"Connect a PS3 to an old analog stereo amplifier?" Topic

I have "upherited" my son's old PS3. I use it for DVDs and Blu-Rays, not games. Currently it's connected to my Samsung SmartTV via HDMI. My tv does not have any analog sound output. However, it does have USB ports, and the PS3 came with an HDMI to a video and L/R stereo analog adapter. The TV has no available HDMI ports, as it's also connected to the (d***) "cable" box, and my Apple TV box.
Could I connect the PS3 to the TV via USB, allowing the HDMI out to become my stereo signal? Would I see a falloff in quality of either video or sound?
I can't seem to find an answer on Sony's site, or anywhere else.

Okay, I think I've found half of an answer, which is that no, the PS3 won't send video information through a USB. Apparently, the PS3 is limited to using USB for accessories and external storage devices, etc.., not monitors or TVs.
So that route is out.

So I either need to split the HDMI signal two ways— one to the TV's HDMI input, the other to take audio to the amp, with the video RCA left hanging OR I need to use a Digital Audio Converter to take the sound from the TV or the PS3 to the audio plugs on my amp. But that latter seems to break down into very high end $$$ DAC products with audiophile bells and whistles, OR cheap-o $30 USD things that may not handle the sound well.

I'm not a big stickler on sound these days, but I'm concerned about signal lag and issues with syncing to the video, if any. I've seen this problem mentioned on product reviews, but I can't tell how the reviewers are setting up and using the devices or for what purposes. Some say there's lag, some say there isn't.

Buy an HDMI to RCA converter.

amzn.to/2XxQrwp

Get one of the converter boxes, not just the cable. Does the TV have an RCA in? If so, use the Video out and the two audio outs instead of splitting the delivery path. If not, you will also need an HDMI splitter before the HDMI to RCA converter.

amzn.to/2MOfGIG

Good luck!

The PS3 only has one HDMI out and one optical audio out— no RCA connectors. It did come with an HMDI to three-way RCA converter cable (not powered, just split)— at least I think it came with the PS3; I can't figure out what other device it could have come with. So to use that cable, I'll have to split the signal into two HDMI outs, either way.

The TV has 3 HDMI ports (all in use, counting the PS3), an open coaxial port (apparently, U-Verse goes in through HDMI), two RCA-in component ports (but not out), and the previously mentioned USB ports. IIRC, there's also an Ethernet port. (The PS3 has one of those, as does the Apple TV box).

Thanks for the suggestion… I'll probably look for an HDMI splitter and hope the HDMI-to-RCA cable covers the rest.

EDIT: Just realized the U-verse box has audio out ports… wonder if that would at least allow TV shows to send a signal to the stereo?

I think I would get a highly rated $10 USD bluetooth speaker set off Amazon and link that to the PS 3. The PS 3 will think that's a headset and send the sound there. Via this route you need no cabling, there's no question of impedance matching, quality loss, or volume loss. You can also use headphones or speaker, and you can put the speaker anywhere in the room.

Well, I bought an HDMI splitter and an HDMI cable, only to discover that the included HDMI to analog cable is actually a unique cable fitting only a specialized AVHDMI port on the back of the PS3. *facepalm*. Never ever seen or heard of such a connector type, and hadn't examine the cord (as it actually had HDMI printed on it) to see that it was a rectangle rather than the standard HDMI trapezoid.
I now have that weird AVHDMI cord attached to my stereo (letting the video part just dangle free) and the actual HDMI going straight to the TV. Son is watching NFL playoffs so I can't test it at the moment.
No I have an HDMI splitter and HDMI cable that I really have no need for. Lesson learned— examine the ports VERY carefully, and don't assume that anything is quite what it appears to be. (Fitting, as right now we're using the PS3 for a rewatch of Babylon 5…)

I hate it when a company invents their own version of USB or HDMI or whatever. Conform to the standard or do something else, but don't promise compatibility you are not delivering.

I'm not sure and HDMI splitter is a good thing. It's not an analog signal you can just share, I think that's a digital cable, so it might not work the way you expect. I am not an HDMI expert, though.

I still think BlueTooth is the answer.

Well, it actually does work as far as sound goes. I can't attest to quality yet, having not used it much. But it works, at least!