Splitting audio out for Headphones from a TV to Soundbar HDMI

[BiggusDickus]

So with my old setup, i had a TV and soundbar; the connection was from the TV headphone out to the soundbar audio in via a 3.5 mm audio jack - it was a simple stereo setup - i then inserted a switchable audio box inbetween the units and connected my cordless headphones via another 3.5 mm jack, so basically via the switch i could channel the TV sound to the soundbar or my headphones ...

My new set up today consists of a new TV and Dolby Atmos soundbar, connected via an HDMI ARC/eARC connection. I'd like to connect my old headphones via the 3.5mm jack, so again i would like some kind of switch between the TV and the Soundbar to switch the outputs, but as its HDMi, i'm a little unsure if I can do it. Does anyone have anu ideas please? Im in the UK.

[benricci]

Your new TV likely has Bluetooth connectivity. Maybe just get a good pair of Bluetooth headphones and make it easy on yourself.

[Necril]

Is connecting the headphones directly to TVs 3.5mm output and switching audio output setting from HDMI to headphone through TV not an option?

[BiggusDickus]

Originally Posted by Necril

Is connecting the headphones directly to TVs 3.5mm output and switching audio output setting from HDMI to headphone through TV not an option?

Hi, no, only my old TV had the 3.5 mm Headphone out socket, the new one only has Optical Out, which after thinking about subsequently, wonder if i could connect a digital to analogue converter here and connect the headphones to that.

Benricci: Havent checked the bluetooth connectivity, i shall investigate...

[Necril]

Originally Posted by BiggusDickus

Hi, no, only my old TV had the 3.5 mm Headphone out socket, the new one only has Optical Out, which after thinking about subsequently, wonder if i could connect a digital to analogue converter here and connect the headphones to that.

A DAC should do it, yes. That and a headphone amplifier might, depending on your headphones, also considerably improve your audio quality. Especially when compared to bluetooth, which pales in comparison to almost any wired connection.

[Telemachus]

I hardly ever use it, but I have the optical out from my LG set going into a DAC/Headphone amp stack. But those DACs won't do DD/DTS so you need to have the TV turn everything into PCM stereo.

[BiggusDickus]

Seems i will try the DAC route first, the Optical Out has PCM/Auto/Pass-through options, and i can get a DAC cheaper than a new set of bluetooth (which my TV supports) headphones. Although I am curious how the headphones option might connect in terms of simplicity; with the DAC option i have to enter the settings on the TV and change the Audio Out to the required source each time ...

Thanks for the replies

[benricci]

Originally Posted by BiggusDickus

Although I am curious how the headphones option might connect in terms of simplicity…

It can’t really get any simpler. All you do is pair the headphones to the TV and then anytime you turn the headphones on they will be connected. So you can start listening wirelessly through the headphones anytime you want with no additional set up ever required.