Not all modern TV models are equipped with high-quality speakers. Therefore, the clarity and naturalness of the sound may leave something to be desired.
Mostly problems of this kind are solved by connecting acoustics. However, this option is not suitable for all users.
Now we will look at how to connect wireless headphones to your TV to enjoy high-quality and clear sound.
Synchronizing these devices will provide maximum immersion in a movie, game, and is also ideal for listening to your favorite music.
Types of wireless headphones
Before purchasing wireless headphones, you need to understand how they differ and learn how they work. Let us clarify that even on older TV models it is possible to connect contactless speakers. The accessory comes with a base that acts as a transmitter. For operation, a 3.5 mm jack, RCA tulips, HDMI or regular USB are used.
About each method below, and now about the types of headphones:
- Wi-Fi. One of the most acceptable options. They work through a special module capable of converting and outputting audio signals to paired devices. They are compact and convenient.
- Bluetooth. They are versatile and can be used to pair with most modern gadgets in addition to TV. They operate through a corresponding module, which can be internal or external. The sound goes through a digital to analog conversion stage, which can degrade the sound quality. You definitely won’t be able to listen to music through the wall in them - the coverage of Bluetooth technology is no more than 10 meters in a straight line.
- Infrared. This is a rather inconvenient option, since for them to work they require constant “open contact” with the infrared port. The signal can be ruined by any obstacles, a hand, a table, a wall, etc.
- Headphones. Based on the name, it’s easy to guess that the built-in radio transmitter is responsible for receiving the signal. The principle of operation is similar to that of a walkie-talkie, this allows you to hear the transmitted sound at a distance of up to 100 meters. The downside is low noise immunity; even an electric razor will create noise, leading to a deterioration in transmission quality.
- Optical. The rarest, but the highest quality.
The main advantage of wireless communication is mobility. Users are able to move freely around the room, albeit with slight restrictions regarding the coverage area of the selected type of sound transmission. Among the minuses, you can pay attention to the battery, which needs to be recharged after 10–12 hours of active use.
If the TV does not have a Bluetooth module
Older models and some new ones do not have a Bluetooth transmitter, which prevents you from connecting headphones. There are several options here. Read your TV's instructions to see what types it supports. You can buy radio headphones or Wi-Fi headphones that work via a wireless network. Although there are more universal solutions than buying such devices.
Using the transmitter
You can purchase a Bluetooth adapter to connect headphones. It comes in different forms; it looks like a small box that connects to the audio output or through a tulip. Power is provided by a battery or accumulator.
The principle of operation is simple: charge the battery, it lasts for 8-12 hours and connect it to the connector on the TV. In fact, you just stick it in. Now take out your “ears” and put them in search mode. After a while, the connection between them and the transmitter is activated, so that the sound will go through them until you turn it off. On your TV, you should switch the sound output from speakers to headphones in the settings, this will improve the sound quality.
Using a set-top box
TV set-top boxes are connected via HDMI, and in rare cases via other types of connectors. They are designed to convert the signal into a format that the TV can understand. They also have various functions, such as rewinding the broadcast a few hours ago. You can buy different models; there are several types of those that have built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi modules and are used to connect audio devices.
There are several other types of set-top boxes, such as IR and optical set-top boxes, which are created for their own types of devices. They do not have the same versatility as conventional transmitters or set-top boxes with the desired function, so they are worth using if the others are not suitable for some reason.
What you need to connect
Wireless headphones for TV connect via Bluetooth. Therefore, to set up synchronization, you just need to set the appropriate parameters in the TV settings. No additional devices are required. It's much more difficult to pair headphones with your TV if it doesn't support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
In this case, the list of required equipment will look like this:
- TV;
- Bluetooth transmitter;
- wireless headphones.
The specifics of connecting television headphones directly depend on the device from which company you are using. For example, LG TVs have a special application for online synchronization. The settings are also determined by the Smart TV operating system.
Connecting Bluetooth headphones to other media devices
Some media streaming devices have Bluetooth capabilities. These include devices such as the most popular streaming sticks as well as gaming consoles.
Streams for streaming
Amazon Fire TV
Amazon allows Bluetooth connectivity to the Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Cube, and Fire TV Stick. With your Bluetooth headphones in pairing mode, go to Settings on your Amazon devices.
From there, select "Remotes and Devices" and select "Bluetooth" from the list. Once your Amazon device detects your headphones, you can select them from the list and pair them.
Android TV
Not all Android TV boxes include Bluetooth functionality, so be sure to check the specifications before purchasing if you want this capability.
If your Android TV device does enable this feature, the headphones pair just like with any other Android product. With the headphones in pairing mode, go to the Settings option on your Android TV device and select Bluetooth. This will allow you to select your headphones and pair them.
Apple TV
Apple TV products are compatible with Bluetooth headphones. Just like with Amazon Fire TV, from the Settings menu, select Remotes & Devices.
When the headphones are in pairing mode, select Bluetooth and click the headphones to pair and connect them to Apple TV.
Year
Roku's features largely depend on what type of Roku product you purchase. Some of them include a remote control with a 3.5mm jack, which then allows you to connect wired headphones to it and listen to audio from the TV.
This includes Roku 3 and Roku 4 models. However, other models will require private listening. Download the official Roku app on your Android or iOS phone or tablet. Once installed, make sure your phone/tablet and Roku streaming device are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Connect Bluetooth headphones to your phone or tablet. Once connected, launch the Roku app on your phone/tablet. At the bottom of the app screen there is a "Remote Tab" option that you will need to select.
Although your headphones were previously paired with your phone, you will need to reactivate the headphone pairing mode and Bluetooth connection mode of your phone again. A headset icon will appear in the Roku app. Touch and hold this icon until pairing is complete. Your headphones will now be paired with your Roku streaming device.
Sling AirTV 4K
To connect to Sling AirTV 4K, put the headphones into pairing mode. Then press and hold the "Remote" button at the top of AirTV Player. The pairing screen will pop up.
Once this happens, the Search for Accessories screen should automatically appear. The on-screen prompts then detail how to connect your Bluetooth headphones.
Gaming consoles
PlayStation 4
You should know that PlayStations only work with certain Bluetooth headphones. However, adding a Bluetooth audio transmitter will get around this, just like with your TV. However, the PlayStation 4 (PS4) remote control also allows you to connect wired headphones directly to the controller via the 3.5mm analog jack.
To switch to these wired headphones, you will need to go to the PlayStation settings menu and select Devices from the following list. From there, select "Audio Devices" and select "Headphone Output" to enable the feature. If you use Playstation 4 to stream media like Netflix, this might be an option for you.
Xbox One
Xbox One does not support Bluetooth connectivity in any way. However, newer models include a built-in 3.5mm analog jack on the controller, such as the PS4. Older models don't do this; You will need to purchase a stereo headset adapter for use with these controllers.
NVIDIA Shield TV
NVIDIA SHIELD devices also support Bluetooth. In the service menu, select the “Wireless and Networks” option. When the headphones are in pairing mode, select the Connected Devices option on your NVIDIA SHIELD TV device.
When your headphones appear in the list, select them to pair and connect. Please note that NVIDIA SHIELD TV does not automatically switch back to the main audio output if your Bluetooth headphones are turned off. You will need to manually switch between them if necessary.
Recording source: https://thehometheaterdiy.com
Bluetooth
Connecting bluetooth headphones to the TV takes a minimum of time and effort, which allows you to enjoy the sound after a short period of time. Before connecting a headset via Bluetooth, make sure that they can be synchronized with your TV. Pairing occurs in two ways:
- Via Bluetooth adapter built into the TV.
- External transmitter.
To use the first option, you need to turn on the headset and visit the wireless connection options in the TV settings. Here we select the Bluetooth item and click on the search for gadgets for further pairing.
If everything is completed according to the instructions, synchronization will follow with confirmation via code. Typically the password is 0000 or 1234; more details can be found in the included instructions.
If your TV does not support Bluetooth
You can connect contactless Bluetooth devices to any TV model without smart firmware using a transmitter.
What is a transmitter
A telecommunications transmitter is an electronic device that receives sound from a TV via a cable (TRS connector) and transmits it via Bluetooth to wireless headsets.
Bluetooth transmitters are a universal solution for almost any TV, even an old one
The radio transmitter performs the following tasks:
- receives a digital signal;
- generates it to read any Bluetooth device;
- pairs with speakers, headphones and other contactless devices, sending an audio signal to them via radio frequencies.
Which transmitter is better to choose?
The connection technology for all transmitters is approximately the same, but they differ:
- by type of power supply - USB or battery;
- for audio signal reception - RCA, 3.5 mm audio (mini-jack, TRS), fiber optic;
- by the number of connected devices - one headphone or several devices (Dual Link technology);
- standards support - AVRCP, A2DP and A2DP 1, SBC, APT-X, HFP.
All these parameters, and especially the supported standards (for example, Blue Tooth technology from Philips Semiconductor, which increases coverage area and audio transmission speed) greatly affect the cost.
However, experienced users are not advised to buy cheap models, as they often delay and interrupt the sound signal.
How to connect Bluetooth headphones to a TV via a transmitter
The principle of connecting Bluetooth headphones via a transmitter is quite simple:
- We connect the transmitter cable to the audio jack of the TV.
When connecting headphones via a Bluetooth transmitter, just connect the cable from the transmitter to the headphone output of the TV, and then connect your headset to the transmitter
- Press the main button on the transmitter and wait for pairing (the LED indicator, as usual, should light up flashing blue).
- We do the same with Bluetooth headphones. After which both devices are connected to each other.
Infrared channel
If the TV does not see stereo headphones via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, you can try infrared technology. Install the transmitter directly on the TV or under it, connect the wire and audio output on the rear panel. Plug in the power supply.
On the accessory body, select audio output via the infrared port on channel A or B, connect the speakers, powering them using AA batteries. Position yourself directly in front of the TV screen, eliminating any obstacles on the way in advance.
Audio delay
When using an adapter, you often encounter the problem of audio and video desynchronization. Adapters are available in abundance in electronics stores; some can be purchased for as little as 500 rubles. However, I recommend purchasing a more expensive and higher quality one if you are going to use it to watch movies. And that's why!
Before purchasing, please read the technical specifications of the device. First of all, you should pay attention to such an indicator as signal delay. The quality of perception of what is happening on the screen will largely depend on this parameter. Normally, the audio signal delay should not exceed 40 milliseconds. The website aptx.com has a list of 59 suitable models. Regular wireless headphones range from 80 ms to 250 ms. But if the delay is only 80 ms, it will already be noticeable to the human brain.
The level of audio latency is a key indicator when choosing an adapter. You need to choose only those that use the aptX audio codec developed by Qualoum. It will provide sound quality at the Audio CD level. Equipment from SONY uses a different standard - LDAC.
In this case, the codec must have low latency. Then the sound will be perceived synchronously with the image. Otherwise, there will be a delay between what you see on the screen and what you hear. It is important that this low latency aptX codec is present in both the receiver and transmitter so that they work in harmony.
To set up audio synchronization, use the TV system menu. If you purchased it recently, you can check for the Audio Delay/Sync option in the Audio Settings of your TV's System Menu. It is usually displayed either as a slider or as a field with values in milliseconds. By adjusting this value, you can minimize the delay, thereby synchronizing audio and video.
If you're still having trouble syncing your audio to video, check your audio settings in the menu again. Enabling various non-standard modes (for example: virtual, 3D, surround sound, etc.) may unintentionally cause delay.
WiFi
It's the best choice to enjoy wireless audio. To connect, you will need to have a TV with built-in WiFi modules, since the gadget connects directly to the device that transmits the audio signal. By the way, you can simultaneously listen to a TV show via 2 pairs of gadgets.
The connection is configured directly or through an auxiliary router to obtain maximum coverage indoors. The price of such gadgets varies depending on the brand and consumer needs. In the high price segment you can find headsets that can transmit sound without compression, which ensures maximum listening pleasure. With full support for all audio ranges.
The connection setup depends on the TV model. As a rule, it is enough to open the Wi-Fi options on the TV and select a pre-activated (turned on) headset there.
How are they connected depending on the operating system?
The main features of Samsung and LG TVs are the use of their own operating systems. However, most devices run successfully on Android TV, and the operating system is familiar to almost all smartphone owners. In this case, you need to follow these steps to connect your Bluetooth wireless headset.
- Enter the Android TV menu. Open "Wired and Wireless Networks".
- Turn on your headset (headphones). Activate Bluetooth in the TV menu and search for devices.
- When your headset model name appears in the list, click on it. Confirm the connection.
- Specify the external speaker type.
After this, the sound from the TV will go to the headphones. It is worth adding that to return sound to the TV speaker, simply turn off the Bluetooth module.
Sources
- https://ExpertLand.ru/televizor/podklyuchit-naushniki
- https://WiFiGid.ru/raznye-sovety-po-tv/kak-podklyuchit-besprovodnye-naushniki-k-televizoru
- https://ProSmartTV.ru/tehnologii/kak-podklyuchit-besprovodnye-bluetooth-naushniki-k-televizoru.html
- https://stroy-podskazka.ru/naushniki/besprovodnye/kak-podklyuchit-k-televizoru/
Specifications
Each of the listed types of remote headphones connects to the TV in its own way. This requires additional attention, because when purchasing a headset aimed at a specific type of transmitter, make sure that there are appropriate outputs for it; not every TV receiver is equipped with a 3.5 mm jack output. Be sure to check the length of the charger cable, if one is included.
Don't underestimate the power source for the speakers themselves; it's easier to get a system with a rechargeable battery than to constantly spend money on buying batteries.
Setting up the sound after connecting to the TV
The sound level can be adjusted both through the TV itself and on the headphones themselves (if a corresponding switch or adjustment knob is provided). Sometimes there are buttons on the receiver itself for this purpose.
Switching the audio output source is done directly through the TV settings. In most cases, you just need to press “Menu” on the remote control, then go to the “Sound” section, specify the output device.
On older TVs (that do not support Smart TV) there are no such settings. There, sound output is carried out through the built-in speakers; if the device is connected to a 3.5 mm or AV connector, then through it.
If Bluetooth headphones on TV do not work correctly (for example, sound is not output through them, even if everything is correct in the settings), then in most cases the “culprit” is HDMI.
It is necessary to disable the HDMI CEC function in the settings (in Android TV, for example, it is in the “Image” section). Afterwards, be sure to turn off and turn on the TV (or manually reconnect the HDMI). Afterwards, re-sync the wireless headset.