HDMI carries both video and audio. If you want separate audio for speakers or headphones, an HDMI audio extractor can help by splitting the signal.

1. Connect source to extractor: Plug your streaming box, game console, or laptop into the extractor’s HDMI input.
2. Pass video to your screen: Use the extractor’s HDMI output to your TV or monitor.
3. Choose an audio out: Connect speakers or an amp via 3.5mm AUX, optical (Toslink), or coaxial, depending on the extractor.
4. Match formats: For 3.5mm, set your source to stereo/PCM. For surround (optical/coax), select compatible formats like Dolby Digital when available.
5. Check specs: Pick an extractor that supports your resolution (e.g., 4K@60Hz) and content protection (HDCP).

Results can vary by device and app, but these steps can simplify your setup.

To get a 3.5mm AUX output from an HDMI source, use an HDMI audio extractor with a built-in 3.5mm jack. Simple HDMI-to-3.5mm cables usually don’t perform digital-to-analog conversion.

1. Hook it up: HDMI from your source into the extractor; HDMI out to your TV.
2. Plug in AUX: Connect the 3.5mm out to powered speakers, headphones, or an amp.
3. Power the box: Many extractors need USB power; use the included cable.
4. Set audio to stereo: Switch your device’s audio to PCM/2.0 for clean AUX output.
5. Adjust volume downstream: Use your speaker or amplifier’s volume control, as many extractors output line level.

You’ll find extractors with multiple outputs (AUX, optical, coax) for added flexibility.

Many phones and tablets with USB‑C support video out via a USB‑C to HDMI cable or adapter. Compatibility varies by device, so checking your model’s specs can be helpful.

1. Use a USB‑C to HDMI cable: Plug USB‑C into your device and HDMI into the TV.
2. Select the TV input: Switch your TV to the correct HDMI port.
3. Power if needed: Some adapters work best when powered via USB.
4. Audio and video: HDMI carries both; your TV should receive sound automatically.
5. Content protection: Certain apps may limit mirroring due to HDCP, which depends on the app and device.

If your device doesn’t support video out over USB‑C, a different adapter or a wireless option may be required.

To send TV audio to a soundbar or receiver over the same cable, look for HDMI ARC or eARC on your TV and audio gear.

1. Use the ARC/eARC port: Connect the TV’s ARC/eARC HDMI port to the audio device’s matching HDMI port.
2. Enable features: In the TV settings, turn on ARC/eARC and CEC (names vary by manufacturer).
3. Set audio format: Choose PCM for basic setups or enable Dolby/DTS when supported by your sound system.
4. Need legacy audio? If your soundbar only has optical/coax, an ARC/eARC-to-optical adapter can bridge the connection.
5. Use the right cable: For high‑bandwidth audio (eARC), a high‑speed HDMI cable can help maintain stability.

Exact steps differ by TV model, but this approach can simplify control and cabling.

Older TVs with red/white/yellow inputs typically need an active HDMI‑to‑AV converter to change the digital HDMI signal into analog composite video and stereo audio.

1. Connect HDMI in: Source device to the converter’s HDMI input.
2. RCA out to TV: Yellow for video, red/white for audio into the TV’s AV inputs.
3. Power the converter: Most require USB power for proper conversion.
4. Adjust settings: Set your source to 720p/480p and stereo/PCM for better compatibility.
5. Expect lower quality: Composite is standard‑definition only; image and sound will be limited compared to HDMI.

Passive HDMI‑to‑RCA cables are typically device‑specific and may not work without a converter. Results vary by equipment.