How to Connect Wireless Headphones to a TV with HDMI ARC Only

Bought a new TV, only to find there's no optical audio port? If you're trying to connect wireless headphones, that can be frustrating. Many TV headphone systems use an optical connection, and your new TV may not have one.

 The good news? You may be able to connect your headphones directly through HDMI ARC instead. You just need a wireless TV headphone system designed to work with it.

 In this guide, we'll walk you through what to look for, how to connect everything, and what to check if you don't hear any sound. We'll also explain how to keep your soundbar playing while you listen through headphones.

One option worth considering is the SIMOLIO JH-757O Wireless TV Headphones, which connect to a compatible TV through HDMI ARC. They also offer Bluetooth listening and an optical audio bypass for setups where you want to use headphones and a soundbar at the same time.

1. First, Check Your TV's HDMI Ports

Before buying anything, take a look at the back or side of your TV. You'll probably see several HDMI ports, but there's one important detail to check: Does one of them support ARC?

What Is HDMI ARC?

HDMI ARC stands for Audio Return Channel. It lets your TV send audio back to a compatible soundbar or other audio device through an HDMI cable.

A regular HDMI connection typically carries audio and video from a device—such as a game console, streaming player, or Blu-ray player—to your TV. ARC adds a return path for audio, so the TV can send sound from its built-in apps or connected sources to an external audio device.

That's why HDMI ARC can be useful if your TV doesn't have an optical audio output. Instead of relying on an optical cable, you can use the TV's ARC port to send audio to a device designed for that connection.

HDMI vs. HDMI ARC vs. HDMI eARC

 The names are similar, but these connections don't all do the same thing.

- Standard HDMI: A regular HDMI input receives audio and video from an external device. Unless it also supports ARC or eARC, it won't send your TV's audio back to that device.

- HDMI ARC: Lets your TV send audio to a compatible external audio device over the same HDMI connection. It supports stereo PCM and certain compressed surround-sound formats, depending on the equipment and settings.

- HDMI eARC: An enhanced version of ARC with greater audio bandwidth and support for additional high-bitrate audio formats. However, an eARC port isn't automatically guaranteed to work with every ARC-only device.

What if your TV has an eARC port but no port labeled ARC? Don't assume compatibility based on the label alone. Check your TV manufacturer's specifications or manual to confirm whether the port can work with an ARC-only device.

How to Find the Right Port

Look for an HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC. If the labels aren't easy to see, check your TV's manual or the manufacturer's website.

If your TV has an ARC-compatible port but no optical audio output, an HDMI ARC headphone system may be a good fit.

If your TV doesn't support ARC or eARC, a regular HDMI port won't do the job. Instead, check whether your TV has another audio output, such as optical, RCA, or 3.5mm AUX, and choose a headphone system that matches.

2. How to Connect Wireless Headphones Through HDMI ARC

Once you've confirmed that your TV supports the right connection, setting up your headphones is usually straightforward.

Step 1: Choose Headphones That Support HDMI ARC

Not all wireless TV headphones connect through HDMI. Many models use optical, RCA, or 3.5mm AUX instead.

If your TV has no optical output and you want to use HDMI, look for a wireless TV headphone system with an HDMI ARC input on its transmitter.

The SIMOLIO JH-757O is one option. It supports HDMI ARC as well as optical, RCA, and 3.5mm AUX connections, giving you more flexibility if you change TVs or audio setups later.

Step 2: Connect the TV and Transmitter

Here's how to hook up the SIMOLIO JH-757O:

1. Plug one end of an HDMI cable into the TV's designated HDMI ARC port.

2. Connect the other end to the HDMI ARC port on the JH-757O transmitter.

3. Connect the transmitter to power, following the product instructions.

4. Turn on the headphones and select TV mode.

Make sure the cable is connected to the correct ports at both ends. A regular HDMI input on the TV won't provide the audio-return function you need.

Step 3: Check Your TV's Sound Settings

If everything is connected but you don't hear anything, your TV's audio settings may need a quick adjustment.

Open the sound settings and look for options related to HDMI ARC, external audio output, or digital audio format. Depending on your TV, you may need to:

- Enable HDMI ARC or the relevant external audio setting.

- Select the appropriate audio output.

- Change the digital audio format to PCM or Stereo PCM if the current format isn't supported by the connected device. 

The exact menu names vary by TV brand and model. If you're not sure where to find these settings, check your TV's manual.

One more thing: ARC and CEC are not the same. ARC carries audio from the TV to an external audio device. CEC lets compatible devices exchange control commands, such as power or volume commands. The SIMOLIO JH-757O doesn't support CEC, so don't expect HDMI-connected power or volume control through CEC.

If your TV has only an eARC port, make sure you've also confirmed that it can work with an ARC-only device.

Step 4: Play Something and Test the Sound

 Play a show, movie, or other audio source and check whether you can hear it through the headphones.

 Once the connection is working, adjust the volume to your liking. The JH-757O uses a dedicated 2.4GHz wireless connection for TV listening and offers three EQ modes, including Dialogue Mode, which is designed to make speech easier to follow.

No Sound? Try These Quick Fixes

 If the headphones are on but there's no audio, work through these checks:

 1. Check the HDMI cable. Make sure it's connected to the TV's ARC-compatible port and the transmitter's HDMI ARC port.

 2. Check the TV's audio output. Confirm that HDMI ARC or the appropriate external audio setting is enabled.

 3. Try PCM audio. If the TV is sending an audio format the headphones don't support, switch to PCM or Stereo PCM if that option is available.

 4. Check the eARC setting. If your TV has an eARC setting, try turning eARC off and testing the connection again. Some TVs may offer better compatibility with ARC-only devices when eARC is disabled. The available settings and results vary by TV model.

 5. Restart the equipment. After checking the cable and changing the settings, restart the TV and transmitter and test again. 

TV menus vary, so the exact steps may differ depending on your model.

3. What Makes the SIMOLIO JH-757O Worth Considering?

If your TV supports HDMI ARC but lacks an optical output, the JH-757O gives you a way to connect wireless headphones without adding a separate HDMI ARC-to-optical converter.

But connectivity is only part of the picture. Here's what else it offers for everyday TV listening.

A Dedicated Wireless Connection for TV

The included transmitter sends TV audio to the headphones over a dedicated 2.4GHz wireless link. It's designed for low-latency listening, helping keep dialogue in sync with what's happening on screen.

You can use the dedicated transmitter for TV mode rather than relying on a Bluetooth connection between the TV and headphones.

TV Listening and Bluetooth in One System

Need headphones for more than just watching TV? The JH-757O also has a Bluetooth mode for compatible smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Use the included transmitter when listening to your TV, then switch to Bluetooth for music, videos, or other audio from your personal devices.

3 EQ Modes to Suit What You're Watching

Not every program sounds the same, and you may prefer different settings for dialogue-heavy shows and action movies. The JH-757O offers three EQ modes:

- Dialogue Mode: Designed to make speech easier to follow.

- Standard Mode: For balanced, everyday listening.

- Bass Mode: For a fuller sound with more emphasis on bass.

Choose the setting that best suits the content and your preferences.

A Separate Transmitter and Charging Dock 

The JH-757O comes with a standalone transmitter and a separate charging dock. This lets you place the transmitter where it's convenient for connecting to your TV while keeping the charging dock somewhere easy to reach.

When you're done watching, simply return the headphones to the dock to recharge.

Keep Your Soundbar in the Setup

Want to listen through headphones without making everyone else use them, too? The JH-757O has an optical audio bypass that can send audio to a compatible soundbar while the headphones are in use.

Connect the TV to the transmitter through HDMI ARC or digital optical audio output, then run an optical cable from the transmitter's optical output to the soundbar's optical input.

This way, you can listen through the headphones at your preferred volume while others in the room continue listening through the soundbar.

There is one important catch: the bypass output is optical, not HDMI. Your soundbar needs an optical input for this setup.

Independent Volume and Up to 20 Hours of Listening

The JH-757O supports multiple compatible headphones connected to one transmitter, allowing family members to listen together and adjust their own headphone volume independently.

The headphones offer up to 20 hours of listening time per charge and feature soft protein-leather ear cushions for everyday comfort. The ear cushions are also replaceable.

4. Can You Use Wireless Headphones and a Soundbar at the Same Time?

Yes. With the SIMOLIO JH-757O, you can listen through your wireless headphones while a compatible soundbar plays audio for everyone else. The key is to connect the TV to the transmitter and then use the transmitter's optical audio output to feed the soundbar. 

You can connect your TV to the JH-757O in either of two ways:

- Option 1: HDMI ARC. Connect the TV's HDMI ARC port to the transmitter's HDMI ARC port.

- Option 2: Optical. Connect the TV's optical audio output to the transmitter's optical input.

With either setup, connect the transmitter's optical output to the soundbar's optical input using a separate optical cable. 

Once everything is connected, adjust the TV's audio settings if needed, then play a program. You should be able to listen through the headphones while the soundbar plays audio for others in the room.

This setup is particularly useful in a shared living room. One person can listen at a comfortable headphone volume without having to turn up the TV for everyone else. 

A few things to keep in mind

- Your soundbar must have an optical audio input for this setup.

- The TV's audio output settings must be configured appropriately for the selected connection.

- The TV, transmitter, and soundbar must use compatible audio formats.

- The headphone and soundbar audio may not be perfectly synchronized. Differences in audio processing can cause one to sound slightly ahead of the other. 

If you plan to use both regularly, test the setup with your own equipment. Available audio settings may help, but perfect synchronization between the headphones and soundbar isn't guaranteed.

5. Which SIMOLIO Wireless TV Headphones Should You Choose?

The right model depends on the audio connections available on your TV.

Choose the SIMOLIO JH-757O if your TV supports HDMI ARC and you want to connect your wireless headphones through HDMI. It's especially worth considering if your TV has no optical audio output, provided you've confirmed ARC compatibility.

Consider the SIMOLIO JH-757B if your TV has an optical, RCA, or 3.5mm AUX audio output and you'd prefer a system with a separate transmitter and charging dock. The JH-757B doesn't have an HDMI ARC connection.

Before you buy, check your TV's available audio outputs and the connection requirements for the headphone system. If your TV has only an eARC port, confirm that it can work with an ARC-only device rather than assuming the two are interchangeable.

The Bottom Line

No optical audio port on your TV? That doesn't necessarily mean you need a converter or a different TV headphone setup.

If your TV supports HDMI ARC and your headphones are designed for it, you can send TV audio through a single HDMI cable. The SIMOLIO JH-757O combines that connection with dedicated 2.4GHz wireless listening, Bluetooth, three EQ modes, and optical bypass for use with a compatible soundbar.

The key is to check your TV's ports and confirm compatibility before buying. Once you've got the right setup, you can enjoy your shows at a comfortable volume without disturbing others in the room.