Audio Systems: JACK SIGNALS COMPATIBLE, rca phono, rca jack

Question
I thought I knew the answer to this “simple(?)” question, but the guy at RADIO SHACK (RS) convinced me otherwise. Based on decades of old electronics reading/experience, am now wondering why it failed.

I have two (2) TV’s, neither of which have an earphone (female input) jacks. In the back and front, they have audio “phono jacks” female inputs. I though maybe if you got a “1/8” to Phono Adapter” (as it is exactly called on the RS package) converter to the phono jack (I think it was called years ago an RCA jack?), the speaker would shut off and you could hear the sound via head phones via the converter/adapter, which now would take the place of the earphone jack that I do not have; the RS  guy said it would.

Tried on both TV’s and it did not work. The first thing I thought would happen was that he speaker would mute upon putting the RCA in the audio inputs, but it did not happen. Head phones work, so not that.

What I barely remember is that the signal that comes via the RCA/phono jack is NOT THE SAME as one would receive via an earphone female jack, which would also cut off the speaker when the jack goes in (otherwise, what is the point or purpose).

So who is right, the old man here or the RS guy.

AND FOR FUTURE REFERENCE: IF IT DOES NOT HAVE A BUILT IN EAR PHONE INPUT JACK AND YOU DO NOT WANT TO DRILL A HOLE TO INSTALL ONE, YOU HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE SPEAKER BEING ON ALL THE TIME?

THANK YOU IN AN ADVANCE FOR YOUR VALUABLE TIME AND PROFESSIONAL ANSWER.

P. S.  I am an old timer in Las Vegas, so if I can return you a favor on any “local knowledge” you may need coming this way someday, please ask. I have accumulated a few gold nuggets for the years…..alan0147@hotmail.com


Answer
You have two problems.

ONE:  You cannot convert either an rca type input or output to earphone level audio.  You must have an additional amplifier.

TWO:  But your problem is larger.  You mentioned only inputs.  They are for inputting a signal, not taking one out!  

The only way to get a headphone output in your case is to buy a new tv.  Period.  To convert a tv that does not have an output specifically designed into the original design will cost more than a new tv.

Some tvs have a switch on the back that allows the internal speakers to be switched OFF or over to an external amplifier, but doesn't sound like yours does.

Hope this helps.
Cleggsan

PS:  I used to live in Las Vegas.  I know all I want to know about the city.  Thanks for the offer, nonetheless!