LCD HDTVs, at least the newer ones, will not output audio only. I have a Samsung 32 inch LCD HDTV, and it, too, does not play audio only. If the TV does not detect video, it will not output anything. This issue is independent of whether you use a composite or component AV cable. As long as there is no video to output, no audio will output either. A work around is to connect your iPod to your VCR if you actually have a VCR connected to your HDTV. This is the best solution of which I can think. One thing I have done is connect the video out from my camera to the TV and connect the audio out from the iPod to the TV. I keep the camera lens closed, and I can listen to music from the iPod. It's not a good solution, but it works.
Message was edited by: emidge