How to connect outdoor speakers to a TV
You can't wire outdoor speakers straight into a TV: you need an amplifier in between. The easiest way is an amp with HDMI ARC, like the WiiM Amp: one HDMI cable from the TV, speaker cable out to the garden, and the TV remote controls the volume.
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The 4 ways, compared
| Method | Sound | Lip-sync | Volume from TV remote | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI ARC | Best | Good | Yes | Amp with HDMI ARC |
| Optical | Very good | Good | Usually not | Amp with optical input, or a converter |
| Headphone / RCA out | Good | Good | Yes | Any amp, plus a cable |
| Bluetooth | Good | Can lag | Depends on TV | TV with Bluetooth audio, Bluetooth amp |
- HDMI ARC amp (best)
One HDMI cable from the TV, speaker cable to the garden. Best sound, the TV remote controls the volume, no lip-sync problems.
- Optical
Digital audio over a fibre cable. Good sound, but you usually control volume on the amp, not the TV remote.
- Headphone or RCA output
Works with almost any TV and the cheapest amps. The TV controls the volume, but its own speakers may switch off.
- Bluetooth
No cable from the TV. Fine for music, but sound can lag the picture.
1. HDMI ARC amplifier
Most TVs made in the last ten years have an HDMI socket labelled ARC or eARC. It sends the TV's sound back down the HDMI cable to an amplifier, and the amp drives your outdoor speakers.
- Connect an HDMI cable from the TV's ARC or eARC socket to the amp's HDMI input.
- Turn on HDMI-CEC in the TV settings. Brands call it different things: Anynet+ (Samsung), SimpLink (LG), Bravia Sync (Sony).
- Set the TV's sound output to the HDMI or external speaker option.
- Run speaker cable from the amp to the speakers. Our installation guide covers the wiring.
When the TV sends sound over ARC, its own speakers usually switch off. That suits an outdoor TV, or watching the match in the garden.
2. Optical cable
If your TV has no ARC socket, or the ARC socket is already used, look for a square optical (TOSLINK) output. The WiiM Amp has an optical input. For an amp with only RCA inputs, like the Fosi BT20A, add a small optical-to-RCA converter between the TV and the amp.
Set the TV's digital audio output to PCM, because simple converters and many amps can't decode surround formats.
3. Headphone or RCA output
Many TVs have a 3.5 mm headphone socket or red and white RCA outputs. A 3.5 mm-to-RCA cable connects that to the RCA input on a budget amp like the Fosi Audio BT20A. The TV's volume controls the level, so set the amp to about three-quarters and leave it.
4. Bluetooth
If your TV can send audio over Bluetooth, pair it with a Bluetooth amp such as the Fosi BT20A. It's the tidiest option, but Bluetooth adds a short delay, so speech can drift out of sync with lips. It's fine for music and background sport; use HDMI ARC or optical for films.
Already have an AV receiver?
Many AV receivers have a Zone 2 or Speakers B output you can wire to the garden. Check the manual first: on many receivers Zone 2 can only play analogue sources, not the TV sound coming in over HDMI. Speakers B usually plays the same source as the main room.
FAQ
Can I connect outdoor speakers directly to my TV?
No. TVs don't have outputs strong enough to drive passive speakers. You need an amplifier between the TV and the speakers, connected by HDMI ARC, optical, the headphone or RCA output, or Bluetooth.
What is HDMI ARC?
Audio Return Channel. It lets the TV send its sound back down an HDMI cable to an amplifier or soundbar. Look for an HDMI socket on the TV labelled ARC or eARC.
Can I play TV sound inside and outside at the same time?
Often not with a simple setup, because many TVs switch off their own speakers when they send sound to ARC, optical or the headphone socket. Some TVs have a setting to keep both on. Streaming amps like the WiiM Amp and Sonos Amp can group with other speakers in their app.
Why is the sound out of sync with the picture?
Bluetooth adds a delay, and some amps add processing delay. Use HDMI ARC or optical if lip-sync matters, or adjust the audio delay setting on the TV or amp.
Which amp is best for an outdoor TV?
An amp with HDMI ARC, such as the WiiM Amp or Sonos Amp, because the TV remote then controls the volume and there are no lip-sync issues.