Connecting Soundbar to Tv *DESPAIR* Help Needed Please

Lizbetty

Hi everyone

I recently bought a Panasonic SC-HTB258 soundbar assuming I could use it with the TV in the kitchen. I stream a lot of music via Spotify and listen to 6Music on there and so figured it would be a good idea as the sound is not great through the TV speakers.

I didn't think to check but now it's apparent that the TV hasn't got HDMI ARC or an optical port. It's a Toshiba 48L143*DB. (I've never liked it!)

I'm reconsidering my options as it seems impossible to connect the soundbar to that TV (I think?? Ooh I hope someone says I'm wrong! )

The soundbar will connect to things via HDMI ARC, optical cable or Bluetooth. I have an Amazon Echo in the room, a new Fire stick I could use with the crappy TV, a Chromecast. I also have a small spare Samsung TV which does have an optical outlet but moving that would be a nuisance because of the wall fixings and so I'd prefer not to swap it if I can help it.

Does anyone know if I can use any of the gadgets I have to stream Spotify and the radio to the soundbar instead, please? I'm absolutely flummoxed and really annoyed with myself for not knowing what to do. Thanks so much for any advice!

Lucy
:beer:

arciere

Since it's bluetooth, can you use your phone?

Lizbetty

I can, but I'd prefer to use the TV for the radio if I can help it. I'm trying to figure out why, I think because I can switch it over to the TV more easily and also the radio won't use up internets via the TV. (My brain is basically frazzled at this stage btw can you tell). I had wondered if I can connect the soundbar to the Alexa as that would be pretty easy to voice control when I'm cooking etc. I have tried and failed but I'm not sure if I'm doing it wrong or if it's not possible?

My brain says - well they're both bluetooth and so they should connect but I daren't try again without double checking because I'm at that stage where I'm swearing the worst swears when I look at the soundbar box, haha!

arciere

Not sure about Alexa, never used one, but I see why you want to use your TV, it just makes sense.

I guess you can try to see if there is any converter for your soundbar, like this one on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/AMANKA-Digital-Converter-Optical-Coaxial-Audio/dp/B01MTPG6WX/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1543426849&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=optical+to+3.5mm&psc=1
It says it converts from optical to RCA and 3.5mm. I'm not sure about the sound quality (although I doubt you will notice any difference), but I think something like this should work.

RumRat

Easier to change the TV. (Even a new purchase can be had for bargain prices at the moment.);)
Other than that, use your phone to stream 6 music from the BBC sounds app.

Inner_Zone

Apparently the TV has a digital coax sound output socket so a digital coax to optical converter might work with suitable cables.

almillar

^ Digital coax output on a TV, that's a new one on me! Yes, OP, if the above is correct, get this (I chose it because it can use USB power)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fosmon-Digital-Converter-Coaxial-Splitter-Blue/dp/B06XC5PXC2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1543497954&sr=8-5&keywords=coax+to+optical


Coax cable from TV to COAX IN on this box, digital optical cable from OPTICAL OUT on this box, to OPTICAL IN on the sounbar.

hybernia

Lucy: I can't pretend to understand the first thing about audio/video stuff, so forgive me if I don't get the terminology right.

I'm just posting to say that we have a Toshiba in our bedroom and when OH decided a soundbar would be A Good Idea (God knows why) the only connection we could find that seemed to link the two together was to run a length of narrow cable (it came in the box with the soundbar) from the TV's headphone socket to the (I think?) "audio in" thingie socket on the soundbar.

I don't much like our Toshiba TV either, but it seemed that as long as it had a little socket with a headphone icon, then that was the place to stick the cable-thing into it and t'other end into the soundbar. Don't all TVs have a headphone socket?

Have to say, the task took no more than a couple of minutes and the results have been fine. What I don't know is what kind of cable we're using: I don't see how it can be an optical-anything or even a co-axial anything -- it's not dealing with the TV pictures, only the TV sound.

Anyway. Best of luck.

agrinnall

hybernia wrote: »

What I don't know is what kind of cable we're using: I don't see how it can be an optical-anything or even a co-axial anything -- it's not dealing with the TV pictures, only the TV sound.

It'll just be an audio cable. The quality won't be as good as other types of connection but if Lucy's TV and soundbar has the right sockets it's probably worth a try, the cable should be very cheap eg £4.99 for 2 cables



https://www.amazon.co.uk/TechRise-Braided-Premium-Auxiliary-Headphones-black/dp/B01MDOEIUD?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1

lammy82

agrinnall wrote: »

It'll just be an audio cable. The quality won't be as good as other types of connection but if Lucy's TV and soundbar has the right sockets it's probably worth a try, the cable should be very cheap eg £4.99 for 2 cables



https://www.amazon.co.uk/TechRise-Braided-Premium-Auxiliary-Headphones-black/dp/B01MDOEIUD?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1

I really don't think that Lucy's soundbar has got a standard analogue headphone style input on it:
pic

Lizbetty

Thanks so much for all the replies. I'm so sorry about the delay but the internets have been off. Engineer has been today. I'm starting to think about living in a cave instead because it seems I'm jinxing ALL the technology! :rotfl:

I will order one of those converters, thank you! Toshiba did say to use cable into the audio socket, in a sort of despairing kind of way! Do you know that telly is the first one I've bought without doing some reading up myself, all because a school Dad who is an IT teacher told me it was fab (I think he meant big). That's all it's ever been. A big, rubbish telly. It's the worst telly I've ever had, I'm not fussy with tellies but ugh. That'll teach me eh.

I have managed to use the soundbar with Bluetooth from the Alexa, but I much prefer having the TV for the radio because it tells you the tracks etc, and so the fact I can get a gadget to sort out the problem has made my day!!

Thanks again for taking the time to reply everyone, I love you lot, me! :T:beer: