Trying to connect LG soundbar with optical input to RCA TV with coaxial output

[hayleealyssa]

Hi everyone,

My boyfriend and I recently purchased an LG soundbar (this one) only to find that our TV (this one) doesn't have the right output (optical). We read on this forum that we could get a coaxial to optical converter and that's exactly what we did (we bought this one). However, we still can't get the soundbar to put out any sound. It doesn't even seem to detect that there is something plugged into the optical input because it just shuts off after a few seconds. The converter is definitely on because there's a red light coming from the optical input. Can anyone tell me what the problem is?

Thank you in advance.

 

[alexoiu]

Hi, The link to the converter does not work...

 

[hayleealyssa]

Sorry, try this one: https/www.cablestogo.com/product/40018/coaxial-to-toslink-optical-digital-audio-converter-taa-compliant

 

[hayleealyssa]

I'm realizing now that it could be that I need to press S. MODE on the remote. Unfortunately the remote was lost a few years ago after being in storage. I'm thinking of ordering a replacement remote in hopes that it will fix the problem.

 

[alexoiu]

No problem. It should work. Have you set the tv to output audio through digital audio (check in audio settings)?

 

[hayleealyssa]

The only choices in Sound settings are the mode (movie/music/sports/user), the bass/treble/balance adjustments, and then Digital Audio Output (where you can choose RAW/PCM/off - we have tried it on both RAW and PCM), Surround Sound (on/off), and AVL (on/off). Could it be that I need to get the remote to choose S. MODE or will that just cycle through movie/music/sports/user?

 

[alexoiu]

What exact tv model?

 

[hayleealyssa]

RCA RLDED4016A-E

 

[alexoiu]

Have you tested both PCM and Raw?

 

[hayleealyssa]

Yes. I'll do it again right now.

No luck.

 

[alexoiu]

It might be a faulty adapter. Any analog input port on the soundbar, or only optical available?

 

[hayleealyssa]

Only optical and portable.

 

[alexoiu]

Not sure about the issue. Try returning the adapter.

 

[hayleealyssa]

Which adapter?

Also, the "portable" input seems to be aux input. My TV does have a headphone jack in the back. I'm assuming I could connect with an aux cable, but that wouldn't be good quality sound, would it?

 

[alexoiu]

If analog, then yes, you can try a cable like https/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41JGQR4TJML._SL500_AC_SS350_.jpg
You'd get a stereo sound.

 

[hayleealyssa]

This is what the manual gives me: http/www.lg.com/us/support/answers/sound-bar2015/images/connect-external-portable-device.jpg

We have the red/white inputs in the back of the TV but also just a regular headphone jack.

 

[alexoiu]

Then try the cable I posted above.

 

[mullereandre]

Sorry, try this one: https/www.cablestogo.com/product/40018/coaxial-to-toslink-optical-digital-audio-converter-taa-compliant

Did you ever get your soundbar to work? I am having the same issue. Thanks