tv/audio help pls

[Torxila]

OK, here's the scenario. I have a Samsung TV that has an "optical out" port. I am presently using some Sennheiser wireless headphones. These headphones base/stand use RCA (red/white) cables to plug into the audio out of my Direct TV box. So my headphone sound only gets it's signal from the Direct TV output. If I watch a Blue-Ray disc or Amazon Fire TV, YouTube, any app, etc.etc there is no audio to my headphones. (sound only from the TV speakers)

I'm told that a simple gizmo/cable thingy plugged into my Optic Out, can convert my digital signal to analog & then I can plug my headphone base/stand into the red/white ports on the "thingy" & badda-boom I get sound signals from the TV. I no longer need to have them plugged into the Direct TV box.

https://www.amazon.com/Musou-Digital-Optical-Converter-Adapter/dp/B01AWBA8U8

What says this knowledgeable crowd?

Thanks,
George

 

[WayFastWhitey]

Sounds about right

 

[Killjoy]

Technically, I believe the answer is -- "it depends".

Optical audio cable, or TOSlink, can either transmit 2 channel stereo PCM audio... or compressed 5.1/7.1 Dolby. That cheap converter will likely only convert 2 channel PCM output from your source to the RCAs for your headphones. It will not decode Dolby and just send the L/C/R front channels across the 2 speakers. So, if you can go into your TV settings and see the options available on the optical audio out and confirm it'll send PCM, then it'll probably do what you're looking for. But you're also going to lose any surround/Dolby simulation for your headphones.

Another option, if you have a A/V receiver with HDMI video switching between your sources and TV, most have a headphones plug. But I'm guessing you just have your sources directly feeding the TV.

 

[Torxila]

WFW thanks.

Killjoy, yes, just DirectTV box feeding source. Basic sound through headphones would suffice for now.

Thanks
George