Port types explained
Red and white RCA sockets
- Look for labels that say Audio Out or Audio Out L/R – these send sound to headphones.
- If labelled only as "Audio" or not clearly as "Out," the socket may be an input. Inputs do not send a signal to headphones.
- RCA video inputs (blue/green/red) are typically video inputs, not audio outputs.
3.5mm (headphone-style) jack
- If labelled Headphones or Audio Out, it is an output for headphones.
- If labelled PC In, it is an input and will not pass audio to headphones.
- When using a headphone jack, TV speakers may mute and volume is often controlled by the TV's volume setting.
If you are not hearing sound
Connected to an analogue output but no audio
- Make sure the TV volume is not too low and audio output is enabled in the TV menu.
- If using a variable analogue output, headphone volume may depend on the TV's volume control.
No analogue output available
If your only option is a digital output (HDMI or optical), you will need a Digital-to-Analogue Decoder to convert the signal for the headphones.
Key takeaways
- Always connect to a port clearly labelled as an output (Audio Out on RCA, or Headphones/Audio Out on 3.5mm).
- Avoid ports labelled as inputs (e.g., PC In).
- If only digital outputs are available, use a Digital-to-Analogue Decoder to convert the signal.