So when connecting a TV to a soundbar or A/V receiver, you would use an HDMI cable for the video and a second connection, such as an optical digital audio cable, to send the sound “downstream.” However, from roughly 2003-2009, HDMI cables only shuttled A/V data in one direction. HDMI ARC vs optical cablesĪll HDMI cables transmit both audio and video. And when you hear the results, whether it’s just enhanced stereo or fully futuristic spatial audio, you’ll be glad you did.
#Soundbar hdmi passthrough how to#
Once you take a little time to learn how to connect a soundbar to a TV for max effect, you’ll see that it’s really quite easy despite some technological details. And the latest multidimensional audio formats, such as the red-hot object-based Dolby Atmos and DTS:X standards, require a single HDTV cable of a certain bandwidth, but are well worth that consideration. Newer TVs and soundbars can be connected with a single HDMI cord. Many devices made before 2009, as well as some after that, require both an HDMI cable and an optical audio cable. Those answers largely depend on how old the equipment is and what level of HDMI technology both the soundbar and TV incorporate. Do you only need High-Definition Multimedia Interface (aka HDMI) cables, or do you also need an optical audio cable? If you only need an HDMI cable, can it be any HDMI cable? Well, we have your answers. Regardless of the price, there can be some confusion regarding how to connect a soundbar to a TV. Whatever your sources, you’re going to want to get the most sound with the least amount of cables connecting a soundbar to a TV.Īn entry-level soundbar can be had for less than $100, while the best soundbar for a TV (for example, the Sennheiser AMBEO, which has the newest HDMI 2.1 chipset) will cost you well over $2,000. Or you’ve going to plug an Apple TV and a PlayStation 5 into your TV. So you’ve got a new smart TV with built-in Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, etc.
#Soundbar hdmi passthrough movie#
Because of this, it’s no surprise that soundbars, which can supplement those tinny tones with almost movie theater-level audio, seem to grow in popularity every year as well. If you’re planning to upgrade your home theater, you want to make sure you’re getting all the thrills you paid for, so here’s our guide on how to connect a soundbar to a TV.
While the picture quality of the best TVs seems to improve year over year, the internal speakers of these increasingly slim, stunning panels don’t really do those vivid images justice.