System volume doesn't change with TV

[oldscsc]

I have an LG 47" HDTV with a Cox digital cable box and a Dell 5.1 system. The system is running through the tv via a 3.5mm jack on the back of the tv.

My issue is that when the whole setup is on, my volume doesn't adjust on the system with the tv. I can completely mute the tv and my sound system will still be playing.

I tried running my system input through the digital cable box thinking that was the issue, but there's no 3.5mm audio output on it. Sorry for the long post..any ideas?

 

[ElCid79]

If I get what you are saying correctly.

The TV and the Home theater volume controls are working independently from each other.

If that is the case, it is precisely what is supposed to happen. They have separate amps both of which must be controlled independently. My recommendation is that is the case is MUTE the TV or turn the volume all the way down. On my TV I actually took the speakers off.

Use only your receiver to adjust your volume. It has a better amp, and better speakers. If this isn't what your asking I am sorry. Try phrasing the question differently.

 

[oldscsc]

If I get what you are saying correctly.

The TV and the Home theater volume controls are working independently from each other.

If that is the case, it is precisely what is supposed to happen. They have separate amps both of which must be controlled independently. My recommendation is that is the case is MUTE the TV or turn the volume all the way down. On my TV I actually took the speakers off.

Use only your receiver to adjust your volume. It has a better amp, and better speakers. If this isn't what your asking I am sorry. Try phrasing the question differently.

Thanks for the response!

I would like to be able to adjust the system volume through the TV, seeing as my "receiver" (just a volume/power knob on the center speaker) doesn't have a remote. Plus, the volume is too high even at the lowest volume setting for most everyday use.

The TV volume has absolutely no bearing in what the sound system does. Once again, being able to adjust the volume through the TV would be nice but I guess not necessary. The main issue is that the speakers are too loud at their lowest volume.

The system was originally on a computer, and the volume issue was solved by simply turning down the master volume on the computer. Problem is, the TV's volume control doesn't act like the volume control on the computer. Sorry if my explanations aren't the best..I'm kind of new to home theater.

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum!

What is the model number of your TV? I'd like to look through the owner's manual and see what it says about that audio output jack (specifically, whether it's controlled by the TV volume control). It sounds like a headphone jack to me, so I would think that it would be. However, since that's not your experience, I can see if there's a setting that can be changed to have it do what you want.

 

[MDS]

It sounds like the 3.5mm audio output on the TV is set to 'fixed'; ie it does not vary with the TV volume control. Older TVs often had two outputs, one labled fixed and one labeled variable.

On many newer TVs, to change the output to variable you have to go into the TV menu and set the internal speakers to 'off'. On other TVs there may be an actual menu item to change from fixed to variable. This all assumes that the TV has the capability of changing the audio output to variable.

 

[ElCid79]

Oh! I see where you said 3.5mm jack now. I missed that when I read through the thread.....

 

[oldscsc]

You guys are giving me some hope! The model number is 47LV4400-UA. Looking through the manual, it says there are audio out settings, as well as being able to turn the TV speakers off, but (here's another thing I was wondering) the only menu button on the remote is "q. menu", and doesn't give any fine control, just changing preset picture settings etc. Sounds like a dumb question but I guess I need to know how to get into the real menu first.

And yes Adam, the audio out I'm using basically is just a headphone jack. I can listen to an iPod through the system and adjust it through my device's volume, but not with the TV.

 

[Adam]

I just checked out the owner's manual for your TV. I believe that you're in luck! According to the screen shots of the audio menu, there is a "Variable" setting for the analog audio output on that TV.

Check out pages 30-35 of the owner's manual where it discusses getting into and navigating the menus. The Audio menu is discussed starting on page 34. In short, set the "TV Speaker" option to "Off," and set the "Analog Audio Out" option to "Variable" (if it let's you do that, which hopefully it will - but your menu might not be exactly like the one shown).

Please let us know if that works out for you - thanks!

 

[oldscsc]

I just checked out the owner's manual for your TV. I believe that you're in luck! According to the screen shots of the audio menu, there is a "Variable" setting for the analog audio output on that TV.

Check out pages 30-35 of the owner's manual where it discusses getting into and navigating the menus. The Audio menu is discussed starting on page 34. In short, set the "TV Speaker" option to "Off," and set the "Analog Audio Out" option to "Variable" (if it let's you do that, which hopefully it will - but your menu might not be exactly like the one shown).

Please let us know if that works out for you - thanks!

Thanks a ton Adam! Who would've guessed you get into the real menu not by pressing menu, but actually by pressing home. It works perfectly now! Thanks again, I owe ya!

 

[Adam]

Awesome! I'm really glad that it worked out.