How do I connect my soundbar to my TV or Android box?
What is a Soundbar?
A soundbar is a speaker device designed to improve the audio quality from a television. Soundbars contain multiple speakers inside one long horizontal unit, designed to sit right below a flat-screen TV. The purpose of a soundbar is to provide a clearer, richer listening experience compared to the small built-in speakers in modern slim TVs (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soundbar).
Unlike TV speakers which use small drivers to fit into compact spaces, a soundbar has more room for larger speaker components. This allows it to produce fuller sound with better bass, and provide a wider, more immersive soundstage. The multiple drivers in a soundbar work together to deliver clearer dialog and detail from TV programs. Most soundbars include two or three front-facing drivers, but higher-end models may have side or upward firing speakers as well for surround sound effects (Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soundbar).
In summary, a soundbar is a speaker device designed to boost TV audio quality and provide a more impactful entertainment experience than the basic built-in TV speakers can offer.
Why Connect a Soundbar?
Connecting a soundbar to your TV or Android box can significantly enhance your home entertainment audio experience. Here are some of the key benefits of adding a soundbar:
Enhances audio for movies, music, and games – A soundbar with multiple speakers and advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos can create a surround sound experience that makes movies, music, and games come alive with immersive, multidimensional sound.
Provides surround sound experience – Many soundbars today simulate 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound, creating the effect of audio coming at you from all directions for a cinematic experience. This expands the audio beyond your TV’s built-in speakers.
Improves TV sound quality – The small built-in speakers in modern slim TVs often lack robust bass and fullness. A soundbar significantly boosts audio volume, clarity, and richness for a better viewing experience.
According to Bose, a high-quality soundbar can make poor TV audio sound like you’re at the movie theater. The spatial separation between dialogue, music, and effects makes everything easier to hear. This audio upgrade allows you to truly appreciate the work that went into a program’s sound design.
Set Up the Soundbar
Setting up a soundbar is quick and easy. The first step is to place the soundbar near your TV, usually directly below it on a credenza or entertainment center. Be sure there is room for the sound to emit from the front and sides.
Next, connect the power cord to the soundbar and an outlet. Turn on the soundbar and select the correct input mode, such as Optical, HDMI ARC, or Bluetooth.
Some higher-end soundbars may need to be paired initially. Refer to your soundbar’s manual for specific pairing instructions. For example, many Samsung soundbars require the Samsung Audio Remote app to connect via Bluetooth the first time [1].
Once powered on and paired if necessary, the soundbar will be ready to connect to your TV or another audio source.
Connections for TV
There are several options for connecting your soundbar to your TV:
Optical/Toslink Cable
One way to connect a soundbar to a TV is using an optical/Toslink cable. This type of cable transmits audio signals digitally from the TV to the soundbar. To use this method, the TV and soundbar must both have an optical output and input port. The benefit of using optical is that it can transmit high quality, uncompressed audio. However, optical does not support advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos. See this guide for how to connect with optical.
HDMI ARC Port
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is the preferred way to connect a soundbar to a TV. This uses a single HDMI cable that handles both audio and video signals. Both devices must have an HDMI ARC port, usually labeled explicitly as ARC. Using HDMI ARC avoids the need for an extra optical audio cable. It supports all modern audio formats like Dolby Atmos for an immersive sound experience. HDMI ARC also allows controlling the soundbar volume using the TV remote. See this guide for help with HDMI ARC connections.
RCA Ports
Some soundbars and TVs have RCA ports for audio connections. This uses red and white RCA cables to transmit analog stereo audio. While easy to connect, RCA provides lower audio quality than digital connections like optical or HDMI ARC. RCA also does not support surround sound. However, it can be useful as a backup option if your devices lack other ports.
Bluetooth
Many soundbars support Bluetooth, allowing a wireless connection to the TV. After pairing the devices, the soundbar will receive audio transmitted over Bluetooth from the TV. This avoids running cables across the room. However, Bluetooth connectivity can sometimes suffer from latency and compression artifacts in the audio. It’s best suited for casual TV viewing rather than home theater use.
Connections for Android Box
There are a few different options for connecting your Android TV box to a soundbar:
HDMI
If both your Android box and soundbar have HDMI ports, you can use an HDMI cable to connect them directly. This allows the audio signal to pass from the Android box to the soundbar digitally via the HDMI cable. Make sure to connect the Android box HDMI output to an HDMI input on the soundbar labeled ARC or Audio Return Channel. The ARC HDMI port allows two-way communication so the TV remote can also control soundbar volume. HDMI carries both video and audio signals, so this option keeps everything integrated through one cable (source).
Optical Toslink
If your Android box has an optical output but your soundbar lacks HDMI, you can use an optical cable to connect them. Optical provides pristine digital transmission of audio signals from the Android box directly to the soundbar. Just make sure both devices have the optical (toslink) ports and obtain the proper optical cable. This option also allows using the TV remote to control overall volume (source).
Bluetooth
Some Android boxes and soundbars support Bluetooth connectivity. Simply pair the Android box to the soundbar via Bluetooth settings. The sound will stream wirelessly over Bluetooth. However, Bluetooth connectivity can sometimes have minor latency issues or impact sound quality compared to wired options.
RCA
If your Android box has RCA audio outputs, you can use RCA cables to connect to a soundbar with RCA inputs. This allows analog stereo audio transmission to the soundbar. However, RCA will not provide the same digital multi-channel surround sound as HDMI or optical digital connections.
Control Volume
You can control the volume of your soundbar and TV in a few different ways:
Use your TV remote control to adjust the volume up or down. Most TV remotes have volume buttons that will control the soundbar volume when the soundbar is connected properly. Check your TV audio settings to make sure the TV output is set to external speakers or audio system [1].
Use the soundbar remote control to adjust the volume. The soundbar remote will have its own volume up/down buttons specifically for controlling the soundbar speaker levels. Some universal remotes can also be programmed to control soundbar volume [2].
Go into your TV audio settings menu and change the “audio out” or “speaker output” setting to your soundbar. This tells the TV to send all audio through the soundbar rather than the built-in TV speakers.
You may also be able to adjust the relative volume levels of the TV speakers vs the soundbar output in the audio settings. This lets you balance the volumes to optimize audio quality.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you are having issues getting your soundbar to work properly with your TV or Android box, there are some troubleshooting steps you can try:
First, double check that all of your connections are secure. Make sure the HDMI cable between the soundbar and TV/Android box is firmly plugged in at both ends. Also verify that the power cord is securely connected to the soundbar and wall outlet (PCMag).
Next, check the audio settings on your TV. Make sure the TV speakers are turned off and that the audio output is set to external speakers or audio system. Toggling between different audio settings can help establish the connection (NYTimes).
You may also need to update the firmware on the soundbar or TV. Check the manufacturers’ websites for the latest firmware updates and instructions on how to install them. Keeping firmware up-to-date can resolve compatibility issues.
Finally, try performing a factory reset on the soundbar. Refer to the instruction manual for the reset procedure. Resetting the soundbar will clear out any corrupted settings and re-establish the original connection parameters.
Following these tips should help get your soundbar working again with your TV or Android box. Always start with the basics by verifying connections, then try more advanced troubleshooting steps as needed.
Features to Look for in a Soundbar
When choosing a soundbar, there are several key features to consider that can enhance your audio experience:
Virtual Surround Sound
Many soundbars have a feature called “virtual surround sound” or something similar that aims to mimic a true surround sound system with multiple speakers placed around the room. Soundbars simulate surround effects using audio processing tricks to make it seem like sound is coming from different directions, even though audio is only coming from the single bar speaker. Look for soundbars advertised as 5.1, 7.1 or Dolby Atmos for an immersive surround sound effect (Consumer Reports).
EQ Presets
Many soundbars come with preset equalizer modes that optimize the audio for different types of content like movies, music, or gaming. This allows you to quickly switch between sound profiles tailored for what you’re listening to without having to manually adjust settings (Wired).
Wireless Subwoofer
Including a separate wireless subwoofer allows the soundbar to focus on mids and highs while the sub handles the low bass frequencies. This creates a more immersive and full-range listening experience. Subwoofer integration may require some setup but allows more flexibility in placement (Worldwide Stereo).
Voice Control
Many new soundbars integrate voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri so you can control the soundbar hands-free using voice commands. This allows you to adjust volume, switch inputs or modes, play streaming music and more without having to reach for the remote.
Choosing a Soundbar
When selecting a soundbar, there are a few key factors to consider:
Budget – Soundbars range greatly in price from under $100 to over $1000. Consider how much you’re willing to spend. More expensive models offer better sound quality, more features, and more powerful sound.
Size/Space – Measure the space where you plan to place the soundbar. Soundbars come in different sizes, some quite compact while others can be over 5 feet long. Make sure to get one that fits.
Audio Needs – Do you just want clearer dialog for TV shows? Or do you want an immersive home theater experience? The more channels (2.1, 5.1, etc.) and higher wattage, the bigger the sound. But you pay more.
Ease of Setup – Many soundbars conveniently connect via one HDMI cable or optical cable. Wireless soundbars with Bluetooth or WiFi provide maximum placement flexibility. Consider what inputs your TV has and how tech savvy you are.
Resources like Consumer Reports provide soundbar buying guides and ratings to help you choose. Selecting the right soundbar for your space, budget and needs takes some research.
Further Enhancing TV Audio
There are several ways to enhance the audio from your TV beyond just using a soundbar:
Add wireless rear speakers: Many soundbars allow you to pair wireless rear speakers to create a surround sound experience. The rear speakers help fill in the sound behind you for a more immersive audio experience. Popular options like the Sonos Arc and Samsung HW-Q950T support adding wireless rear speakers. Just make sure your soundbar is compatible.
Get a subwoofer: A subwoofer handles the low bass frequencies, allowing your soundbar to focus on the mids and highs. Adding a subwoofer brings powerful rumbling bass to movies and music for a theater-like experience at home. Many soundbars have optional subwoofers like the Polk Audio MagniFi Max SR.
Invest in a full surround system: For the ultimate immersive audio experience, you can invest in a full surround sound system with 5+ speakers placed around the room. This creates a true theater-like experience by surrounding you with sound. Brands like Klipsch offer surround speaker packages to pair with your soundbar.