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New tech tv no audio output ports/older CI have to use TV Streamer

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Hi all,

I have a Cochlear Kanso 2 that I use a TV streamer with. Our TV died and we had to get a new one - Samsung Crystal UHD U8000F 4K Smart TV (2025 Model) Crystal Processor 4K, MetalStream Design, Knox Security8 - It only has 3 HDMI ports - one of which is an HDMI arch/e-arc.

I’ve tried about 15 different audio converter/extractors and one mee connect hub.
After struggling with the MEE, I contacted them and they said to return the unit - it wouldn’t work for my issue/not designed to solve this scenario.

I’ve talked with Cochlear - no helpful help there. I’ve talked with Samsung - no helpful help there.

If I could upgrade to a Kanso 3, problem would be solved - but my insurance wont approve and I don’t have the money to pay out of pocket :frowning:

I can’t seem to find a Bluetooth sound bar with output ports - preferable optical, but I’m so frustrated and deflated, I’d be happy with a 3.5mm analog output port.

If anyone has had success or has enough experience in this area that they could shed some light I’d be really grateful for your help.

I should add - I need the TV speakers to work at the same time so my hearing partner and I can watch together.

5 people in this conversation5 min readJump to latest

I also use K2 processors. K3 upgrade early 2025.

I use the optical connection for the TV streamer.

Have you looked for a HDMI/optical adapter connector? It would solve this issue. You would also need to route sound to that HDMI output plus speakers selection on your TV.

Thanks Raudrive for chiming in

I have - my TV only gives the choice of TV speaker. The only time I get the choice for Multi is if something is connected via Bluetooth. Than under Accessibility it offers multiple output.

I did at one point get one of my tries to work with both the TV speakers and the Tv Streamer, but there was a handshake issue that caused the tv volume not to respond to any request of increasing or decreasing……Apparently, this is a well known and documented issue.

Are you using the Cochlear TV streamer. It only has a RCA/3.5 or optical connection.

Raudrive - again for your replys

As mentioned in my question - Yes I have a Cochlear TV Streamer and if my TV had an optical input, I would have connected it and wouldn’t have needed to ask my question.

This hdmi earc has come up a few times here. How sure are you that you’re using one that takes hdmi earc as input? 15 of them sounds rather troubling. I’m frustrated for everybody that buys a tv that doesn’t have all the usual outputs.
Maybe look at getting a tv that has more outputs?
Do the ’s have bluetooth?

Thanks Z10user2 - It sounds like you feel my pain :slightly_smiling_face:

The newer Kanso 3 has bluetooth, but thats 11K, and I don’t have that :frowning: But that would be ideal not just for this senerio but for working, computering, etc.

Well, the mfg says its for HDMI arc/e-arc so I can only assume…..I know one shouldn’t assume-lol

No, I feel YOUR pain for buying a tv that doesn’t have all the usual outputs. My tv and connector all works great.

So you bluetooth’ed from the tv to the Mee and then tried to do optical out of it to the connector? Was that the option that could not output to both audio methods? Is there maybe something to do with inputs/outputs not supporting Dolby?

In reply to @z10user2

“bluetooth’ed from the tv to the Mee and then tried to do optical out of it to the connector” - yes

The TV recognized the mee and allowed the setup=>general=>accessility=>multi-output BUT I couldn’t connect to the TV streamer. My processer would try, but than after about a min would stop trying.

@Twiggy said:

the N8 and K3 have the ability to use Bluetooth® LE and Bluetooth Auracast

They are ready but not functional at this time. No guarantee they will ever be LE Audio functional. At this time they are no different than the N7 and K2 Bluetooth wise. I for one am looking forward to hands free phone calls with LE Audio.

I just noticed something that might help you on that TV.

Does it have Airstream? Airstream is connected to your phone then sound is transferred to your processor.

I have never used this but it’s a possible for you.

ChatGPT: : Use a true HDMI ARC/eARC audio extractor that supports audio return, such as:

FeinTech VAX04101A or VAX01202

OREI HDA-927

J-Tech Digital JTD18G-ARC

Connect it to the TV’s ARC port, set the TV audio format to PCM, and enable Simultaneous Output (TV + Receiver) so you and your hearing partner can listen together.

Most other “HDMI converters” don’t work because they can’t pull sound from ARC. These ARC extractors can.

Edited
@Twiggy said:

assuming you ment airplay

No, on our LG TV it’s called Airstream. Not iOS related.

It might be Airplay on that TV??? As long as it talks to your processor through your phone or whatever device is paired between the tv and processor. Compatibility can get difficult.

The previous poster got specific about what I was talking about earlier.

@BigC said: (unavailable)

Their online information re: tv specs stated that there was no optical output on the tv I chose as well as others. I searched online to find some sort of adapter to convert optical to HDMI arc but couldn’t find anything. I tried a local tv/audio store that does major audio visual installations. They didn’t have an adapter but asked what tv I was looking at. (Samsung S90F) They showed me that in fact that model did have optical. I bought the tv from them on the spot. I realize that this does not solve your problem but I was so frustrated by this issue that I felt others could benefit from my experience. My advice? Don’t assume 1) all tvs have an optical output.

Hi All

1st I want to thank all of you who posted here - really appreciate everyone’s effort.

2nd - an update - After many gyrations, its concluded there is no way to make this work - I spoke directly with Samsung and they confirmed as much, but suggested the qn80f or the qn90f as both have all the ports (usb, hdmi, 3.5mm, optical). Fortunately the seller is picking the currant one up n/c and doing a full refund no problem.

I am glad your problem has been solved. I still have it and I am resigned to the fact it will not get solved until I replace my current aides. A couple of points 1 - the newer aides will be able to use , Mine (Oticon Zircon 1) are not able to use it. 2 - usually higher end TVs have both RCA and optical outputs. The moral of the story is check a TV output before you buy it.

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