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How to connect a TV to a soundbar

Use one HDMI cable between the TV’s HDMI ARC (or eARC) port and the soundbar’s HDMI ARC port. It carries surround sound and lets one remote control the volume. Optical is the backup if either side lacks ARC.

Yes. They connect directly.

What you need

  1. Optical (TOSLINK) cable Look for: TOSLINK to TOSLINK $6–$12

Connect it like this

  1. TV (flat screen)Optical audio (TOSLINK) out
  2. Optical (TOSLINK) cable
  3. SoundbarOptical audio (TOSLINK) in

What to know

Difficulty
Easy
Cost
About $6–$12 if you buy everything new
Sound
Full quality
Lag
None noticeable
Extra power
No

Why this works

Both devices have Optical audio (TOSLINK), so one Optical (TOSLINK) cable carries the sound.

Good to know

  • Many "HDMI only" TVs still have a small AV input hidden on the side. Press Input/Source on the remote and look for AV or Composite.

Your gear a little different? Answer a couple of questions about your own ports.

Check my exact setup

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