How to Use: Starkey 2.4 GHz TV Streamer User Manual

Overview

The 2.4 GHz TV Streamer sends audio wirelessly from a television or another electronic audio source directly to compatible 2.4 GHz wireless hearing aids. It can work with televisions, computers, MP3 players, DVD players, cable boxes, and similar equipment with a suitable audio output.

Audio can be transmitted to an unlimited number of compatible hearing-aid users at the same time, allowing people to share the same listening experience without requiring the television volume to be raised for everyone.

Specifications

• Wireless operating band: 2.4–2.4835 GHz
• Transmission modulation: GFSK
• Radio bandwidth: 2 MHz
• Maximum effective radiated power: 21 dBm in North America and 10 dBm in other regions
• Typical wireless operating range: up to 15 m, or approximately 50 ft
• Operating temperature: 0°C to 40°C, or 32°F to 104°F
• Storage temperature: -40°C to 60°C, or -40°F to 140°F
• Storage humidity: 10% to 95% relative humidity
• Power connection: MicroUSB power input
• Audio connections: Optical TOSLINK and analog 3.5 mm input through the supplied RCA cable
• Expected service life: 5 years
• Supplied accessories: Power adapter, optical TOSLINK cable, 3.5 mm-to-RCA cable, and operations manual

Detailed Description

The streamer receives audio through one of its two audio inputs and broadcasts the signal to paired hearing aids. The optical TOSLINK connection is intended for compatible digital audio outputs, while the analog connection uses the supplied 3.5 mm-to-RCA cable.

The rear panel includes the power supply jack, optical TOSLINK jack, and analog jack. A mono/stereo selector is also provided. Select MONO when using one hearing aid and STEREO when using two hearing aids.

The front controls include the power button, pairing button, and volume buttons. Press + to increase the streamed audio level or - to reduce it. Stream volume may also be adjusted through the Thrive Hearing Control app, a compatible 2.4 GHz Remote, or configured hearing-aid controls.

Safety

• Use the 2.4 GHz TV Streamer only as a wireless audio transmitter for compatible air-conduction hearing aids and suitable electronic audio sources.
• Do not open, modify, or attempt to repair the streamer. It contains no user-serviceable parts.
• Use only the supplied or manufacturer-approved accessories, components, and replacement parts. Other parts may increase emissions or reduce electromagnetic immunity.
• Avoid placing the streamer directly beside other electronic equipment. If close placement is necessary, verify that all devices continue to operate normally.
• Keep portable radio-frequency communication equipment at least 30 cm, or 12 inches, from the streamer when possible. Move the equipment farther away if performance changes.
• People with pacemakers, defibrillators, or other implanted medical devices should consult a physician or the medical-device manufacturer about possible interference.
• The unit is not formally IP-rated for dust or water protection. Although it has been tested to an IP5X dust-protection level, keep it away from liquids and excessive moisture.
• Maintain a minimum separation distance of 20 cm, or 8 inches, from the device to support radio-frequency exposure compliance.
• Interference can result from power disturbances, electromagnetic fields, radio signals, or electrostatic discharge. Relocate the streamer or interfering equipment if connection quality changes.

Setup and Operation

Connect an Audio Source

1. Choose an available audio output on the television or other source.
2. For an optical connection, remove the protective caps from both ends of the TOSLINK cable.
3. Connect one end of the TOSLINK cable to the source device’s Audio OUT jack.
4. Connect the other end to the streamer’s optical jack, identified as jack B.
5. If optical output is unavailable, connect the red and white RCA plugs to the matching red and white audio outputs on the source device.
6. Connect the 3.5 mm plug to the streamer’s analog jack, identified as jack C.
7. Turn on the television or other electronic audio source.

Always use an Audio OUT connection on the source device. An Audio IN connection will not provide the signal required for streaming.

Connect Power

1. Choose the plug configuration appropriate for your country.
2. Slide the plug onto the power adapter until it clicks into place.
3. Insert the adapter’s MicroUSB connector into the streamer’s power jack, identified as jack A.
4. Plug the power adapter into a wall outlet.
5. Press the power button to turn on the streamer.

To remove an assembled plug, press its release tab and slide the plug away from the adapter cable.

Understand the LED

• Off: The streamer is powered off.
• Solid green: The streamer is powered on but is not currently streaming audio.
• Solid blue: The streamer is powered on, has detected an audio signal, and is streaming.
• Flashing blue: Hearing-aid pairing mode is active.
• Solid red: A possible fault condition has been detected.

Pair Hearing Aids

Pairing is normally required only once for each hearing aid. After pairing, the hearing aids should recognize the streamer automatically when both devices are powered on and within wireless range.

1. Disconnect the hearing aids from nearby Bluetooth devices. Turn off Bluetooth on a nearby mobile phone and power off other paired streamers or Remote Microphone accessories.
2. Turn the hearing aids off and then on again. For a CROS system, turn off both the hearing aid and CROS transmitter, then turn on only the hearing aid while leaving the CROS transmitter off.
3. Place the hearing aids within 15 cm, or 6 inches, of the streamer.
4. Press the pairing button on the streamer. The front LED begins flashing blue, and audio streaming pauses temporarily.
5. For two hearing aids, observe the pairing indications for each aid. If both pair, the process is complete. If only one or neither pairs, repeat the pairing procedure.
6. For one hearing aid, a successful pairing completes the process. If pairing fails, repeat the procedure from the beginning.

The normal operating range is up to approximately 15 m, or 50 ft. Walls, furniture, interference, and the position of a person’s body can reduce this distance or affect audio quality.

Start and Stop Streaming

After the streamer detects an audio signal and the hearing aids are paired, start streaming using one of the configured methods:

• Open the Thrive Hearing Control app and select the option to start streaming from the TV streamer.
• Press the Favorite button on a compatible 2.4 GHz Remote if the feature has been configured.
• Use the programmed hearing-aid control, such as a long press on a push button, if enabled for the hearing-aid system.

To stop streaming, use the app’s stop-stream command, use a configured remote or hearing-aid control, or turn off the streamer. Streaming also stops when no incoming audio signal is detected. An audible indicator may play in the hearing aids when streaming starts or stops.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Clean the streamer with a slightly damp cloth moistened with soapy water. Do not immerse the unit, allow liquid to enter its openings, or use solvents and harsh cleaning products.

Store the device within the specified temperature and humidity limits. Keep the streamer positioned where the hearing aids have a clear path to it whenever possible, and do not alter or disassemble the housing.

Troubleshooting

Audio Drops Out in One or Both Hearing Aids

• Move closer to the streamer if the hearing aids are near the edge of the wireless range.
• Replace the hearing-aid battery if its charge can no longer support audio streaming.
• Turn the streamer a few degrees to the left or right to improve its orientation.
• Remove or avoid large obstructions such as walls and furniture. A clear line of sight generally provides better performance.

The LED Is Solid Blue but No Sound Is Heard

• Move the hearing aids closer to the streamer.
• Start the stream manually through the Thrive Hearing Control app, a compatible remote, or the configured hearing-aid control.
• Confirm that the hearing aids have been paired with the streamer.

The LED Remains Solid Green

• Check that the cable is connected to the source device’s Audio OUT jack rather than an Audio IN jack.
• Turn on the television, cable box, computer, or other selected audio source.
• For digital audio, set the source output to PCM or Dolby Audio if those options are available.
• Inspect both ends of the audio cable and confirm that the selected input on the streamer matches the cable type.

The LED Is Solid Red

Disconnect the power adapter from jack A, wait five seconds, and reconnect it. If the red indicator returns, stop using the unit until the fault has been addressed.

Audio Does Not Match the Television Picture

Some televisions and high-definition video systems process video more slowly than audio, creating a noticeable delay. Try another audio output on the television or use the audio output of a connected cable box instead. Some televisions and audio/video receivers also provide an audio-delay or timing adjustment that can improve synchronization.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Direct wireless audio to compatible hearing aids, support for optical and analog sources, adjustable stream volume, single- or two-hearing-aid operation, and simultaneous streaming for multiple users.
• Cons: Requires compatible 2.4 GHz hearing aids, initial pairing, a nearby power outlet, and an available Audio OUT connection. Walls, interference, low hearing-aid battery power, and source-device processing can affect performance.

Regulatory Information

The device is identified in the supplied documentation as FCC ID EOA-24TV and IC 6903A-24TV for Models 800 and 801. It operates under applicable license-exempt radio rules and must accept received interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Unauthorized modifications may cause interference and can invalidate the user’s authority to operate the equipment. The device is classified as a Class II device and should be disposed of properly rather than discarded with ordinary household waste.