TV External Speakers Hook Up

[Konini]

We have a new TV which is a lot smarter than I am. I've tried to google the answer and have been to the Samsung site but haven't had any luck, I'm not technical so probably not using the right words and it may be easier if I explain in full what I am looking for.

We have no need or use for a home theater system, very rarely watch films due to low boredom threshold. There are times however that it would be nice to have speakers, and I know I can buy some and hook them up directly but would rather not. We already have very good quality speakers that I use to listen to music and radio from the laptop via bluetooth, and it would be ideal if I could connect this speaker to the TV, but it's on the other side of the room. I can't run cables as it would cross a doorway and be far too messy.

My question is, is there any way I can connect them? The TV has direct internet access and is great for streaming, but has no bluetooth to connect to the speaker. There is a menu item for controlling home theater systems from the TV but says nothing about wireless connection unless I've missed it. Has a gadget been invented that I can plug into the TV to give bluetooth access?

Any help will be appreciated.

[jcgodber]

Go look here and see if this will do you----

http://www.invadeit.co.th/search/bluetooth-dongle/

[RichCor]

(jcgodber) Not sure that a BlueTooth-Dongle works with a Digital TV, even if it has a USB connector.... not something I've ever heard about. Though I've just found that 'some' Samsung TVs with built-in bluetooth are set up to work with the Samsung Wireless Audio Dock (wireless audio system).

TVs, even Smart TVs, are still in the dark ages when it comes to digital audio, especially wireless digital audio.

Most people connect an inexpensive amplifier and connect it via RCA cables to their Cable or Sat box audio out, or alternatively directly to the TV if it has Audio-Out connection.

We already have very good quality speakers that I use to listen to music and radio from the laptop via bluetooth, and it would be ideal if I could connect this speaker to the TV

Depending on what your Bluetooth speaker setup requires, if it can PAIR with other Bluetooth modules (other than the one it came with) then it's possible that purchasing an RCA-to-Bluetooth TRANSMITTER would work for you.

Just keep in mind that Bluetooth doesn't always mean Hi Fidelity, and that certain models of Bluetooth have distance and bandwidth limitations [ Class 3 : The lowest power, the max. range of this is 10m (30 feet); Class 2 : Max range is about 50m (150ft); Class 1 : Max range is about 100m (300ft) ]

What is the make/model of the Bluetooth Speaker System?

What is the make/model of your TV?

[Konini]

(jcgodber) Not sure that a BlueTooth-Dongle works with a Digital TV, even if it has a USB connector.... not something I've ever heard about. Though I've just found that 'some' Samsung TVs with built-in bluetooth are set up to work with the Samsung Wireless Audio Dock (wireless audio system).

TVs, even Smart TVs, are still in the dark ages when it comes to digital audio, especially wireless digital audio.

Most people connect an inexpensive amplifier and connect it via RCA cables to their Cable or Sat box audio out, or alternatively directly to the TV if it has Audio-Out connection.

We already have very good quality speakers that I use to listen to music and radio from the laptop via bluetooth, and it would be ideal if I could connect this speaker to the TV

Depending on what your Bluetooth speaker setup requires, if it can PAIR with other Bluetooth modules (other than the one it came with) then it's possible that purchasing an RCA-to-Bluetooth TRANSMITTER would work for you.

Just keep in mind that Bluetooth doesn't always mean Hi Fidelity, and that certain models of Bluetooth have distance and bandwidth limitations [ Class 3 : The lowest power, the max. range of this is 10m (30 feet); Class 2 : Max range is about 50m (150ft); Class 1 : Max range is about 100m (300ft) ]

What is the make/model of the Bluetooth Speaker System?

What is the make/model of your TV?

Thank you both for the interest. As the crow flies, TV is only 3 meters or so away from the speaker, so that shouldn't be a problem. I've had the TV connected to the computer tonight via HDMI cable as I didn't have time to convert an MKV file to AVI, and the sound was really nice, so any kind of dongle should be just the job. Not sure what bluetooth modules are, but the speakers paired with the laptop and tablet without a problem; with the tablet I didn't do anything, just turn bluetooth on and they paired automatically, with the laptop (latest bluetooth software downloaded and installed today) I had to press a button on the speaker menu, I'm assuming to make it detectable. Don't know why it did it with one and not the other, but both working so I'm happy about that.

TV is Samsung UA50F6400 and speaker is Panasonic SC-HC38, any other information would be most gratefully received. The speaker is right behind the sofa where we sit to watch TV. We watch mainly documentaries via USB and stream all sorts of things but mainly music from YouTube. The extra volume would be great for some of the things we watch, even if not in stereo.

[RichCor]

The Samsung UA50F6400 contains a built-in Bluetooth send/receive module and is used by the Samsung Smart Touch Control to operate the set remotely. While it supports BT Keyboard/mouse, the following was also listed in the owners manual regarding BlueTooth Audio -- pg 123

Samsung UA50F6400am User Manual.pdf

Samsung Audio Device Connection

Screen Menu > Sound > Speaker Settings > SoundShare Settings

( This function is available only with PDP 5500 series and LED 6400 series or higher )

Connect the TV to a Samsung audio device for a richer, clearer sound. This function is available for Samsung Audio Device supported the SoundShare function. Pair the Samsung audio device using the TV's Bluetooth function. Refer to the Samsung audio device's operating manual for more information on pairing.

● Add New Device: Enables/disables SoundShare. Connection signals from new devices are ignored if they are set to Off.

● Samsung Audio Device List: Displays a list of paired Samsung audio devices. Select a device to display its menu options. Activate/deactivate the audio device or remove it from the list.

When using a Bluetooth audio device, a slight mismatch between the audio and video may occur, depending on the content.

... meaning, what you want 'might' already be built-in.

[bkkjames]

Personally I would run all external sources (dvd,cable box, etc) in to my receiver which is connected to the speakers of course. I only run the video via HDMI out to the TV.

[Konini]

The Samsung UA50F6400 contains a built-in Bluetooth send/receive module and is used by the Samsung Smart Touch Control to operate the set remotely. While it supports BT Keyboard/mouse, the following was also listed in the owners manual regarding BlueTooth Audio -- pg 123

When using a Bluetooth audio device, a slight mismatch between the audio and video may occur, depending on the content.

... meaning, what you want 'might' already be built-in.

Thank you again. I didn't have a full manual, this will help with finding out about other very smart features that I doubt I will never use, but you never know. It'll certainly keep my brain occupied trying to understand it for a few hours. The exact model appears to be Thai only, but I've got near enough.

I have got so far following the instructions and I think I'm doing everything right but no luck so far. I found the right section on the TV menu (Soundshare Settings) and it is set to Add New Device. I get the speaker to the stage where it tells me it is pairing, but nothing happens. When I did this for the laptop, it paired after about 10 seconds, but with the bluetooth adapter turned off on the laptop so there is no conflict, the speaker will try to pair but the TV doesn't do anything. I then go into Saved Devices on the TV menu and it is empty. When it didn't work, I moved the speaker next to the TV in case it was too far, and I then tried the same with a Creative speaker I use on the balcony but neither would connect.

To my untechnical mind that says not compatible?????

[RichCor]

Searching forums...

Samsung forum: Cant Connect Beats Wireless to my tv

by Samsung_HD_Tech - 9/4/13 12:57 PM

In Reply to: something else by fastrover

Hi fastrover,

Thanks for your question! Samsung introduced in 2013 a kind of software layer to Bluetooth called Soundshare. Basically, it adds a couple of additional commands: auto-power on and off are the main two. This is for the benefit of Samsung Sound bars.

So yes, it is a Bluetooth connection. But no, it doesn't lock out generic devices: third-party products may be able to connect, but we don't guarantee connection.

Additionally, I should add that 2012 TV models with Bluetooth can also output audio over that connection. However, as I said above, third-party products may be able to connect, but we don't guarantee the connection.

HD Tech

Samsung apparently only guarantees the built-in Bluetooth SoundShare feature will work with their optional Samsung Sound Bar wireless speaker system. It's possible it will work with other systems, just not guaranteed or supported.

Have you tried connecting Bluetooth from your computer to the TV? Just curious if it will work (and which direction is supported).

I was hopeful this would work out-of-the-box for you as you wouldn't need to buy additional gadgets or dongles. Almost.

The other alternative would be to purchase a "Bluetooth Audio Transmitter with 3.5mm Stereo Mini-plug jack" and plug it into the Audio-Out Mini-plug on the back of your TV. There are several types:

EDIT: Adding link to ThaiVisa admin Tywais post for Thailand-based On-Line Computer/Electronic Stores

[Konini]

Thanks yet again, very grateful that you are taking the time. Do you have a recommendation on the ones above? We are going to UK in a few weeks, so I can pick one up from there or from Amazon if necessary.

I hadn't thought about connecting the TV via bluetooth, although that was one of the features I wanted when we were looking for one. I went to ADD DEVICE on the computer (Windows 7) and the TV came up straight away so I tried to connect. I got so far with it, and Windows adds it and installs drivers. It now appears on the list of devices along with the 2 speakers that I have already installed and have working correctly, but when I try to connect, it asks if a code displayed (on the computer) was the same as the code displayed on the TV so pairing can begin. Unfortunately no code appears on the TV, I'm not sure if I need to be in a specific screen to see it, but I feel I'm a lot closer than I was thanks to you. When I go to SOURCE on the TV, I noticed earlier today that my computer is an option along with TV and USB as I have a USB stick still in, was NETWORK with my computer name. When I go into that, I asks what source I want to choose from VIDEO, PICTURES, MUSIC (the same menu I get when I insert a USB stick) but when I click on any of those I get a message that it can't play and returns me to the main menu. Not sure where it's searching on the computer for the content, but I don't think the search is long enough to search through the entire hard drive. I can put the video files into a special directory, but no option to set one.

This is the kind of thing that makes Thai Visa great, and what encourages me to help others whenever I can.

[RichCor]

Do you have a recommendation on the ones above? We are going to UK in a few weeks, so I can pick one up from there or from Amazon if necessary.

Sorry, the only experience I have are with Bluetooth Transceivers that are used to connect cordless phones to Bluetooth wireless headsets (similar project but with two-way audio connection) so don't have any recommendations. I HAVE read some people were having issues with their Bluetooth connections where they heard annoying audio clicks or noise and experienced interruptions when the device unexpectedly resets on its own -- so I suggest searching ebay and amazon for Bluetooth Audio Transmitter and read the customer reviews and feedback.

Requirements: Bluetooth Audio Transmitter, A2DP audio, 3.55mm Male miniplug, power supply

Considerations: Price, size, simplicity and ease of use (pairing)

I hadn't thought about connecting the TV via bluetooth, although that was one of the features I wanted when we were looking for one.

I went to ADD DEVICE on the computer (Windows 7) and the TV came up straight away so I tried to connect. I got so far with it, and Windows adds it and installs drivers. It now appears on the list of devices along with the 2 speakers that I have already installed and have working correctly, but when I try to connect, it asks if a code displayed (on the computer) was the same as the code displayed on the TV so pairing can begin. Unfortunately no code appears on the TV, I'm not sure if I need to be in a specific screen to see it, but I feel I'm a lot closer than I was thanks to you.

Can you try using the TV to initiate the pair process?

Usually the pair code requires both devices acknowledge the pair code. The first time might not do it, but a subsequent attempt and a dialog will appear on each device requiring an answer.

I usually prefer a WiFi LAN connection between the computer and smart TV for watching downloaded files as the bandwidth of a Bluetooth connection is a bit narrow for streaming HD video.

When I go to SOURCE on the TV, I noticed earlier today that my computer is an option along with TV and USB as I have a USB stick still in, was NETWORK with my computer name.

When I go into that, I asks what source I want to choose from VIDEO, PICTURES, MUSIC (the same menu I get when I insert a USB stick) but when I click on any of those I get a message that it can't play and returns me to the main menu. Not sure where it's searching on the computer for the content, but I don't think the search is long enough to search through the entire hard drive. I can put the video files into a special directory, but no option to set one.

How do I share folders in Windows 7 with the Shared Folder Wizard? -link to TechRepublic.com

After typing shrpubw.exe I was able to set which folder Windows would share over the connection.

Sometimes Bluetooth connections work right away, other times it requires a network specialist to tick all the boxes to give the correct permissions to get it up and running.

PS: Keep trying to get those speakers to pair. There may be some on-screen options that need to be ticked. Three times a charm?

[casualbiker]

I have a Nokia Bluetooth headset bh214. That can also connect to other devices as a Bluetooth link. I have used it on my car stereo streaming music from my phone. Worth a thought .. it cost another 900baht

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