If the audio in/out cable doesn't work for HDTV, do I connect to speakers with HDMI cable?

Question

I have an HDTV (don't have the HDTV yet but works with regular cable)

also have a DVD player with surround sound speakers. HOWEVER the sound form the TV will not come out of the speakers (only the DVD audio comes through speakers)

There is no audio-out on the TV!! and so there is no way for me to get the sound from TV out of the speakers.. there is an HDMI on both the DVD player and the TV, will that work? they are expensive so I need to know before i experiment

Answer 1

You have several problems:

1 : "don't have the HDTV yet " - do you mean you dont have HDTV service yet?  

If your TV does not have audio outputs - you must use a cable box with optical or coaxial-digital outputs to provide sound.

2: "..have a DVD player with surround sound speakers".  Did you buy one of those el-cheepo systems that only plays DVD's?  Did is cost $300 or less?  

(sigh)

These systems do 1 thing - play DVD's.   The low cost is because they do not have extra inputs.

3: "I have an HDTV ... works with regular cable"

This is like buying a speedboat and putting it in a backyard pool.  You really need to get HD service from your cable company.  HD channels are now included in most 'basic' packages.

4: "HDMI .. they are expensive so I need to know before i experiment"

No - My short HDMI cables run $7-$12 because I bought them from Monoprice.  My long, really good cable came from BlueJeans (see links below).  But an HDMI cable wont solve your problem.  

WHAT TO DO:

Order HD cable service from your provider. Get the box with a built-in DVR (it will change the way you watch TV).

Go to Circuit City and get a HTIB for about $300 with a external, big receiver, 5 speakers and a self powered subwoofer.  Make sure it's Yamaha, Denon, or Sony and that it has 2 HDMI inputs (more is better).

Buy 2 HDMI cables from Monoprice:

- Short cable to go from the cable box to the new receiver

- Long cable to go from the receiver to the TV

It will suddenly work if you get the right equipment.

Answer 2

It would help if you would post the models (both tv and dvd player) you're referring to. I'm having a hard time believing that a tv with HDMI doesn't have any audio outs whatsoever. No digital optical? Not even a headphones jack?! Nothing?!

Answer 3

Hi Carrie,

It is very difficult to believe that there is no analog audio out on your TV, especially considering it is an HD ready TV. Analog audio outputs are typically coded with red and white colors .

Post the model number of your TV if in doubt.

Also, as someone else has already mentioned- the answer to your question could be to simply get the HD box from your cable or satellite provider. This will 100% for sure have multiple analog outputs that will feed your stereo/TV.