4 Steps To Add Bluetooth To A TV (Without Lag!)
| Reuben Howe
The comforts of modern tech never cease to evolve, and while the media surge of everything in existence being made Bluetooth compatible has worn out over time, technological developments are still being made in the field. Take advantage of modern Bluetooth speeds, unique 3rd party Codecs and the knowledge of manufacturer August International (Acclaimed for wireless radio reception and Bluetooth devices, especially in the Metal Detector sphere) to provide the best possible wireless experience on your TV.
In this article you can easily identify the type of adaptor you need and work out exactly what ports you have on your TV available for use. Then, you can narrow down between aptX / Bluetooth versions before finally plugging in and enjoying your new Bluetooth TV!
1. Check Bluetooth TV Adaptor Types
The first thing to do is know what adaptor you actually need. If you want to listen to live TV, streamed apps and music through Netflix / Spotify or TV through a connected Set-Top-Box then you will need a Bluetooth Transmitter.
If you want to play audio from your smartphone or tablet out of the TV's speakers, if they're compatible, then you need a Bluetooth Receiver.
We have a whole spiel about the types of adaptor, but for a TV you'll mostly just need a Transmitter. The Bluetooth Transmitter will plug in to your TV and transmit the audio wirelessly to your Bluetooth headphones, earphones, etc. This enables you to watch TV with wireless audio!
2. Check Available TV Ports
Now we know you need a Transmitter (sometimes called "Tx") adaptor, we can check what type you'll need.
The vast majority of audio devices, in fact every single one I can think of, use a 3.5mm audio jack. This cable carries sound data, even microphone sound in some cases. Their dedication to carrying sound makes them perfect for TV's, speakers, headsets and wired earphones.
Because of this, Bluetooth Audio Adaptors for TV should use a 3.5mm audio jack to connect to the TV. This gives a lossless transmission from TV to adaptor and ensures no audio quality is lost in the first stage of transmission.
An audio port for these 3.5mm cables is a small, circular opening usually marked either "AUX" or with an icon of a headset / speaker. If your TV doesn't visibly have this port on the side or back, then check your TV manual as every device is different. If you identify you do not have an AUX port for 3.5mm cables then you need to make sure the Bluetooth Transmitter you buy supports a different audio input!
If you don't have a 3.5mm port then the chances are you have one of two alternatives shown in the picture above.
Again, consult your TV user manual or examine the sides and back of the unit for these ports. If you spot them, make sure the Bluetooth Adaptor you get can connect to those ports.
The good news is that there's one adaptor which supports all 3 of those inputs to save you the headache! August International are experts for a reason, and the MR270-HD is the "All in one" solution to Bluetooth audio transmission.
3. Decide on Your Priorities in Bluetooth Versions
This is a more complicated step, as you can't just look at the cables or TV to tell you the answer. The fact is, that Bluetooth technology isn't linear. Over the years there have been improvement to some versions while newer releases failed to incorporate those changes.
Here is a cheat-sheet for those who don't have the time to fully research every version, which covers all the versions used by August International devices that we stock at Daffodil to provide your TV Bluetooth in as few steps as possible.
Bluetooth 5.X
Bluetooth 5 is the latest incarnation of the technology, and supports transfer speeds of up to double that of any unmodified Bluetooth 4 device. Latency is aimed for under 40ms.
Bluetooth with aptX HD
aptX is a codec made by the company QualComm which aims to improve Bluetooth connections. aptX-HD is a single-device mode (Multipoint cannot be used with HD) that makes the most of HD-ready headphones like EP650 to provide the best possible audio experience wirelessly. If you only have one pair of headphones you want to watch TV on, this is a great feature.
Bluetooth with aptx-LL
A second aptX variant, aptX-LL is a "Low Latency" upgrade to Bluetooth. The latency is reduced reliably below 40ms and can get as low as 25ms in some situations. This tech is vital for gamers or people watching fast-paced TV for a cinematic experience.
Bluetooth with Multipoint
Multipoint is a Bluetooth feature that must be supported by each individual device. This allows connection of multiple headsets or earphones wirelessly to a single device such as the little MR410 USB-C Bluetooth adaptor. For couples or families, converting TV to Bluetooth should use a Multipoint adaptor.
4. Find the Right Bluetooth Adaptor For You and Your TV!
Once you know your connections, preferred features / Bluetooth version and usage then you can compare Bluetooth Adaptors freely with absolute confidence!
Remember to check the cable compatibility of your favoured device before rushing to plug it in!
Below are some suggestions for transforming your TV into a Bluetooth TV depending on what you might like to do and your watching habits:
Person A: The Gamer
If:
You want responsive, instantaneous audio that can be heard in full HD to pinpoint enemy locations, lose yourself in a soundtrack and feel the bass of protagonist dialogue. You mainly want to use the TV with one single dedicated wireless gaming headset / earbuds.
You Should Consider:
The MR270-HD provides the best combination of aptX technologies while also having the option for HD audio. The multipoint connectivity is handy for the occasional co-op romp, too.
Person B: The Homely Couple
If:
You want to unwind with live TV and recorded shows with a friend, partner or family members in general. You want stable support for multiple devices but don't need any fancy HD and Low Latency functions for gaming or home-cinema use.
You Should Consider:
The MR280 is a Bluetooth hub that has a clear LCD display for devices and controls, making it the most accessible of all August's TV Bluetooth adaptors. The device supports Bluetooth 5.0.
Or:
If the viewing experience and fidelity is more central to you, then consider the MR270-HD to up the quality and speed while losing that touch of accessibility from the screen / volume controls of the MR280.
Person C: The Camper
If:
You want compatibility with USB-C and USB devices to keep the adaptor small and portable. You want a simple audio solution for one or two people without it being permanently for a single TV in a home.
You Should Consider:
The MR410 is a USB-C and USB (Adaptor included) Bluetooth transmitter and wireless headphone splitter that can make bus journeys, road trips and camping all much more enjoyable. Remove the faff of cables from any USB and USB-C audio source to enjoy your media your way. The Multipoint is useful for shared tents, too.
Explore A Range of Bluetooth TV Adaptors:
Among the suggestions above, which are suited for TV's, there are also other adaptors that provide Bluetooth transmission or reception for a range of devices. Explore, and remember to use this step by step guide to work out exactly which Bluetooth adaptor will work with your TV!
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published.