TV as switching unit

[Squishman]

Interesting that the TV's RCA audio outs are not active if the receiver is on. But I only need them when the rcvr is off anyway.

 

[BMXTRIX]

When the receiver is on, it processes all the audio there and removes it from the HDMI feed to the TV. The audio, literally, is stripped off the HDMI cable and fully processed at the receiver. When you power off the receiver, it changes how it handles the audio, and then passes audio to the TV itself. So, with the receiver on, the TV shouldn't have any audio at all. With the receiver off, the TV will now have audio at it.

You could always plug the headphones into the RCA jacks on the back of the cable box directly, if your cable box has those connections.

If you are looking for a super convenient way to do headphones that you can move around with...
https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-RS120-Wireless-Headphones-Charging/dp/B0001FTVEK/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1500470393&sr=1-1&keywords=sennheiser+wireless+headphones

We have a couple of sets of those that we really enjoy. Can do chores without missing anything from the TV show. More for casual viewing, but great for after family members are in bed.

 

[Squishman]

Funny you mention the rca's on the box. I actually still use a VCR once in a while, so I have that connected to the box and the VCR to the TV. Funny that that turned out to be an option in case the bypass thing didn't work with the AVR, but that is now a moot point. I set up one of the AVR's optical inputs to use as a TV sound when I need to play the VCR. I just tricked it (the AVR) into believing it is just another audio device (it was none the wiser).
I basically use headphones when in my recliner (when roommate is asleep) using Sony MDR-V6. Have 2 of them. I bought a 2nd set in case they ever stop making them. I verified that they are not Chinese knock-offs too. ha.
Still getting acclimated to my new set-up, so I may have another question or two.
I did just buy a new (used) Klipch RC 62 center to replace my RC 42II. That'll come next week. I will obviously re-set the levels at that time.