soundbarsreview logo
Search

How To Hook Up Soundbar To TV?

Hooking up a soundbar to a TV can enhance the audio experience when watching movies, playing games, or enjoying music.
 
The method you should use to connect your soundbar to your TV will depend on the types of ports and connections available on both your TV and soundbar.
 
Below are some standard methods for securing a soundbar to a TV:
how to hook up soundbar to tv

Table of Contents

Method 1: HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)

  1. Check for HDMI ARC: Look for an HDMI port on your TV and your soundbar labeled “ARC” (Audio Return Channel).
  2. Connect: Use an HDMI cable to connect the HDMI ARC port on your TV to the HDMI ARC port on your soundbar.
  3. Settings: Turn on both devices and go to the audio settings on your TV. Select the soundbar as the audio output. This is usually under a menu labeled “Sound,” “Audio,” or similar.
  4. Test: Play some audio to ensure it comes from the soundbar.

Method 2: Optical Cable (Toslink)

  1. Check for Optical Port: Look for an optical (Toslink) port on your TV and soundbar.
  2. Connect: Use an optical cable to connect the optical port on your TV to the optical port on your soundbar.
  3. Settings: Go to your TV’s audio settings and select the soundbar (or “Optical”) as the audio output.
  4. Test: Play some audio to ensure it comes from the soundbar.

Method 3: Bluetooth (Wireless)

  1. Check for Bluetooth: Ensure your TV and soundbar have Bluetooth capability.
  2. Pair: Go to the Bluetooth settings on your TV and put it in “Pairing” or “Discoverable” mode. Then, on your soundbar, select the option to pair a new device and choose your TV from the list of available devices.
  3. Settings: Once paired, go to your TV’s audio settings and select the soundbar as the audio output.
  4. Test: Play some audio to ensure it comes from the soundbar.

Method 4: Auxiliary (AUX) or RCA Cable

  1. Check for AUX/RCA Port: Look for an AUX or RCA audio output port on your TV and a corresponding input on your soundbar.
  2. Connect: Use an AUX or RCA cable to connect the audio output port on your TV to the audio input port on your soundbar.
  3. Settings: Go to your TV’s audio settings and select the soundbar (or “AUX”/”RCA”) as the audio output.
  4. Test: Play some audio to ensure it comes from the soundbar.

General Tips

  • Always refer to the user manuals for both your TV and soundbar for specific instructions.
  • Make sure the volume is turned up on your TV and soundbar after making the connection.
  • After connecting, you may have to change the audio settings on your TV to route the audio to the soundbar.
  • HDMI ARC is generally the best option if your TV and soundbar support multiple connection methods. It allows for higher-quality audio and may support additional features like control of the soundbar’s volume using the TV’s remote.
 

Remember to turn off your TV and soundbar before making any connections to avoid electrical issues.