TV audio optical out to sub?

[zaylyn]

I have a new LCD TV with pretty good speakers, and am not particularly interested in a surround sound system. But I miss the deep base of a subwoofer. My TV has a digital optical audio "OUT". Is there any way I can direct that output to a subwoofer and use my TV speakers plus the subwoofer? I also need a small size subwoofer to fit behind my corner cabinet. Thanks for suggestions!

 

[Johnd]

The audio output overrides the tv's built-in speakers.

 

[markw]

Nope. Ya gotta feed that signal through a HT pre-processor or receiver that provides a LFE output, as well as the outputs for the other channels as well.

Even then, there's no guarantee that all signals passed to the TV will make it out of that optical output. In some cases, this is only for outputting the internal tuner's digital audio, if there is any.

 

[jake5717]

Also if your TV's like mine it won’t pass 5.1 through the optical only stereo.

 

[Hi Ho]

Double post: http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34254

The audio output overrides the tv's built-in speakers.

That isn't true on all TV's. Most TV's I've worked with will output sound through the analog jacks when the speakers are active. I have only had problems with some Sony models and a few old Mitsubishi sets.

 

[abboudc]

I have a new LCD TV with pretty good speakers, and am not particularly interested in a surround sound system. But I miss the deep base of a subwoofer. My TV has a digital optical audio "OUT". Is there any way I can direct that output to a subwoofer and use my TV speakers plus the subwoofer? I also need a small size subwoofer to fit behind my corner cabinet. Thanks for suggestions!

You're not going to be able to use the optical out, but you still have an option.

Check your TV menu (or manual). My TV has 3 (basic) options for sound:
1. TV Only
2. TV and Audio Output
3. Audio Output only

You'll need one with #2.
Also, you'll want to make sure you have the right type of output. Options here are:

1. Fixed (Volume is controlled by whatever is being sent the sound)
2. Variable (TV volume will control the volume of the output)

You want #2 again.

Now assuming you have both of the above, set your TV like above (TV and Output & Variable). Connect the audio outs to the sub via RCA cables. Set the crossover of the sub at 80Hz or so to start, and tune it upward until you get the sound you're looking for.

I'm not sure if you have a sub or were looking for suggestions, but you're going to need a powered sub with RCA inputs. Not sure of your budget, but check out the Onix X-Sub. In any case, i'd make sure it had a L/R stereo inputs, and not just one "LFE In" jack.