How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to a Smart TV
Most smart TVs have built-in Bluetooth support, so you can directly connect your wireless headphones.
How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Any TV
For non-smart TVs that don’t support Bluetooth, you’ll need to add a Bluetooth transceiver. Many Bluetooth transceivers (a combination of transmitter and receiver) are on the market, but only those with the right hardware will support an optimal TV-watching experience. The key is to choose one that features Bluetooth aptX with Low Latency (not just Bluetooth aptX) so that the audio will remain synchronized with the video. Otherwise, there will be a delay between what you see and hear. Once you have a pair of compatible Bluetooth transceivers, follow these steps:
Fixing Delayed Audio
Sometimes, you might hear everything a split second after it happens on the screen. If your TV is a recent model, check for an audio delay/sync setting (or something similarly named) under the sound options in the TV’s system menu. If present, the adjustment is a slider or a box with values typically set in milliseconds. You might see a list of inputs/outputs that can be adjusted. Bringing that slider/number down should minimize the delay so that the audio syncs with the video.
Fixing Delayed Video
In rare instances, you’ll experience video instead of audio delay, typically when streaming high-definition content. The extra moment the video takes to appear (typically due to buffering) causes it to lag behind the sound. In this case, adjust the sound settings to increase the audio delay, slowing it down so it syncs up with the video. Make small adjustments and test until you find the perfect match.
If You Still Have Sync Problems
Check to see if any of your TV’s sound settings are not set to standard. Enabling various sound modes (for example, virtual, 3D audio, surround, or PCM) can inject a delay. If you’re streaming video through an app or separate device (such as YouTube, Netflix, a Blu-ray player, or a stereo receiver/amplifier), double-check the physical connections as well as the audio settings on each.
Low Latency is Key
Look for Bluetooth aptX with Low Latency when shopping for both the headphones and the transmitter. Low-latency Bluetooth incurs a delay no greater than 40 milliseconds, which keeps what you hear and see synchronized. For reference, typical Bluetooth wireless headphones exhibit audio delays ranging from 80 ms up to 250 ms. Even at 80 ms, human brains perceive audio delays.
