How do I use a headphone or a speaker with a 3.5MM analog audio jack (TRS connector), with a TV that doesn't have an analog output for the audio jack?

Solution 1:

I see two possible (although awkward) options:

1) connect the PS3 AV Multi Out -> Y-Adapter -> female2female TRS -> your headphones. See details here: http://www.portfolioofpb.com/blog/connect-ps3-xbox-to-ps-computer-speakers-with-surround-sound

2) connect the TV Coaxial audio out -> Coaxial2Analog Converter -> Y-Adapter -> ... (I found a converter here: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.44345 )

If you are looking for a better (and more expensive) arrangement, you can buy an AV receiver.

Have fun!

Solution 2:

You need a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) to convert the coax output from the TV to an analog line output. You can then use a headphone amplifier to drive your headphones. Here is an expensive (but good) approach:

http://www.headphone.com/headphone-amps/headroom-micro-dac.php

http://www.headphone.com/headphone-amps/headroom-micro-amp.php

I have bought other products from Headroom (headphone.com), and have always been happy.

A quick search found a product with those features integrated:

http://www.audiophileproducts.com/fubar4plus

This product is what you are asking for: A headphone amplifier with an integrated DAC and a coax input.

There are certainly other products that do that, the fubar link was just the first result on a search. You can search around to find one that matches your price/performance requirements.