Any person has faced the fact that he wanted to watch a movie on TV at night, and his family went to bed, and he had to either go to bed, or turn the volume to minimum and listen. The problem can be solved by connecting headphones, but there are some nuances here. Not all TVs are equipped with a 3.5 jack for headphones, and not everyone has a headset with a long cord so as not to sit with their face buried in the screen. The second way out of the situation is a Bluetooth headset, which is available in a wide range at any hardware store. However, it can not be connected to all TVs, but only those equipped with a Bluetooth module. In such a situation, a Bluetooth adapter for your TV will come to the rescue.
What is a Bluetooth transmitter
A Bluetooth transmitter for a TV is a device that compensates for the lack of a built-in module . It allows you to connect a TV without a module to any device with Bluetooth. The essence of the work is quite simple: the signal from the TV is transmitted to the adapter, which transmits it to the accessory via the Bluetooth protocol. Adapters are different - they differ in connection method and purpose.
As a rule, there is no need to choose an adapter from a specific company to transmit an audio signal - they are universal. But there are cases in which branded Bluetooth adapters are required for an LG, Sony or any other brand TV. This is discussed below.
WiFi
It's the best choice to enjoy wireless audio. To connect, you will need to have a TV with built-in WiFi modules, since the gadget connects directly to the device that transmits the audio signal. By the way, you can simultaneously listen to a TV show via 2 pairs of gadgets.
The connection is configured directly or through an auxiliary router to obtain maximum coverage indoors. The price of such gadgets varies depending on the brand and consumer needs. In the high price segment you can find headsets that can transmit sound without compression, which ensures maximum listening pleasure. With full support for all audio ranges.
The connection setup depends on the TV model. As a rule, it is enough to open the Wi-Fi options on the TV and select a pre-activated (turned on) headset there.
How to choose an adapter
When choosing a Bluetooth transmitter for your TV, you need to know that the external module is designed to transmit only sound. There are adapters that are used to communicate with a mouse or keyboard, but they are not suitable for TV, at least not universal ones. The difference is that the Bluetooth audio transmitter connects to a jack designed for audio output. The signal arrives in its original form and is not processed by the TV in any way. Next, it is transformed into a radio signal using an adapter and again becomes a sound wave in the headphones.
Modules designed for a mouse or keyboard require installing a driver for these devices, which is impossible on a TV, even if it is a Smart TV with its own OS. However, it is difficult and expensive, but still possible to find a Bluetooth adapter for Samsung TVs and other brands, designed for mice and keyboards.
Important! However, they will not fit all devices and brands, but only certain models. This should be taken into account when purchasing.
To buy the right TV adapter you need to consider the following parameters.
- Connection type. It was mentioned above that the connection is made to the TV audio connector, which means you need to understand what output it has and select a module based on this. The most common option is 3.5, but an optical audio or RCA connector can also be used.
- Bluetooth version. For 2022, versions 4.2 and higher are relevant. The newer the version, the more stable the connection, the better the sound quality, as well as the lower battery consumption of both the headphones and the adapter, if it is without external power. When choosing, you should consider compatibility: for example, synchronization of Bluetooth 4.2 headphones and a 5.0 module is not guaranteed.
- When purchasing, you should check how many devices the adapter supports. Cheap models are designed to synchronize with one headset, while expensive ones may have a protocol with the ability to connect a pair of headphones.
- Type of food. The Bluetooth adapter for TV can have its own power supply or be connected to a USB connector. The first option is more convenient, since it does not take up extra connectors, but, on the other hand, the user is limited by the battery capacity. What to choose depends on personal preferences.
How to enable Bluetooth on LG TV
Televisions today are as different from models of ten, and even more so twenty years ago, as the latest generation smartphones are from rotary phones. TV today is a multimedia platform with which you can not only watch movies and programs, but also access the Internet, use all kinds of interactive services such as applications or games, view media content, communicate on social networks, etc. This became possible thanks to Smart TV technology, which is equipped with all modern LG TV models.
One of the convenient Smart TV features on LG TVs is the ability to connect a smartphone, wireless headphones, speakers, headsets or other devices using Bluetooth.
Built-in Bluetooth modules are not provided in all LG TV models, and availability must be checked before purchase or in the User Guide. But even in the absence, it is still possible to turn on Bluetooth on an LG TV, you just need an external adapter that connects to the TV via a mini-jack or USB port. After this, you need to activate the adapter directly in the TV Settings.
LG Smart TVs use the WebOS operating system. Firmware 1.0 and 2.0 (mainly in TVs released before 2016) allow you to connect only branded headphones via Bluetooth. Later firmware (starting from 3.0) make it possible to connect other gadgets to the TV.
If you cannot turn on Bluetooth on your TV yourself, the reason may be outdated firmware. In this case, we recommend that you contact the LG Service Center, where specialists will help you update the software on your TV.
Turning on Bluetooth on an LG TV: step-by-step instructions
Turning on bluetooth is very easy!
- Enter the Settings menu (Gear icon) using the remote control.
- Select “Sound” / Sound (“Speaker” icon)
- Select Bluetooth / LG Sound Sync.
- Activate the function (select “On”).
To connect various devices to the TV: headphones, headset, laptop, smartphone, wireless speakers, etc., you need to do the following:
- Go to the “Settings” -> “Sound” menu.
- Select Bluetooth headset.
- Find the "Device Selection" item.
- Then click “Search”.
Wait until the gadget you want to connect appears in the menu.
Select it using the joystick on the control panel.
- Click OK.
In some cases, to connect the device for the first time, you must enter a PIN code for synchronization. The corresponding window will appear on the TV screen. If you are connecting wireless headphones, headsets or speakers, the code will be indicated in the instructions. If you connect a smartphone, the code will appear on its screen.
The laptop can also be connected to the TV via Bluetooth in an alternative way:
- Turn on Bluetooth on your laptop and not your TV.
- Select Discoverable mode on both devices.
- On your laptop, find all devices nearby.
- Choose your TV among them.
- Connect your laptop to your TV. You may need to enter a PIN code to pair your devices.
If you want to connect wireless headphones to your LG TV via Bluetooth, you can do this using the LG TV Plus smartphone app (link to Google Play), designed to control your Smart TV.
Important: this method is only suitable for TVs with WebOS.
- In the application, select the “Sound” menu item (Speaker icon) – “Select speaker”, and in it – “Bluetooth Agent”. The TV will be put into sync mode.
- Click “Select”, then wait until the device you need appears in the search field.
- Confirm the operation.
To transfer the sound back to the TV speaker, you will need to activate the playback option to the “TV Speaker” item.
Review of popular models
The price of Bluetooth transmitters ranges from several hundred rubles to a couple of thousand. It's hard to get confused, so below are the top three.
Bluetooth transmitter BT-600
A budget and universal adapter for connecting Bluetooth headphones to a TV . It is small, like a flash drive, and connects to USB. The kit includes a jack-jack cord - it is used to connect to the audio output of the device.
The adapter has 2 modes of operation: signal transmission and reception. For TV, the switch should be set to transmit, and if speakers without Bluetooth are connected to the phone through this accessory, then to receive. Synchronization is provided by the Bluetooth 5.0 protocol. Communication range – 10 meters. Price: 340 rubles.
Orico Audio BTS01
Universal adapter for connecting Bluetooth speakers to devices without this module. It has a battery for 7 hours of operation, and an interface for connecting to power is MicroUSB. Connection to equipment is made via RCA or 3.5. There is a universal button on the case - it turns on the search, turns off the device and allows you to switch tracks. The device is made of ABS plastic and weighs 140 grams. Connection type – Bluetooth 4.0.
Important! Numerous reviews indicate that the device easily synchronizes with equipment that has a higher Bluetooth version, and the sound transmission quality and stability do not suffer.
Price: 1,400 rubles.
Bluetooth Avantree TC417
An expensive Bluetooth module for those who want not only to transmit sound, but to get maximum quality. The model is designed for 20 hours of operation, can be connected via AUX, RCA, optical output. The connection type is Bluetooth 4.2, but it also supports many codecs AptX, A2DP, AVRCP.
The body provides sound control and track switching. The adapter can operate in transmit and receive modes . The manufacturer claims the ability to work with 99% of devices on the market - from TV to car players . Price: from 3,800 rubles.
Types of wireless headphones
Before purchasing wireless headphones, you need to understand how they differ and learn how they work. Let us clarify that even on older TV models it is possible to connect contactless speakers. The accessory comes with a base that acts as a transmitter. For operation, a 3.5 mm jack, RCA tulips, HDMI or regular USB are used.
About each method below, and now about the types of headphones:
- Wi-Fi. One of the most acceptable options. They work through a special module capable of converting and outputting audio signals to paired devices. They are compact and convenient.
- Bluetooth. They are versatile and can be used to pair with most modern gadgets in addition to TV. They operate through a corresponding module, which can be internal or external. The sound goes through a digital to analog conversion stage, which can degrade the sound quality. You definitely won’t be able to listen to music through the wall in them - the coverage of Bluetooth technology is no more than 10 meters in a straight line.
- Infrared. This is a rather inconvenient option, since for them to work they require constant “open contact” with the infrared port. The signal can be ruined by any obstacles, a hand, a table, a wall, etc.
- Headphones. Based on the name, it’s easy to guess that the built-in radio transmitter is responsible for receiving the signal. The principle of operation is similar to that of a walkie-talkie, this allows you to hear the transmitted sound at a distance of up to 100 meters. The downside is low noise immunity; even an electric razor will create noise, leading to a deterioration in transmission quality.
- Optical. The rarest, but the highest quality.
The main advantage of wireless communication is mobility. Users are able to move freely around the room, albeit with slight restrictions regarding the coverage area of the selected type of sound transmission. Among the minuses, you can pay attention to the battery, which needs to be recharged after 10–12 hours of active use.
How to connect the adapter
Connecting a Bluetooth adapter to your TV is easy. One cable is inserted into the selected audio jack, and the second into USB for power if there is no built-in battery. After this, it remains the power button according to the instructions to activate the search for headphones and perform synchronization. For more information about searching and connecting, please read the instructions for the specific module.
Important! There is no need to switch or adjust the sound transmission on the TV - the signal is automatically sent to the audio output.
Infrared channel
If the TV does not see stereo headphones via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, you can try infrared technology. Install the transmitter directly on the TV or under it, connect the wire and audio output on the rear panel. Plug in the power supply.
On the accessory body, select audio output via the infrared port on channel A or B, connect the speakers, powering them using AA batteries. Position yourself directly in front of the TV screen, eliminating any obstacles on the way in advance.
Why connect headphones to your TV?
Most often, headphones are used in combination with a TV in order not to disturb others. You can watch TV shows, movies, talk shows at any volume without creating any discomfort for everyone else. This option is also used, for example, when small children live in the house.
Wireless headphones are also used by those who prefer high-quality sound. The audio from the speakers integrated into the TV leaves much to be desired; speakers rarely support a range above 24 kHz. This is especially noticeable when watching videos in which the sound is multi-channel (5.1, 7.1).
Headphones are not a replacement for a full-fledged speaker system, but they are still better than using standard speakers.
Wireless headsets are also often used by gamers who want to play on a big screen while communicating with their friends or teammates. After all, many headphone models have a built-in microphone and are compatible with instant messengers.
