How to Connect Soundbar To TV

In order to enhance the audio of television and film, many individuals find that simply attaching a soundbar to their TV is sufficient.

Many home theatres can benefit from the addition of a soundbar.

Although a soundbar may be relatively easy to install, connecting it to an audio system can still provide some head-scratching challenges.

What input/output ports do you require? Cords to what? Why is there no sound coming through the soundbar?

You've come to the right place if you want to know how to hook up a soundbar to your TV.

Table of Content

1. How to Connect Soundbar To TV
2. A few words about the arrangement of acoustics
3. Basic connections of an independent audio device
4. How to connect a soundbar to a TV using the HDMI connector?
5. Optical connection
6. Coaxial Entrance Connection
7. Analog connection
8. Connection via header connector
9. Via Ethernet
10. Conclusion

Currently, there is a steady trend in the field of multimedia. Despite the versatility of modern TVs and the implementation of the latest technologies to improve image quality, such as, for example, OLED screens, 4K resolution support, HDR, the sound of full-time acoustic devices TV leaves much to be desired. Therefore, home cinemas with a large number of people were widely used acoustics and their compact analogues, the so-called « soundbars » or, as they are sometimes called "surroundbars". These devices provide high-quality volumetric sound and create a presence effect, which causes incomparable sensations when watching movies and other video content.

A few words about the arrangement of acoustics

Before talking directly about connecting the panel to the TV receiver, you should pay attention to its location. The fact is that if you make a mistake in this matter, then no subsequent connection options and settings will correct the situation with poor sound.

In cases where the TV is installed on a special rack or pedestal, it is better to install a soundbar right in front of it.

This arrangement is considered ideal because it seems that the surround sound comes out directly from the image on the TV screen. True, there is one limitation. Before installation, make sure that the acoustic device will not block the screen. Today you can even meet models of acoustics, which are fixed directly on the television stand.

The same location, under the TV, must be ensured with wall mounting of TV. It is a blessing that the design of modern acoustics and the mounts or special patterns that come with it allows you to do this without problems. Sometimes there is the possibility of attaching the soundbar directly to the TV panel.

In cases where TV is installed on the rack and it is decided to place the sound panel on the shelf inside the rack, then it must be put forward as far as possible. This is necessary in order to ensure unhindered sound passage so that the side walls of the furniture do not interfere. Moreover, if it is known that the acoustic device supports sound processing technologies Dolby Atmos or DTS: X, working with sound reflected from the ceiling, then the installation of a sound device on a shelf or in any other niches should be completely abandoned. Another obvious rule when installing acoustics is to provide free space in front of it. Installing any objects that impede the passage of sound before the speakers is strictly prohibited.

Separately, you should pay attention to sound panels with digital sound projection. Their design is quite complex, which in turn complicates the configuration process itself. In order for such acoustics to work with all its effectiveness and covering all the possibilities laid down in it, you should first select the necessary configuration in which the array of drivers will function, and then connect the microphone. The principle of setting is that the panel loses test sounds, and the microphone picks up both their original version and the signals reflected from the walls that are sent for analysis to the soundbar. Thus, the sound panel itself adjusts the sound of the speakers to the conditions of a particular room.

In the end, you get the perfect sound tuning. However, there is « undercar ». All this can only be realized in a room where the walls reflect sound well. If the room has a large area and the walls are located far from the sound source or at least one such wall is missing, then acquiring a device with a digital setting – is not the best option, because there will be overpayment for unrealized technology and mediocre sound quality.

Basic connections of an independent audio device

Modern equipment offers several connection options: HDMI, optical or coaxial input, analog audio channel.

The main conditions for a successful connection, regardless of the option chosen, is to pre-disable the full-time acoustics of the TV panel. To do this, go to the TV menu, turn off the built-in TV speakers and enable the option of functioning of the external acoustics

How to connect a soundbar to a TV using the HDMI connector?

The best option to connect a sound panel to TV is the HDMI functionality.

Currently, almost all audio and video equipment comes out with equipped cable outlets HDMI, which have great capabilities and are able to transmit video and audio signals of the highest quality in different directions. Today, this function is implemented using ARC – technology that provides the reversal of the sound signal on HDMI devices. This technology also allows you to use only one cable instead of five or six others.

Before connecting through this functionality, make sure that both the TV and the panel provide support for the – HDMI ARC return audio. The principle is that the video signal obtained from, for example, DVD player, a game TV console connected to the TV, or any other source arrives on TV, where the sound is separated and transferred to the sound panel. A similar effect of interchange of video and audio signals will be realized if the connection is made directly to the soundbar, which « separates » sound, converts it, and the video transmits to TV without any changes.

The ARC function in most modern equipment models is enabled by default. However, there are exceptions. Therefore, if it does not work, you need to make sure that the Control for HDMI parameter is in the included state – « ON », the TV supports Auto Return Channel, whether the equipment is connected to each other, Does it support this function and is it generally fed to it. There are HDMI connections and their pitfalls. For example, if the purchased sound panel supports sound 5.1, but the TV – does not, then at the output of the soundbar, multi-channel sound cannot be obtained, only stereo.

Optical connection

You can often hear the question of, “how to connect a soundbar to LG TV or other stamps through optical input?” Everything is simple. Soundbars have a digital optical interface – Toslink, and a special optical cable is used to connect. In quality, such a connection is in no way inferior to HDMI and can be safely applied. Once you have the necessary equipment, follow these steps to connect your soundbar via an optical connection:

1. Turn off your TV and soundbar.
2. Connect one end of the optical cable to the optical output on your TV or audio output device.
3. Connect the other end of the optical cable to the optical input on the soundbar.
4. Turn on your TV and soundbar and select the optical input on the soundbar.
5. Test the sound to ensure that it is working properly.

An example is how to connect the LG soundbar to a TV of the same brand. To begin with, make sure that the LG sound sync function is implemented in the TV itself. Then you need to go to the menu section and find the audio output item – « Sound Out ». Appearance after pressing this position on the « LG OPT » signboard screen means that the connection has been successfully completed. The undoubted benefits of such a connection are the support of the multi-channel sound of 5.1 of the Dolby Digital standard or DTS technology. The principle of simple – sources of audio information and video signals serve them on TV, and then via the optical cable audio information is fed to the soundbar.

Connecting a soundbar via an optical connection is a simple and convenient way to enhance the audio quality of your home entertainment experience. It is also a reliable and high-quality connection that is immune to interference from other electronic devices. Overall, using an optical connection is a great option for people who want a simple and convenient way to connect their soundbar to their TV.

Coaxial Entrance Connection

Some models of television receivers have connectors for digital coaxial cables that can be used as an alternative to optics. Connection is performed in the same way, but choosing – Digital / COAX as the source. The sound quality with this type of connection is also at its height.

To connect a soundbar to a TV via a coaxial connection, you will need a coaxial cable and a coaxial input on both the soundbar and the TV. Some soundbars may also require a separate audio output device such as a cable box or antenna.

Once you have the necessary equipment, follow these steps to connect your soundbar to your TV via a coaxial connection:

1. Turn off your TV and soundbar.
2. Connect one end of the coaxial cable to the coaxial output on your TV or audio output device.
3. Connect the other end of the coaxial cable to the coaxial input on the soundbar.
4. Turn on your TV and soundbar and select the coaxial input on the soundbar.
5. Test the sound to ensure that it is working properly.

Connecting a soundbar to a TV via a coaxial connection is also a reliable and high-quality connection that is immune to interference from other electronic devices. Overall, using a coaxial connection is a great option for people who want to connect their soundbar to their TV and get the most out of their home entertainment system.

Analog connection

If it is not possible to use HDMI ARC or other digital connection options for connecting, then you can try using an analog interface with familiar red-white connectors RCA

The main thing is that both TV and soundbar have these connectors. Of course, this is not the best solution, because with this option it is impossible to get multi-channel sound. The advantage of this type of connection is one – in some cases, good stereo sound is still better than the full-time acoustics of the television receiver.

To connect a soundbar to a TV via an analog connection, you will need an analog cable and an analog input on both the soundbar and the TV. Some soundbars may also require a separate audio output device such as a Blu-ray player or cable box.

Once you have the necessary equipment, follow these steps to connect your soundbar to your TV via an analog connection:

1. Turn off your TV and soundbar.
2. Connect one end of the analog cable to the analog output on your TV or audio output device.
3. Connect the other end of the analog cable to the analog input on the soundbar.
4. Turn on your TV and soundbar and select the analog input on the soundbar.
5. Test the sound to ensure that it is working properly.

However, analog connections may not provide the same level of audio quality as digital connections such as HDMI or optical. Overall, using an analog connection is a good option for people who want a simple and affordable way to connect their soundbar to their TV, but may not be the best choice for those who are concerned with sound quality. 

Connection via header connector

In critical cases, when digital connection cannot be made, and there are no audio inputs, you can try connecting via a – 3.5 mm mini-jack via a connector for headphones on TV. In some cases, adapters may be required.

With this option of attaching a sound panel, it should be borne in mind that only analog sound is available through this connector. This type of audio signal is transmitted significantly more slowly than the number, so problems with synchronization of the image and sound may arise.

To connect a soundbar to a TV via a header connector, you will need a header connector cable and a header connector input on both the soundbar and the TV. Some soundbars may also require a separate audio output device such as a Blu-ray player or cable box.

Once you have the necessary equipment, follow these steps to connect your soundbar to your TV via a header connector:

1. Turn off your TV and soundbar.
2. Connect one end of the header connector cable to the header connector output on your TV or audio output device.
3. Connect the other end of the header connector cable to the header connector input on the soundbar.
4. Turn on your TV and soundbar and select the header connector input on the soundbar.
5. Test the sound to ensure that it is working properly.

However, header connectors may not be as widely available or as commonly used as other types of audio connections such as HDMI or optical. Overall, using a header connector is a good option for people who want a simple and convenient way to connect their soundbar to their TV, but may not be the best choice for those who are looking for more widely available or standardized connection options.

Via Ethernet

Many users ask questions how to connect Samsung Soundbar or models of other manufacturers without cables at all. Indeed, the models of modern sound panels are equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless interfaces, which allows for connections without physically connecting the equipment to each other. You just need to decide on the option of network connection.

Sound panels with these functions allow you to connect to the home network, and through it – to various streaming services, and even implement them in multiitem-systems.

Now that the options are known for how to connect the soundbar to the TV, you can compare modern sound panels to the interfaces implemented in them. For comparison, the seven most popular models from the budget segment according to are taken.

It should be noted that in all of these models there are also HDMI connectors. At the same time, owning information about the functionality of your TV and seeing a set of interfaces of a particular sound panel, you can always predict what exactly the options for combining will be TV acoustics, and choose the most optimal one from them.

Of course, the table presented does not give a complete picture, but even this comparison demonstrates the fact, that knowing the principle of connection and owning information about a set of interfaces, you can always select the most successful model for a particular TV and connect it.

Many buyers with full-fledged home theater are at a loss today and look at soundbars, because this type of audio equipment is much more compact than full-sized and often bulky audio systems in the form of home movie theaters. There can only be one – tip here or buy such a compact sound panel instead of a full-fledged home theater, or use it to voice another room.

The conclusions are simple. The popularity of compact audio devices is due to great connectivity, which allows you to get high-quality sound. Moreover, this applies to all models, without exception, both budgetary and premium, which have such wide functionality that, perhaps, only they can not brew coffee.

Conclusion

there are several ways to connect a soundbar to a TV, each with its own set of benefits and limitations. The most common methods include HDMI, optical, coaxial, analog, and header connector. HDMI and optical connections are digital and provide the best audio quality, while coaxial and analog connections are also good options. Header connectors are less commonly used and may not be as widely available.

When choosing a connection method, consider the type of cables and inputs available on your TV and soundbar, as well as your budget and preferred audio quality. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and test the sound after making the connection to ensure that it is working properly.

Overall, connecting a soundbar to a TV is a easy and convenient way to improvethe audio quality of your home entertainment experience. By taking the time to research and compare different connection methods, you can find the best option for your needs and get the most out of your soundbar.