With some gadgets, funneling things down to a single connector type can be a good thing. I doubt that many iPhone or iPad owners are upset that they can’t use Lightning cables anymore when most other phones and tablets have been using USB-C for ages. That’s often true with TVs as well. Routing everything through HDMI tends to simplify your setup, even if you do need to understand what different versions of the format allow.
“Tends to” is the operative term, though. Some TVs may have just two or three HDMI ports, in which case it’s easy to run out of options. In other scenarios, the HDMI-equipped gear may be needlessly expensive, or you might prefer to go wireless. Below, I’ve gathered together some of the possibilities if you’re open to other ways of expanding your home theater.
Wireless headphones and smart speakers
The cordless life
Bluetooth support is de facto on many TVs and media streamers now, which means you can pair just about any set of wireless headphones with them the way you would your phone or laptop. This is excellent for solo dwellers, or people trying to avoid disturbing a partner, child, or roommate. Generally you hold down a button on your headphones to initiate pairing, then complete the process in a TV’s Settings app. Check instructions if you’re unsure.
There…