes to needing an amp for them but i haven't heard of needing something like that in years.

Anyway good luck on getting them to work. If i was still living at home or with a roomate i would be using them alot.[/QUOTE]



[QUOTE]You don't state if you are using a Digital Cable box or not, if you are you can just connect the headphones to the cable box (RCA audio out), The TV will still have it's own volume when you need, and so will the headphones. Just press mute on the TV to block the speakers, it won't affect the headphones... use the headphones to control their own volume. Obviously this would only work for your digital cable box and not your ATV3[/QUOTE]

Thank you very much MafiaHitman.
The explanation for why I might have missed this the first time is explained above. Eternally grateful however nonetheless. My fault entirely.


As to everyone else that responded to my cry for help in this thread, Thank you very very much. Truly appreciated!
I no longer check into this forum. Email me directly IF you have my newest address.
I have 3 +, pages of 100% Ratings for various BNIB items + Heatware, for sale but focus on sales elsewhere.
found Here!
Deal Addict
Aug 14, 2012
1724 posts
92 upvotes
Midtown Toronto
goodfortune wrote: The following is an alternative, but will work. And you get a cheap DAC.

$29.99 now till tonight PST.
http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/ ... 27426.aspx

A lot discussions here:
futureshop-bestbuy-turtle-beach-ear-for ... a-1630099/

You connect the DSS2 to your TV's optical out and USB port. Then connect your Sony's transmitter to the DSS2's headphone jack. You don't need to use the Turtle Beach headset.

I usually never buy things without researching it first. Lesson learned.
Found a deal of $250 off the 27" retina iMac at Best Buy and went to buy it.
On the way out the door I saw the Sony Headphones
I forgot the cardinal rule, don't trust the sales help at Best Buy/Future Shops when it comes to answering any question you might have (no offence to the odd good technical sales person working there)

Lesson learned!
Unfortunately I did not see your deal first :)
I no longer check into this forum. Email me directly IF you have my newest address.
I have 3 +, pages of 100% Ratings for various BNIB items + Heatware, for sale but focus on sales elsewhere.
found Here!
Deal Addict
Aug 14, 2012
1724 posts
92 upvotes
Midtown Toronto
Thank you. I finally got to it this morning and they do work.
Unfortunately I am dealing with a husband in a lot of pain at the moment while awaiting an operation and after finally getting them to work, he now is refusing to wear headphones LOL

So I am going to sell them for half price as its just past the 30 day period for me to return them or keep them for another day but i doubt then I will get him to wear them either

BUT at least the mystery has been solved as to how one can get them to work without a headphone jack.


I still cant believe that one has to go though this to use a pair of headphones but thats another story....... :)


just put them up for sale on the electronic page for $50 to move them quickly or I might throw them at the husband and don't want to do that LOL

if anyone wants it, just look up recent posts or maybe through my ratings there will be a link??!!
I no longer check into this forum. Email me directly IF you have my newest address.
I have 3 +, pages of 100% Ratings for various BNIB items + Heatware, for sale but focus on sales elsewhere.
found Here!

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