Depending upon your TV and soundbar’s model, you get various connection modes. You don’t need any extra equipment to connect your soundbar and TV if you have a soundbar compatible with your TV. Otherwise, you may need a signal converter to establish the connection.In this article, we will find out different connection methods and help you choose the finest connection mode to get the best out of your soundbar.
How to Connect Soundbar to TV?
Connecting the soundbar to your TV is not a head-scratching problem. Simply connecting the cables and changing a few settings on your TV will make your soundbar ready to boost the sound from your TV.Let’s discuss in-depth about them below.
Using HDMI (ARC)
If your TV has an HDMI (ARC) port available, it is the best and easiest method to connect the soundbar with your TV. It provides maximum audio bandwidth and a reliable connection while connecting to the soundbar. ARC (Audio Return Channel) feature in HDMI helps transmit video as well as audio with a single cable. It also helps transmit signals in a bidirectional manner, thus reducing the latency.However, it does not require any additional cable for transmitting sounds to use with a soundbar. Just connect one cable, and you are all set to use the soundbar. Moreover, if you want to enjoy the Dolby Atmos experience, it is also possible with the HDMI (ARC) connection. You may also use the HDMI eARC port on your TV to connect to the soundbar if available. It is an advanced form of HDMI ARC that has a higher bit rate and provides enhanced Dolby Digital experience.Follow these steps to connect the soundbar to your TV using HDMI (ARC) port:Remember that you must enable the CEC feature on your TV before you can use the HDMI cable to connect to the soundbar. The Consumer Electronics Control feature allows HDMI devices to communicate with the TV. Without this feature, you may experience issues establishing a connection between your soundbar and TV. Your TV might have different names for HDMI-CEC depending upon the TV manufacturer. For example, Anynet+ for Samsung TVs, Bravia Sync for Sony Bravia series, and Simplink for LG TVs.
Using Optical Cables
Another method to connect the soundbar and your TV is through optical cables. Optical cables make use of optical light to transmit the audio signals from the TV to the soundbar, thus shielding the sound signals from any kind of interference.Most of the TVs today still come with optical ports, so using them would be better if you do not have an HDMI – ARC port. However, they do not support as many formats as HDMI. Here’s how to connect the soundbar using an optical cable:
Using Analog Audio Cable (RCA Connectors)
If you have an older model of the TV, it may neither have an HDMI (ARC) nor an OPTICAL OUT port. But it may still have RCA ports embedded in it. RCA cables are used for connection in RCA ports that normally have one red and another white connector. The sound quality you get through the RCA cables is comparatively lower compared to HDMI and Optical cables. But, you won’t experience any issues while using them.Follow these steps to use RCA cables with your soundbars:
Using Bluetooth
A wireless connection is the last method you can use to connect the soundbar with your TV. It will somehow reduce the number of cables running through your TV and looks aesthetically good.We don’t recommend using Bluetooth to connect the soundbars as the sound quality comparatively degrades compared to HDMI ARC. The lip sync on your video and audio may not be proper while using Bluetooth. However, if you want to use it, you can easily set up the connection from the controller settings on your TV. The steps to set up a wireless connection are quite similar for Smart TVs.
Related Questions
Should I Use an HDMI – ARC or An Optical Cable for A Better Hearing Experience?
If you have both connection modes available on your TV, we suggest you use the HDMI connection. However, please note that the sound quality drastically reduces with an optical connection like in the HDMI – ARC and HDMI – eARC mode. Meanwhile, optical cables support audio channels up to 5.1 only in contrast to HDMI which supports up to 7.1. But, the optical cables are more prone to damage than the HDMI.
Can I Use a Soundbar on Any Kind of TV?
Yes, Soundbar can be used in any type of TV until you have an available HDMI, optical, RCA, or Bluetooth connection mode. Just choose the connection mode compatible with your TV and soundbar, and you are good to go.
How Can I Best Set Up My Soundbar?
Once you set up the connection between your TV and the soundbar, you should take care of a few things like the position of the soundbar to get the best out of it. Place your soundbar such that it lies in the center of the room, and there is no obstacle around it. Moreover, you can align it to match your TV viewing position.
What if the Soundbar Does Not Output Sound?
If you don’t get the sound out of your soundbar, check your power supply to the soundbar and audio output settings on your TV as the first step of the troubleshooting method. Also, check the cable connections that connect your TV and soundbar. You may also switch the output to the built-in speakers or other external speakers and check if your soundbar is faulty.
Is It Possible to Use a TV Remote With a Soundbar?
If you are using the HDMI – ARC mode of connection, you should be able to do that. Some TV manufacturers like Samsung even have this feature while using optical cables. Please consult your TV manual to see if the feature is available.
