This article shows you how to connect a set of speakers to a television. It should be noted that most unpowered audio speakers cannot be connected directly to the TV without using a stereo amplifier or home theater receiver.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Preparing the Devices for Connection
Step 1. Turn off the TV and disconnect it from the mains
This is a very important step that must be performed before connecting any loudspeaker or other electronic device to the television.
Step 2. Locate the audio output ports on the TV
Locate at least one of the following ports located along the sides or back of the appliance:
- RCA output - it is made up of two circular connectors, one red and the other white. These are "analog" audio ports.
- Optical output - it is characterized by a square connector (in some cases it has a hexagonal shape). In this case, the audio output signal is "digital".
- Headphone output - this is the classic 3.5 mm jack which is used in most cases to allow the connection of a pair of earphones or headphones. It is usually characterized by the symbol of a stylized pair of headphones.
- HDMI output - it is used to carry the audio and video signal on a single cable. Some stereos also have an HDMI input while home theater receivers should have more than one.
Step 3. Check the type of input the speakers you want to use are equipped with
It is very likely that they adopt an RCA input / output. This type of connection port features two white and red circular connectors. In some cases both connectors are placed on only one of the two speakers, while in others they will be separate (one on each speaker).
If you've chosen to use a soundbar, it most likely has an optical digital connector. In this scenario, you won't need to use an audio receiver to connect
Step 4. Check the inputs available on the stereo receiver
Unless you've connected a soundbar or computer speakers to your TV, you'll need to use a stereo amplifier or home theater receiver to be able to connect your TV to audio speakers. In this case the device must be equipped with at least one of the following communication ports:
- RCA;
- Optics;
- HDMI.
Step 5. Determine if you need to use an adapter
For example if your receiver only has a digital optical port and your TV only has RCA ports, you will need to purchase an Optical to RCA adapter.
Even in the case of a TV that only has the jack for connecting headphones or earphones you will need to purchase an adapter, for example to connect the headphone output to an RCA input
Step 6. Purchase all the connecting cables you need and don't own
All cables for establishing audio connections (RCA, HDMI, optical, etc.) can be found directly on the web, but you can also find them in most electronics stores.
Part 2 of 2: Connecting the Speakers to the TV
Step 1. Place the speakers inside the room where the TV is placed
In this way you can estimate the length of the cables you will need to make the connections and you can place the speakers in the points you prefer, trying different configurations, before having to make the connection.
If you need to connect more than one pair of speakers, you will need to connect them together using the supplied speaker cable before you can continue
Step 2. Connect the speakers to the home theater receiver
If you are using a soundbar, you can skip this step as it can be connected directly to the TV. To connect the speakers to the stereo receiver follow these instructions:
- Plug the RCA cable into the white connector on the back of the left speaker, then plug the other end of the cable into the white connector on the back of the receiver.
- Now connect the red connector of the RCA cable to the port of the same color on the back of the right case, then connect the other end of the cable to the red connector of the receiver. Make sure that the latter is the one corresponding to the same port used to make the previous connection.
Step 3. Plug the speakers into an electrical outlet if necessary
If you're connecting a soundbar or subwoofer to your TV, it's very likely that they will need power, so plug the power cord into the power port on the back or side of the device and plug the other end into a power outlet.
Step 4. Connect the stereo receiver to the TV
Plug one end of the optical or HDMI cable into the matching port on the back of the receiver, then plug the other end into the correct port on the TV.
- If your stereo receiver is very dated, you may need to use an RCA cable.
- If you need to use an adapter (for example to connect the RCA cable to the TV output for headphones or earphones), connect it to the other end of the cable before inserting it into the appropriate port on the TV.
Step 5. Plug the stereo receiver into an electrical outlet
You can use a normal wall socket or an electric power strip. Make sure both ends of the power cord are firmly connected to their respective destinations.
Step 6. Reconnect the TV to the mains and turn it on
Your stereo sound system is now ready to be switched on.
