How to Connect Surround Sound to Television

Male and Female DVI cables, these cables are not the same as VGA cables.

A surround sound stereo system is a great addition to any home entertainment system. Surround sound creates a "real life" sound reproduction by using multiple speakers to literally surround the listener with sound. Without connecting the system to a television, the system loses the critical video element that provides the full home theater experience. Connecting a surround sound system is a relatively easy process.

Things You'll Need

• 1 HDMI, optical, digital, RCA, or 1/8 mini jack cable

Instructions

1. Determine the type of connecting cable needed by checking the connections on the back of the television and surround sound system . When comparing video quality HDMI is the best followed by optical, digital, RCA, then the 1/8 mini jack.

2. Connect the appropriate cable to the surround sound system. HDMI connects to the HDMI outlet, RCA to the red and white outlets, 1/8 mini jack to the headphone jack, optical to the optical outlet and digital to the digital outlet.

3. Connect the opposite end of the cable to the television.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to sync the video and audio after connecting the television to the surround sound system.

References

• Dolby: Home Entertainment Connections Guide