An old home theater with speakers and a subwoofer may sound better than many modern soundbars, but connecting it to a new TV can often be a headache. Manufacturers are removing analog inputs, leaving only HDMI ARC or optical output, and outdated receivers do not support digital audio formats. In this article we will analyze all possible connection options - from simple adapters to complex circuits with signal converters.

The main problem lies in the incompatibility of interfaces: modern TVs from Samsung, LG or Sony rarely equipped RCA (tulips) or 3.5mm AUX, which were standard 10–15 years ago. Moreover, even budget models of cinemas from Panasonic SC-HT, Yamaha YHT or Sony DAV-DZ often had only analog inputs. We tested 5 working connection methods and compiled them into a single instruction, taking into account typical errors.

1. Checking the connectors: what is on the TV and cinema

Before purchasing adapters, carefully inspect the back panels of both devices. On a modern TV, look for:

  • 🔴 HDMI ARC/eARC - the best option for lossless audio transmission (supports Dolby Digital, DTS).
  • 🔊 Optical (TOSLINK) — digital output for multi-channel audio (limited Dolby Digital 5.1).
  • 🎧 3.5mm AUX - analog output (usually only stereo, no surround sound).
  • 📺 Coaxial (RCA digital) - rarely found, but can be useful for older receivers.

At the old cinema, check:

  • 🔴🔵🔴🔵🔴 RCA (tulips) - analog multichannel input (often labeled as DVD IN or AUX IN).
  • 🔊 Optical IN — digital input (if available, this simplifies the task).
  • 🎛️ 3.5 mm AUX IN - usually only for stereo sound.
  • 📼 Scart — outdated connector, requires a special adapter.

If the TV has HDMI ARC, and at the cinema - only RCA, will be required HDMI→RCA converter with 5.1 audio support (regular adapters do not work!). If both devices have optical output/input, the task is simplified before purchasing a cable TOSLINK.

⚠️ Attention: Some TVs (eg. LG OLED C1 or Samsung QN90B) turn off the analog output 3.5 mm when connected via HDMI ARC. Check your sound settings in the TV menu!
TV connector Cinema connector Required adapter/cable Max. sound quality
HDMI ARC HDMI IN HDMI 2.0+ cable Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Optical (TOSLINK) Optical IN TOSLINK cable Dolby Digital 5.1
3.5mm AUX RCA (2 channels) Cable 3.5 mm → 2xRCA Stereo (2.0)
HDMI ARC RCA (5.1) HDMI→RCA 5.1 Converter Dolby Digital 5.1

2. Connection via HDMI ARC: the best option for modern TVs

If your TV supports HDMI ARC/eARC (Audio Return Channel), and the cinema has HDMI input, this is the ideal way to connect. It allows you to transmit lossless multi-channel audio and control the volume from the TV remote control.

Instructions:

  1. Connect HDMI cable (version 2.0 or higher) to the port HDMI ARC on TV and anyone HDMI IN at the cinema.
  2. In the TV menu (Settings → Sound → Sound Output) select HDMI ARC or Receiver (AVR).
  3. On the cinema, activate the appropriate HDMI input (for example, DVD or BD).
  4. Turn on the mode ARC in the cinema sound settings (if there is such an option).

If there is no sound:

  • 🔄 Check that the cable supports ARC (not all cheap cables transmit sound in the opposite direction).
  • 🔊 Make sure that it is not activated in the TV settings Internal speaker or Bluetooth headphones.
  • 📺On some models Sony Bravia need to be turned on manually Control for HDMI in the menu Settings → Network and accessories.
⚠️ Attention: TVs TCL And Hisense based on Android TV Sometimes they require a reboot after connecting via ARC. If the sound disappears after changing channels, update the TV firmware.
📊 What kind of TV do you have?
  • Samsung (QLED/Neo QLED)
  • LG (OLED/NanoCell)
  • Sony (Bravia XR)
  • TCL/Hisense/Xiaomi
  • Other brand

If the TV has optical output (S/PDIF), and at the cinema - optical input, this is the second most reliable method. He supports Dolby Digital 5.1, but does not transmit formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X.

Step by step instructions:

  1. Buy optical cable (length up to 10 m, preferably with gold connectors to minimize losses).
  2. Connect one end to Optical Out on the TV, the other - to Optical In at the cinema.
  3. In the TV menu (Settings → Sound → Digital audio output) select PCM or Dolby Digital (not Auto!).
  4. In a cinema, select the optical input as the audio source (for example, D.IN or Optical).

Typical problems and solutions:

  • 🔇 No sound: Check if the optical output is muted in the TV settings (on some models Philips it is disabled by default).
  • 🎵 Stereo sound only: In the TV menu, set the output format Dolby Digital instead of PCM.
  • 🔄 Audio delay: If there is an option AV Sync in a movie theater, increase the latency by 50–100 ms.

Make sure the cable is firmly inserted (clicks when connected)|

Select TV audio output via Optical (not HDMI) |

Check that the correct input is turned on at the cinema|

Disable audio processing (Equalizer) on TV, if available-->

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If the optical cable does not click into place, try carefully cleaning the connector from dust with a toothpick - this is a common cause of poor contact.

4. Connection via RCA (tulips) or 3.5mm AUX

If the TV only has 3.5mm output, and at the cinema - RCA inputs, you will need an adapter. This method is only suitable for stereo sound (2.0), since analog TV output rarely supports multi-channel audio.

What you will need:

  • 🔌 Cable 3.5 mm Jack → 2xRCA (red/white).
  • 🔊 If the entrance is at the cinema 5.1 RCA, will be required stereo→5.1 converter (For example, Prozor 192kHz).

Instructions:

  1. Connect the cable to Audio Out (3.5 mm) on TV and AUX IN (RCA) at the cinema.
  2. In the TV menu (Settings → Sound → Sound Output) select Analog output or Headphones.
  3. At the cinema, select the source AUX or DVD (depending on model).

Limitations of the method:

  • 🚫 No surround sound - only left/right channels.
  • 🔊 Sound quality depends on the TV's DAC (on budget models it may be worse than on a cinema).
  • 📵 Some TV (for example, Xiaomi Mi TV) disable 3.5 mm when connected via HDMI.
How to improve sound when connected via 3.5 mm?

Use an external DAC (eg Topping D10s) between TV and cinema. This will allow:

1. Eliminate background noise.

2. Expand dynamic range.

3. Add support for high resolutions (up to 24 bit/192 kHz).

Connection: TV → 3.5 mm → DAC → RCA → cinema.

5. Difficult cases: Scart, coaxial and signal converters

If your cinema is equipped only Scart or coaxial input, and the TV does not have the appropriate connectors, specialized converters will be required. Let's consider two scenarios:

Scenario 1: TV with HDMI → Cinema with Scart

You will need:

  • 🔌 HDMI→Scart Converter (For example, Portta PETHT062B).
  • 🔊 Please note that most of these converters only transmit stereo sound and video in resolution up to 720p.

Scenario 2: TV with optics → Cinema with coaxial

Solution:

  • 🔄 TOSLINK→Coaxial Converter (For example, Neoteck NTK059).
  • 🎵 Supports Dolby Digital 5.1, but may add audio delay (~50 ms).

Warnings:

  • ⚡ Converters often require external power (5V unit).
  • 🔊 Cheap models (< 1500 ₽) can distort the sound at high volumes.
  • 📺 Before purchasing, check whether the converter supports reverse sound (for transmission from TV to cinema).
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Signal converters are the last option when other methods are not available. They add latency and can degrade sound quality. Always check reviews for a specific model before purchasing!

6. Sound settings: troubleshooting common problems

Even after a successful connection, audio problems may occur. Let's look at the most common ones:

Problem 1: There is sound, but only stereo (no 5.1)

Solutions:

  • 🔊 In the TV menu (Settings → Sound → Digital audio format) select Dolby Digital or Bitstream (not PCM!).
  • 📺 At the cinema, check that the mode is turned on Surround or Dolby Pro Logic II.
  • 🔄 If you use HDMI ARC, update the TV firmware - to Samsung QLED 2020–2022 There was an error with multichannel audio transmission.

Problem 2: Audio delay (asynchronous)

How to fix:

  • 🎵 At the cinema, find the setting AV Sync or Lip Sync and increase the latency by 30-100ms.
  • 📺 On TV (for example, LG CX) disable audio processing: Settings → Sound → Sound Effects → Off.
  • 🔌 If you use a converter, try a different cable - cheap optical cables can add delay.

Problem 3: Noise or crackling in the speakers

Causes and solutions:

  • 🔌 Bad contact: Check all connectors, especially RCA (contact oxidation is a common problem).
  • 📵 Electromagnetic interference: Move cables away from power supplies and Wi-Fi routers.
  • 🔊 Incompatible signal levels: If you connect via 3.5 mm, use an attenuator (signal divider).
💡

To check whether the cable is to blame for the crackling, temporarily replace it with a known working one. If the noise disappears, the problem is in the cable or connectors.

7. Alternative solutions: if nothing else works

If none of the methods work, consider alternatives:

Option 1: Use the cinema as external speakers for a PC/set-top box

Connect to the cinema:

  • 🎮 Game console (PS5, Xbox Series X) via HDMI or optical.
  • 💻 Computer via a sound card (for example, Creative Sound Blaster X4).
  • 📱 TV set-top box (Apple TV 4K, Nvidia Shield) with support Dolby Atmos.

Option 2: Buy an external DAC or AV receiver

If the cinema is too old, but the speakers are good:

  • 🔊 Buy AV receiver (For example, Yamaha RX-V385) and connect speakers to it.
  • 🎵 Or use DAC with multi-channel output (For example, Topping D90LE).

Option 3: Update TV firmware

On some models (for example, Sony X90J or LG G1) after updating the firmware, support for new sound formats appears via HDMI ARC. Check:

  1. Go to Settings → Support → Software Update.
  2. If an update is available, install it and restart your TV.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to connect a cinema to a TV via Bluetooth?

Technically yes, but with caveats:

  • 🔊 If there is one at the cinema Bluetooth receiver (rare for older models), connect the TV as a source.
  • 📱 If not, buy it Bluetooth transmitter (For example, 1Mii B06 Plus) and connect it to 3.5 mm or RCA at the cinema.
  • ⚠️ Cons: audio delay (~100–200 ms), audio compression (loss of quality).
Why does the sound occasionally disappear when connected via HDMI ARC?

Causes and solutions:

  • 🔌 Cable problem: Replace HDMI with certified one High Speed (with logo HDMI ARC).
  • 📺 Conflict with CEC: Disable Anynet+ (Samsung), Simplink (LG) or Bravia Sync (Sony) in TV settings.
  • 🔄 Firmware failure: Reset your TV sound settings to factory defaults (Settings → Sound → Reset).
How to connect a cinema Sony DAV-DZ100 to LG C2?

Suitable for this pair of devices:

  1. Optical cable: LG C2 has Optical Out, and DAV-DZ100 — Optical In.
  2. Set to LG C2: 
    Настройки → Звук → Выход звука → Optical

    Формат цифрового звука → Dolby Digital

  3. On DAV-DZ100 select source D.IN.

If needed 5.1, this method is perfect. For Dolby Atmos will be required HDMI ARC + converter.

Is it possible to connect a cinema to a TV via USB?

No, The USB port on the TV does not transmit sound in host mode. It is intended only for:

  • 📁 Play media files from a flash drive.
  • 🔄 Firmware updates.
  • 🎮 Keyboard/mouse connections (on Android TV).

Exception - some models Samsung (series Q900C) support USB Audio Out, but this is rare.

What to do if the amplifier in the cinema burns out, but the speakers are intact?

Options:

  • 🔧 Repair the amplifier: Replacing the chip (for example, TDA7294) will cost 2000–5000 ₽.
  • 🔊 Buy an external amplifier: Connect your speakers to your new AV receiver or amplifier (such as SMSL AD18).
  • 🎵 Use an active subwoofer: If your speakers are passive, add an amplifier Lepai LP-2020A+.