Expert: Wayne Tapia - 11/14/2008

Question
We have a Magnavox 42" HD TV that I'm trying to connect to a JVC RX-5060B receiver for surround sound.  I can't seem to figure out which kind of connection I need.  The tv doesn't have any audio out that I can find to connect to the receiver. I've tried digital audio coax but didn't have any luck.  I do have the dvd player connected to surround sound and it is working fine.  Any ideas?

Answer
For some reason, many manufacturers are putting no audio outputs on modern TV's for some reason (which is beyond me). With that said, you may have some options...

If you are using a cable box, many newer models have some sort of digital audio output, or at very least a stereo (red/white) output pair. You can get full surround with the digital audio outs, depending on the programming of course. Even with the stereo pair, you be able to get Pro Logic surround.

Now if you do not have a cable box, if you have a newer VCR (I know, it seems like a bit of a throwback), you can run your cable through it and then to the TV, and use the stereo pair from the vcr to the surround receiver. The most you'll get is Pro Logic surround (once again, depending on programming).

I hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!