Question:
I would like to get my home theater system (Samsung HT-Q45) hooked up so I can watch DVDs with the TV speakers at times... without using the surround sound speakers themselves. There will be other times I would like to use the surround, just not always. I would also like to be able to use the same components. Is this possible?
-submitted by ezylman
Answer:
All-in-one systems like the Samsung HT-Q45 don't typically have audio outputs since the audio capabilities are built in. Manufacturers that make these kinds of all-in-one systems commonly think, "Why would anyone want to use the TV speakers if they have an audio system." I agree with them for the most part, but everyone has their reasons. Who are they to stand in the way?
Fortunately, there's two options on how to proceed... and the second option will do what you want, though it may not work as easily as you may hope.
Option 1 - Forget the back speakers at the press of a button.
If you just don't want the surround speakers to be on (the ones behind you), flip the audio system into stereo mode. This will only use the front left and right speakers. At a low volume, it won't be that much different than using the TV speakers.
Option 2 - Let's get creative with the headphone output
If it MUST be the TV speakers, you're not out of luck. Your system doesn't have convenient line-level RCA audio outputs, but it does have a headphone jack. We can make that work in a pinch.
In order to take advantage of that, you'll need a headphone to RCA adapter cable from your local electronics store (it's a stereo 1/8" to RCA cable). This will allow you to plug the headphone output on the front of the unit into the audio input on the TV (must be the same input your system's video cable is plugged in to).
Plugging in the headphone cable should cut all the sound from your system and pipe it through the adapter cable. However, in order to get sound, you need to make sure that the volume of the audio system AND TV speakers are turned up. Put the audio system around 3/4ths of the way up, and then adjust the TV volume as necessary. Don't forget to turn the system volume back down when you unplug the headphone cable. 
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