There are a variety of ways to connect soundbars to TVs. And although the most common is using an HDMI cable, you can also use Bluetooth or optical cables, but these methods are less common.
But in this article let’s find out how to connect the soundbar to the TV using different methods.
How to Connect a Soundbar to TV Using HDMI Cable
You need to have a TV with an HDMI input and a soundbar with an HDMI output to connect your soundbar to the TV using an HDMI cable.
In some cases, when you connect your TV with the soundbar using the cable, you just need to turn on your TV and you’ll get the instructions on what to do next. Or:
- Unplug all other devices from the TV.
- Locate the HDMI ports on your TV and soundbar (usually they are located at the back of the devices).
- Connect one end of the cable to the HDMI input port (ARC) on your TV and the other end to the HDMI output port (ARC) on your soundbar.
- Turn on both devices.
- If your soundbar isn’t connected to the TV automatically, you should go to the Audio settings of the TV and select the soundbar as the preferred speaker output.
- If it shows any other instructions then do those but otherwise it will be all done.
By the way, if the HDMI input on the TV is not available, you can buy a converter for HDMI cables.
Why use HDMI?
HDMI is the most common method of connecting audio to televisions, because it allows more control over the sound. HDMI allows you to use a remote control or a smartphone app to adjust volume and other settings from your couch.
The optical cable sends an audio signal directly from the TV to the soundbar, without any interference.
How to Connect a Soundbar to TV Using Optical Cable
Some TVs do not have HDMI inputs, so you will need to use optical cable. The optical cable is the same type of cable that is used for DVD players.
An optical cable can be easily connected between the TV and soundbar by following these simple steps:
1.Turn off the devices.
2. Connect one end of the optical cable into the OPTICAL DIGITAL OUT port of your TV and connect the other end of the optical cable into the OPTICAL DIGITAL IN port of your soundbar.
3. Turn on your TV and soundbar.
4. Change the input source on your TV to “Optical” (or check if it’s set to “Digital Audio Out”).
5. Adjust the volume on your soundbar to your desired level and you’re ready to go.
Why use optical cable?
Optical cables are very easy to use and connect. They are generally easier to install than HDMI or digital audio cables, since they don’t require any special equipment to be installed in the TV.
Optical cables also offer a cleaner signal that is less likely to cause interference with other electronic devices in your home.
How to Connect Soundbar to TV with Bluetooth
Here is a guide on how to connect a soundbar to your television using Bluetooth:
1. Make sure both devices are turned on and within range of each other.
2. On the soundbar, press and hold the Bluetooth button until the blue light begins flashing.
3. On the television, go to Settings > Connected Devices > Add New Device.
4. Select the soundbar from the list of available devices and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Once connected, you should be able to play audio from the soundbar through your television speakers.
Why to use Bluetooth
There are a few reasons why you might want to use Bluetooth to connect your soundbar to your TV.
For one, Bluetooth technology has made connecting devices much easier than before. Also, if you have a newer model TV, it’s likely that it has Bluetooth built in, which makes connecting the two devices a breeze.
Additionally, using Bluetooth can help reduce cable clutter by eliminating the need for extra cables running between your soundbar and TV.
