Should I connect HDMI to TV or soundbar?

You'll get the best sound quality via an HDMI cable. Most soundbars and TVs have an HDMI port. Keep in mind you need to use an HDMI ARC or eARC cable and port. If you don't have this, you'll need an optical cable in addition to an HDMI cable.

Do you plug HDMI into soundbar or TV?

Connect one end of the HDMI cable (sold separately) to the HDMI IN port on your TV. Connect the other end to the TV OUT (ARC) port on your sound bar. Then, connect an optical audio cable from the TV's Optical digital audio out to OPTICAL IN on your sound bar (this is necessary to hear the TV audio).

Should I run HDMI through soundbar?

The best way to connect your soundbar to your TV is with an HDMI cable. This is because HDMI transfers audio digitally, which means it will be in its raw and uncompressed form. So, HDMI cables can handle the most high-end soundbar, including ones with surround sound.

Is it better to hook up a soundbar with HDMI or optical?

Overall, HDMI is the better option when connecting a new soundbar to your TV. HDMI cables are cheap, can relay videos, and are capable of passing audio formats like Blu-Ray, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS HD Master Audio.

What is the difference between HDMI input and output soundbar?

Input is if you want to plug in a DVD, Blu-Ray Player, or gaming device INTO the monitor, television, or any other device into that system. HDMI output is simply the opposite. It will let you send a video and audio signal to whatever device your wanting to plug in on the other end.

How to connect TV to soundbar with HDMI

What is the purpose of the HDMI in on a sound bar?

HDMI cables relay both video and audio signals between source media and a Soundbar. Because you need only one cable, HDMI allows you to achieve quality sound and picture without having to use multiple cords to do so.

What is HDMI out on soundbar for?

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) lets certain TVs and soundbars transfer audio back and forth using one HDMI cable. In other words, you can use the HDMI port as both an input and audio output. The only downside is that your soundbar is going to take up a port on your TV that would normally connect an external device.

Why does optical sound better than HDMI?

Audio. Fiber optical cables support surround sound with up to 5.1 channels. While HDMI supports Dolby Digital Plus, TrueHD formats, and DTS HD. Almost all the television programming gets broadcast in surround sound but there are many Blu-ray discs offering enhanced sound quality.

Is HDMI ARC the same as HDMI?

While a regular HDMI connector is only able to transmit audio signals or video images, ARC has an added function that allows you to transmit audio signals from a TV back to the source, like a receiver or soundbar.

What is the best way to connect soundbar to TV HDMI or optical reddit?

HDMI is the best because you can get the highest audio quality, especially if you're wanting Dolby Atmos. Optical is decent for basic Dolby audio and DTS audio.

Does HDMI improve sound quality?

Audio Quality :

HDMI is renowned for its video quality, but it also can carry audio without the need for multiple cables. HDMI supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD for 7.1-channel sound for loss-less, theatre-quality audio. HDMI 1.4 also supports audio return channel, which sends sound from your TV tuner to your receiver.

Should TV sound be in with soundbar?

Some TVs do allow you to use both the built-in speakers and a soundbar at the same time. However, if you want quality sound, you should only use the soundbar and disable the TV's built-in speakers. What is this? Using both your TV speakers and your soundbar at once does nothing to improve your listening experience.

Should you use a soundbar for a TV?

Why do you need a soundbar for your smart T.V? A soundbar is a significant investment to enhance your entertainment experience. If you invest in a soundbar, your cinematic experience will amplify, and you will have a much more unique experience of the content you are watching.

What is the best way to connect a soundbar to a TV?

On the back of your TV, look for the HDMI input slot labelled ARC (Audio Return Channel), or eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). On the back of your sound bar, find the TV OUT (ARC) slot. Connect both slots with the HDMI cable.

Are all HDMI ports ARC?

All HDMI cables support ARC. Yes, ARC works on your standard, everyday, run-of-the-mill HDMI cable. No special version is needed. If an HDMI cable is marketed as “ARC compatible,” it's just a gimmick.

What is the disadvantage of optical HDMI?

The main issue here is going to be the length. If you want to transfer 4K video over a copper HDMI, you can only reach around 30 ft. before you start having issues (more on that in our HDMI troubleshooting guide). With fiber optic, that distance maximum is absolutely smashed.

Can you hear the difference between optical and HDMI?

For most setups, the sound will be just as good with optical as with HDMI. One complication is if you have a sound bar, like the Sonos Playbar or Vizio S4251w-B4, that benefits from a surround sound signal and you connect it to one of the many TVs that can't pass such a signal via its optical outputs.

What are the cons of optical audio?

Like coaxial, one of the issues with optical is that it doesn't have enough bandwidth for the lossless audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks found on most Blu-rays and 4K Blu-rays. An optical connection also can't support more than two channels of uncompressed PCM audio.

Why won t my soundbar work with HDMI?

Make sure all your HDMI cables are firmly seated in their jacks and not subject to being bumped or jostled. 2. Try the bitstream audio output setting on your TV and source devices. This setting determines whether the digital audio signal is decoded in the device (the TV or Blu-ray player) or in the soundbar.

What is the best HDMI for sound bars?

How do I get the best sound from my TV and soundbar?

Turn off or mute your television's internal speakers to allow your soundbar's quality sound to shine through. Use HDMI (ARC) or other high-quality cables to relay audio signals to your Soundbar. Adjust your equalizer settings, if possible, to ensure your soundbar is optimally programmed for your specific audio source.

Will a soundbar help me hear my TV better?

Soundbars add depth, not just volume

Soundbars are horizontal speakers that sit just above or below the television. They are a popular option to amplify audio. After all, televisions are getting so thin these days, how good can you expect pancake-shaped speakers to sound?

Does HDMI make TV look better?

HDMI will give the best clarity due to its much higher bandwidth, and using an older cable will likely result in a less clear image, especially on larger televisions. A cable labeled high speed will have a 18 gigabytes per second bandwidth meaning it can do 4k resolution at 60 frames per second.