Home theater to cable audio?

Question

I purchased a Samsung home theater for my Sharp HDTV and was instructed to buy an HDMI cable to connect the home theater to the TV. I followed the instructions and the audio for my cable will not work. I do not use a cable box, the cable is plugged directly into the television. So, how do I connect my home theater system to my HDTV in the cheapest way possible.

Answer 1

You need to run a digital audio cable back from the TV to the receiver. It will be either coax or fiber optic unless your TV has an HDMI output AND your receiver has an HDMI input. Coax is cheaper but you're pretty much stuck with the format your equipment supports. That's why receivers support both formats.

BTW don't spend a fortune on premium cables. I got a coax for $5 and an HDMI for $10 both from Newegg and they work just fine. The only time you need better than bargain cables is if you have some long cable runs to make.

Answer 2

You would have to use audio out on the tv(red and white) to the aux or tv in on the reciever. However, this will only give you stereo sound. No Dolby or DTS. If you want to hear the Dolby or DTS from some TV programs you will have to get a HD cable box.