# Sound problem w/ cable TV/home theater speakers **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 20, 2011, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306 "2011-03-20T01:47:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![xanthous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/53a042/32.png) [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2011, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/1 "2011-03-20T01:47:01Z")
I set up my HD TV to run the sound from the cable through the Blu-Ray home theater speakers for a fuller sound. Have sound output set to “ARC” (no idea what that stands for, but the Panasonic customer service guy told me to set it that way- both TV and Blu-Ray player are Panasonic brand). Both cable box and Blu-Ray player/speakers are connected to TV via HDMI. Sound will be great for a period of time (different length every time), and then it starts sounding like there’s feedback (sounds “hairy”- I’m not sure how else to describe!) and it gets worse and worse until you can’t make out any of the sounds at all. I have to shut down the cable box and TV and Blu-Ray player and restart to make it go away. I can’t shut down any one component and fix the problem… Any ideas? ---
**Author:** ![Amblydoper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/fbc32d/32.png) [@Amblydoper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amblydoper)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2011, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/2 "2011-03-20T04:01:25Z")
So you have it set up like this: Cable Box —\> TV —\> Bluray/Amplifier I would change it around a bit: Cable box —\> Bluray/Amplifier —\> TV Think of your TV as a “video moniter” (and turn off the TV’s speakers) ---
**Author:** ![xanthous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/53a042/32.png) [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2011, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/3 "2011-03-20T13:39:42Z")
> [@Amblydoper](#): > > So you have it set up like this: > Cable Box —\> TV —\> Bluray/Amplifier > > I would change it around a bit: > Cable box —\> Bluray/Amplifier —\> TV > Think of your TV as a “video moniter” (and turn off the TV’s speakers) It’s set up this way: cable box—\>TV Blu/Ray—\>TV I assumed I wouldn’t be able to set it the way you suggest b/c the Blu/Ray player isn’t a receiver. In the past I’ve always had to use a video/audio receiver to set it up that way. Can video go through the BluRay to the TV?? ---
**Author:** ![JFLuvly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ac91a4/32.png) [@JFLuvly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JFLuvly)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2011, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/4 "2011-03-20T15:04:26Z")
I had to get a digital optical cable to make my Panasonic system work this way. Also I think Blue Ray is set to Digital In when I want to listen to the TV through the Surround. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2011, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/5 "2011-03-20T15:45:05Z")
> [@xanthous](#): > > It’s set up this way: > cable box—\>TV > Blu/Ray—\>TV Uh, you’re missing something. From your OP: > [@](#): > > I set up my HD TV to run the sound from the cable through the Blu-Ray home theater speakers for a fuller sound. How’s your sound getting from the cable box to the bluray player/speakers? If I were to guess, I’d say you have sound coming out of your TV and your speakers, and the signal is slightly off. Mute your TV. ---
**Author:** ![skdo23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@skdo23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skdo23)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2011, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/6 "2011-03-20T20:53:44Z")
I hope it’s appropriate to post something like this, I’m kind of new here, but if you don’t get the help you need here at SD, go to [www.avsforum.com](http://www.avsforum.com), set up a free account, and ask your question - you’ll find out everything you need to know, and then some. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![xanthous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/53a042/32.png) [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2011, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/7 "2011-03-21T14:32:26Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > Uh, you’re missing something. From your OP: > > How’s your sound getting from the cable box to the bluray player/speakers? If I were to guess, I’d say you have sound coming out of your TV and your speakers, and the signal is slightly off. Mute your TV. You’re correct. The cable box is not running sound through my blu-ray, as my words indicated in the OP. Sound and picture are going from cable box to TV via HDMI, and sound is coming back from TV to blu-ray HT speakers via HDMI. TV volume is off, so it’s not a double audio or anything. It’s like hella-static-y feedback that compounds until it’s unintelligible. ---
**Author:** ![xanthous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/53a042/32.png) [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2011, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/8 "2011-03-21T14:42:05Z")
p.s. skdo23, I sent you a PM! ---
**Author:** ![jacobsta811](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jacobsta811/32/2893_2.png) [@jacobsta811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacobsta811)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2011, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/9 "2011-03-21T14:49:31Z")
Doesn’t that mean your home theater “speakers” are really a cheap receiver as well, if they are receiving the Audio and distributing it ? Probably would help if you could link the amazon pages of the model of speakers and blu-ray player you have. ---
**Author:** ![xanthous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/53a042/32.png) [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2011, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/10 "2011-03-21T15:00:43Z")
> [@jacobsta811](#): > > Doesn’t that mean your home theater “speakers” are really a cheap receiver as well, if they are receiving the Audio and distributing it ? Probably would help if you could link the amazon pages of the model of speakers and blu-ray player you have. [Here you go.](http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-SC-BT230-Surround-Sound-System/dp/B0038KLM9W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300719564&sr=8-1) Obviously I know just enough about all of this to confuse people! ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2011, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/11 "2011-03-21T15:53:22Z")
> [@xanthous](#): > > Sound and picture are going from cable box to TV via HDMI, and sound is coming back from TV to blu-ray HT speakers via HDMI. > > TV volume is off, so it’s not a double audio or anything. It’s like hella-static-y feedback that compounds until it’s unintelligible. > [@xanthous](#): > > [Here you go.](http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-SC-BT230-Surround-Sound-System/dp/B0038KLM9W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300719564&sr=8-1) > > Obviously I know just enough about all of this to confuse people! I’ve found the problem. From your link: > [@](#): > > Audio Return Channel: Simple Connection with HDMI Cable > > The SC-BT230 is compatible with a new feature of ARC (Audio Return Channel). ARC allows receiving audio signals from the TV, on top of the preexisting HDMI function of sending audio/video signals to the TV with just one cable. This new feature will simplify the connection by eliminating an audio cable connection between the TV audio output and the main unit’s audio input. (ARC compatible TV is required.) I’d be willing to bet that your TV isn’t ARC compatible. ---
**Author:** ![JFLuvly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ac91a4/32.png) [@JFLuvly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JFLuvly)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2011, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/12 "2011-03-21T16:42:12Z")
If the TV is a new Panasonic it should be compatible with the surround system. As I said in my earlier post a digital optical cable will solve your problem. This is my system here: > **[Amazon.com: Panasonic SC-BT730 5.1 Blu-ray Home Theater System : Electronics](https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-SC-BT730-Blu-ray-Theater-System/dp/B0038KV8U0)** > > Product description Upgrade your home-theater experience. Add new dimensions and features to HDTV. A 5.1 Channel surround home-theater system is yours with a built-in Blu-ray player (also plays DVD and CD). Internet ready, the Panasonic... And my TV here: > **[Amazon.com: Panasonic TC-P50S2 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV (2010 Model) :...](https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-TC-P50S2-50-Inch-1080p-Plasma/dp/B0036VO7WM)** > > Product description 1080p / Viera Link / 2,000,000:1 Native Contrast Ratio / Neo PDP / Anti-Reflective Filter / 600Hz Sub-field Drive / Mercury and Lead free panel Shades of Gradation 6,144 equivalent HDTV Display Capability (1080p, 1080i,... Here is a link for the cable: > **[Home Theater Connection Photo Gallery](https://www.lifewire.com/home-theater-connection-photo-gallery-4064167)** > > If you are confused by all the different connectors needed to set up your home theater system, check out this useful photo gallery and descriptions. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2011, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/13 "2011-03-21T16:48:52Z")
His bluray player doesn’t have an optical audio input, so that won’t work. ---
**Author:** ![JFLuvly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ac91a4/32.png) [@JFLuvly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JFLuvly)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2011, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/14 "2011-03-21T17:14:26Z")
> [@](#): > > His bluray player doesn’t have an optical audio input, so that won’t work. According to Google it does. ---
**Author:** ![JFLuvly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ac91a4/32.png) [@JFLuvly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JFLuvly)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2011, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/15 "2011-03-21T17:15:47Z")
Sorry forgot the link > **[Panasonic SC-BT230](https://alatest.com/reviews/home-theater-system-reviews/sc-bt230/po3-103059011,78/#details)** > > Read 349 reviews and find the lowest price for the Panasonic SC-BT230. Overall, this Home Theater System is rated 85/100 Very good. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2011, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/16 "2011-03-21T17:39:04Z")
> [@JFLuvly](#): > > According to Google it does. So it does! For some reason I completely glanced over that on the amazon page. ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2011, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/17 "2011-03-21T17:58:06Z")
But does his TV have an optical audio output? Or does his cable box? ---
**Author:** ![xanthous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/53a042/32.png) [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2011, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/18 "2011-03-21T18:23:28Z")
The TV has optical audio out, the cable box has an optical slot that’s labeled “optical”, and the blu-ray player has 2 optical slots, one labeled “audio in” and one labeled “digital”. So I think I should give the optical connection a try. But I’m not sure which 2 components should get hooked up via optical: Cable box to Blu-ray? TV to Blu-ray? And then there will be the matter of getting the 2 components set up properly. There’s an audio setting on the TV that has to be set, and also with the Blu-ray player. But the settings aren’t labeled “optical”, so I have to figure that part out… ---
**Author:** ![JFLuvly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ac91a4/32.png) [@JFLuvly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JFLuvly)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2011, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/19 "2011-03-21T18:30:36Z")
I would think digital optical out of the cable into the surround then a seperate HDMI from the cable to the TV. It just checked mine and that is the way I think I am going to do it. I just changed to digital cable on Frday and I have not had a chance to hook it up yet. The old system was coax to the tv and digital optical from the tv to the surround. ---
**Author:** ![xanthous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/53a042/32.png) [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2011, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306/20 "2011-03-21T18:53:10Z")
I just got it set up from the TV audio out to the Blu-Ray audio in. And so far, so good. Just waiting to see if that sound problem comes back. I don’t really see an audio out option on the cable box, other than the optical slot- does optical always = audio? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sound-problem-w-cable-tv-home-theater-speakers/575306.md?page=2)