Use TV Speakers and Headphones – Avantree Support

CHECK THIS FIRST

It depends on your TV.

Some TVs can play sound through the TV speakers and headphones at the same time.

Other TVs automatically turn off the TV speakers when headphones or another audio device is connected.

The TV determines whether this is possible.

Try This First

Keep the TV speakers turned on

Open your TV's Sound or Audio settings. Keep TV Speaker enabled.
Check the TV audio connection

Make sure the Avantree device is connected to the correct audio output on your TV.
If you are using Optical, select PCM

Open your TV's Digital Audio Format setting and select PCM.
TV Settings → Sound / Audio → Digital Audio Format → PCM
Play something and test the sound

Check whether you can hear sound from both the TV speakers and the headphones.

Note about PCM

PCM helps the Avantree device receive compatible Optical audio. It does not control whether the TV speakers stay on.

What Happened?

Both have sound

Your TV supports this setup. You can use the TV speakers and headphones at the same time.

The TV speakers turn off

Check your TV's Sound or Audio settings for an option that allows the TV speakers and another audio output to work together.

If the TV Speakers Turn Off

Check your TV's Sound or Audio settings

Look for a setting that allows the TV speakers and another audio output to work at the same time.

The setting may have a name such as:

Dual Audio Output
Multi-Output Audio
TV Speaker + Audio Output
TV Speaker + Optical
Simultaneous Audio Output

Can't find one of these settings? The exact setting name and location vary by TV brand and model. Check your TV manual or the TV manufacturer's support page for instructions about using the TV speakers and another audio output at the same time.

I do not see a setting for using both audio outputs

Keep the TV speakers enabled and test the headphones again.

Some TVs can continue sending audio through Optical or another audio output without showing a setting specifically for using both outputs.

If the TV speakers still turn off when the external audio output is used, your TV may not support this setup.

The TV speakers work, but the headphones have no sound

This is a different issue. First, confirm that the Avantree device is connected to an active TV audio output.

If you are using Optical, confirm that the TV's Digital Audio Format is set to PCM.

See: Fix No Sound After Setup

My TV does not support using both outputs at the same time

If your TV automatically turns off its built-in speakers when an external audio output is used, the Avantree device cannot change this TV behavior.

If your setup supports audio pass-through, you may be able to use a compatible external speaker or soundbar instead of the TV's built-in speakers.

Watch the video guide

Watch the video for a visual guide to using TV speakers and headphones at the same time.

Still need help?

If you are not sure whether your TV supports this setup, send us your question and include your TV brand and model.

ASK A QUESTION

It depends on your TV.

Try This First

Keep the TV speakers turned on

Check the TV audio connection

If you are using Optical, select PCM

Play something and test the sound