Acoustic Research AW-871 - Manual (Page 9)

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Fixed-level outputs from TVs are usually marked as ‘Constant,’ ‘Fixed,’ or
‘Select.’ If they are not marked as such, they are probably variable outputs (see
“About Variable-Level Audio Outputs” below). Outputs from VCRs are almost
always fixed.
Hint: When connecting to the audio outputs of a VCR, remember that the
VCR must be playing a tape or showing a TV channel for sound to be
produced.
Hint: If your VCR (or other audio source with RCA jacks) only has a single
audio output, you will need another RCA “Y” cable. It differs from the “Y”
Cable Adapter included with these speakers. It will have a single male RCA
plug and 2 female RCA jacks. Connect the dual RCA plugs from the
included “Y” cable adapter to the 2 female RCA jacks on the second “Y”
cable, and then connect the single male RCA plug of the second “Y” cable
to the single audio output of the VCR.
ii. About Variable-Level Audio Outputs:
A variable-level output, such as a headphone jack or certain RCA-type outputs,
provides an audio signal that changes with the volume level set on the
audio source (stereo, etc.). As the volume of the audio source is adjusted up
and down, so is the audio signal strength sent to the transmitter. This can
affect the quality of sound generated by the speakers, and may require an
adjustment of the volume level of the audio source to produce a signal strong
enough for the transmitter.
Hint: On most bookshelf-type or compact stereo systems, inserting a
headphone plug into the headphone jack results in automatic cutoff of the
regular, or hard-wired speakers.
Hint: Most TVs, regardless of age or price, have variable outputs. If you are
unsure which of your TV audio outputs is fixed, refer to the TV instruction
manual. Some TVs have outputs that can switch between variable and
fixed. When given a choice, fixed is always recommended.