A:Answer The TV must have Bluetooth so that you can connect the device, these headphones are for Bluetooth devices only. My gym has TV's on each treadmill that you can plug your own headphones into. I cannot use the PowerBeats2 headphones on the treadmill because the TV's are not Bluetooth compatible. I keep a second set of earbuds with me so that I can plug into the gym TV's. I am able to connect to my laptop, iPhone & iPad (all Bluetooth compatible)and yes, the volume can be controlled independently from the headphones or the device you are connected too, either one will work.