Hello Hopeful4TVears,
Thanks for that info and choosing the Apple Support Communities. It looks like you're having a question about activating wired mode on AirPods Max. We'd be happy to get your question answered.
Wired mode should be activated automatically when connecting your AirPods Max to the TV, an in-flight entertainment system, or any headphone output using  Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable.
For information about activating other modes on your AirPods Max, please check this out:
Change noise control modes on AirPods with iPhone
We hope this information is useful. Kind regards.