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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesYes—many TVs can play audio through their built-in speakers and headphones at the same time, but it is not universal. The result depends on the TV model, operating system, connection method, and whether you need independent volume control.
The most reliable options are a TV’s built-in dual-output setting or an optical-connected headphone transmitter. Ordinary Bluetooth pairing or plugging headphones into the headphone jack often changes the TV’s output instead of duplicating it.
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Start with this compatibility check
Before buying equipment, identify:
- The TV’s exact brand, model number, and software or model year.
- Whether the headphones are Bluetooth, wired, RF, or part of a dedicated TV-headphone system.
- Available outputs: optical/TOSLINK, HDMI ARC/eARC, AUX/RCA, or a genuine headphone jack.
- Whether a soundbar or receiver already uses the optical or HDMI ARC connection.
- Whether the headphone listener needs a separate volume level from everyone watching the TV.
A television can support one combination—such as speakers plus Bluetooth headphones—while refusing another, such as speakers plus a wired headphone jack.
Why headphones often mute the TV speakers
Many televisions treat a headphone jack or paired Bluetooth headphones as the primary audio output. Connecting them therefore switches the audio route rather than copying the signal to two destinations.
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Bluetooth support alone does not prove that simultaneous playback is available. Likewise, optical output often remains active with the speakers, but not on every TV. Check the owner’s manual for the exact model.
Built-in dual-output settings
LG
On supported newer LG smart TVs, try Settings → Advanced → Sound → Sound Out → Internal TV Speakers + Headphone Audio. LG notes that availability varies by model and webOS version. “Headphone Audio” may refer to wired headphones or a supported LG wireless audio path. If the option is missing, search the manual using the model number.
Also verify that the 3.5-mm socket is actually a headphone output. Some visually similar ports are service, diagnostic, or RS-232 connections. LG’s connection guide explains the supported arrangements.
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Sony BRAVIA
On supported models, open Home → Settings → Display & Sound → Audio output → Audio to both TV speakers & other device. For a wired device, Sony may also provide Headphone speaker link; setting it to Off can keep the speakers active.
Sony stresses that supported models and connection types differ. Some BRAVIA configurations allow simultaneous TV-speaker and Bluetooth output, while others do not. See Sony’s audio-output guide and model-specific support information.
Samsung
Some newer compatible Samsung Smart TVs support multiple Bluetooth audio devices and can send audio to both at once. Samsung’s documentation primarily describes multiple Bluetooth devices, not a guarantee that every model supports Bluetooth headphones plus the internal speakers.
Some Samsung televisions also offer Multi-output Audio, often under sound or accessibility settings. The menu location and behavior are model-dependent, so use the television’s manual rather than a universal menu path. Samsung’s current support page lists compatible functionality.
Roku TV
Roku TV does not have one universal simultaneous-audio capability. The hardware manufacturer—such as TCL, Hisense, Sharp, or another brand—also determines the available outputs and settings. Check the exact television manual and Roku’s audio-source guidance before assuming Bluetooth headphones and speakers can work together.
The dependable fallback: an optical transmitter
If Bluetooth pairing mutes the speakers, an optical-connected transmitter is usually the next option to investigate.
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- Confirm that the TV has an optical, TOSLINK, or SPDIF output.
- Connect the optical cable from the TV’s optical output to a Bluetooth, RF, or dedicated TV-headphone transmitter.
- Connect the transmitter’s power supply.
- Put the transmitter and headphones into pairing mode.
- Set the TV’s digital audio format to PCM or Stereo if the transmitter produces no sound.
- Test whether the internal speakers remain active.
- If they are muted, look for settings such as TV speakers + optical, Internal speakers + external audio, Simultaneous output, or Multi-output Audio.
Optical frequently avoids the TV’s headphone-mute behavior and lets the headphone user control volume from the headphones or transmitter. However, optical is not guaranteed to remain active alongside the speakers. Avantree’s compatibility guidance also warns that behavior varies by television.
Why PCM matters
Basic transmitters often cannot decode Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, or other multichannel formats. Switching the TV’s digital output to PCM or Stereo improves compatibility; it does not necessarily improve sound quality.
Bluetooth, headphone jack, optical, and HDMI compared
| Method | Can speakers remain on? | Independent volume? | Delay risk | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TV Bluetooth | Model-dependent | Model-dependent | Medium | Often replaces the speakers |
| Headphone jack | Model-dependent | Usually controlled by headphones | Low | Commonly mutes the speakers |
| Optical transmitter | Often | Usually | Low to medium | The TV must keep optical active |
| HDMI ARC transmitter | Model-dependent | Usually | Low to medium | ARC may already serve a soundbar |
| Dedicated RF system | Often | Usually | Low | May require proprietary headphones |
This is a general guide, not a guarantee for every model.
What about HDMI ARC and eARC?
HDMI ARC or eARC can feed a compatible headphone system, but it is not a universal dual-output solution. The TV’s ARC port may already be connected to a soundbar, and a transmitter may not support soundbar pass-through.
For example, Avantree’s Opera Plus accepts HDMI ARC, optical, and AUX, but its product documentation says optical and AUX pass-through are supported for simultaneous soundbar playback while HDMI soundbar pass-through is not. If ARC is occupied, optical pass-through or an HDMI audio extractor may be more practical.
Independent volume does not come automatically
“Simultaneous” only means both outputs carry sound. It does not guarantee separate volume controls.
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- A transmitter may provide volume control.
- The TV remote may change only the built-in speakers.
- Optical output is often fixed-level.
- Some TVs apply one shared volume control to both outputs.
Test both remotes before finalizing the setup, especially when one viewer needs hearing assistance while others prefer normal volume.
Delay, echo, and lip-sync
Bluetooth can add latency. If headphones and speakers are heard in the same room, even a small timing difference can create an echo. Delay varies with the TV’s processing, Bluetooth codec, headphones, streaming app, game console, set-top box, and any soundbar or receiver in the chain.
Dedicated TV systems may use low-latency Bluetooth or proprietary wireless transmission. Avantree lists latency below 30 ms for Opera Plus and below 40 ms for Opera; these are manufacturer specifications, not independent measurements.
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To reduce echo, use a dedicated low-latency system, connect both listeners through the same synchronized ecosystem, or adjust the TV’s audio-delay setting if available. Avoid combining ordinary Bluetooth headphones with a soundbar when both are in the same room unless the delay is acceptable.
Fixes for common failures
The headphones have no sound
- Confirm the transmitter is connected to optical out, not an optical input.
- Remove protective caps from both ends of the TOSLINK cable.
- Set digital audio output to PCM or Stereo.
- Select the correct transmitter input.
- Power-cycle the TV, transmitter, and headphones.
- Test live TV and the streaming app separately; they may use different audio formats.
See Avantree’s troubleshooting steps for additional checks.
The TV speakers stop working
Look for a native dual-output setting. If there is none, try optical instead of Bluetooth or the headphone jack. If optical also disables the speakers, the TV may not support duplicated output without an external extractor or another audio path.
The soundbar stops working
The transmitter may have taken over the TV’s only optical or ARC connection. Use a transmitter with optical or AUX pass-through, or select an HDMI extractor designed for the TV’s resolution, HDR, ARC/eARC, and audio formats.
Only one Bluetooth device connects
Check whether the TV supports multiple Bluetooth audio devices and whether the headphones are compatible. A transmitter that supports dual-link Bluetooth may be an alternative, but it still does not guarantee that the TV speakers will remain active.
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Headphones disconnect when changing inputs
The TV may not pass audio from every HDMI source through its optical or Bluetooth output. Test the specific console, streaming app, or set-top box. If necessary, connect the transmitter to the source device or use an HDMI audio extractor.
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For hearing assistance
Try the TV’s dual-output mode first if it provides independent volume. A dedicated TV-headphone system may add dialogue enhancement, a charging dock, or volume boost. These features may improve audibility, but TV headphones are not automatically a substitute for hearing aids. Avantree says Opera Plus is not intended for severe hearing loss or users requiring hearing-aid-level amplification.
For late-night viewing
Use a native dual-output setting or an optical transmitter. Confirm that the TV speakers can remain at the desired level and that headphone volume is independently adjustable.
For two headphone users
Check both the TV and the transmitter. Some dedicated transmitters support two matched headphones; Avantree states that Opera Plus can support up to two Opera Plus headphones. Do not assume that any TV or Bluetooth transmitter can connect two pairs.
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- Use as standard Bluetooth headphones: When you're not watching TV, simply pair them with your phone or computer for wireless listening. A single charge delivers up to 45 hours of use. Low on battery? Just place them back on the charging dock for a quick recharge.
- Multiple connection options: Simply plug in the included optical, AUX, or RCA cable and power on—no complex setup required. If your TV doesn't have these ports, you can also connect the headphones via Bluetooth (TV must support Bluetooth). Easy, flexible, and hassle-free.
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For an existing soundbar
Check which port the soundbar occupies. Optical or AUX pass-through can preserve soundbar use on some systems. If the soundbar uses ARC/eARC, an optical transmitter or carefully selected HDMI extractor may avoid a conflict.
For the lowest cost
A basic Bluetooth transmitter can work with existing headphones through optical, AUX, or RCA. The transmitter sends audio, but the TV determines whether its speakers continue playing.
When dedicated TV headphones are worth considering
A dedicated system is worthwhile when ease of use, a charging dock, speech clarity, low latency, or separate volume matters more than using existing headphones. A simple transmitter is usually better when the household already owns compatible Bluetooth headphones and wants the least expensive hardware.
Examples include the Avantree Opera Plus, which lists optical, AUX, and HDMI ARC inputs, optical/AUX pass-through, dialogue and volume-boost modes, and support for up to two matched headphones. The Avantree Opera offers optical, AUX, or Bluetooth connection and a charging transmitter. Prices and availability change, so verify the official product page before purchasing.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchSennheiser’s TV Clear and TV Clear Set II use a transmitter connected through optical or analog output and emphasize speech clarity with lightweight earbuds. They are accessibility-oriented products, not proof that every TV will preserve its internal speakers.
Potential accessories include an optical cable, HDMI ARC audio extractor, 3.5-mm or RCA cable, or optical splitter. Buy these only after confirming the TV’s outputs and the soundbar’s connection.
Bottom line
Check the exact TV model first. If it offers a setting such as Internal TV Speakers + Headphone Audio or Audio to both TV speakers & other device, use that native option. If Bluetooth or the headphone jack mutes the speakers, investigate an optical-connected transmitter and try PCM/Stereo.
Optical is often the most practical fallback, but no connection method guarantees simultaneous playback on every television. Also verify independent volume control and delay before choosing the final setup.
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