HDMI ARC vs Optical Audio for Soundbar
Soundbars are becoming an increasingly common way of improving the quality of your audio output at home. While televisions come with inbuilt speakers, an external soundbar can greatly improve the clarity and depth of the audio in TV shows, movies and video games. In this blog, we’ll outline how to connect a soundbar to your TV, including two connection possibilities: HDMI ARC and optical audio cables.
4Cabling is a leading provider of audio visual products, from cables to projection screens and accessories. Contact us for further guidance on choosing the right products for your home audio setup.
What is HDMI ARC?
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is a functionality built into many modern devices, enabling audio transmission between a TV and a soundbar using an HDMI cable. HDMI ARC allows you to connect your media player or gaming console to your TV, which can then distribute the audio output to your soundbar.
What is Optical Audio?
Optical audio, also known as TOSLINK, is another method of transmitting audio signals to your soundbar. An optical audio cable uses fibre optics to transmit the audio signals, making it useful for connecting devices of all ages to your modern TV and home theatre setup.
How to Connect Soundbar to TV
Connecting your soundbar to your TV is a simple process, made easier by using the right cables for your setup. While you may prefer to use an optical audio cable in certain circumstances, the vast majority of new home theatre setups will be run through an HDMI cable.
How to Connect Soundbar to TV with HDMI
Connecting your soundbar to your TV is an easy process, consisting of:
- Locating the HDMI ports on both devices
- Connecting the cable, using the HDMI OUT port on the TV and the HDMI IN port on the soundbar
- Selecting the chosen HDMI port on the TV from the device’s Source list
Using an HDMI cable to connect your soundbar to your TV is a simple and effective method of enhancing the audio quality of your home entertainment unit.
How to Connect Soundbar to TV with HDMI ARC
Connecting a soundbar to a TV compatible with the HDMI ARC functionality follows the same process as with a regular HDMI cable. However, there are a number of precautions that should be taken before setting up your home entertainment system, including:
- Confirming both the TV and soundbar support HDMI ARC functionality
- Using a cable that transmits HDMI ARC signals
- Configuring both devices to enable the ARC function
An HDMI ARC connection for your soundbar simplifies your home theatre setup even further, with fewer cables and enhanced audio syncing. You are also able to control the volume of the soundbar directly from the TV’s remote control.
Which is Best? HDMI ARC vs Optical Audio for Soundbars
HDMI ARC connections offer a number of advantages for home entertainment setups over older technologies, such as optical audio cables. With two-way data transmission, HDMI ARC capability reduces the number of cables required to run your soundbar, by combining the high quality image of an HDMI connection with ARC functionality. This setup also provides more flexibility in setting up your home entertainment unit, allowing you to transmit images from your DVD player or gaming console to your TV, while simultaneously playing audio through the soundbar.
However, HDMI ARC has a major limitation in that both your TV and your soundbar need to be compatible with the functionality. If they are not, you will need to run an optical audio cable and separate image transmission cable instead. This setup will still produce excellent sound quality, and can be used with a wider range of devices than an HDMI ARC connection.
Conclusion
Soundbars are an excellent product for improving the quality of your home entertainment system. Connecting your soundbar to your TV is easy, using either an optical audio cable or an HDMI ARC connection. If your TV and soundbar support HDMI ARC functionality, you can enjoy benefits such as reduced cable clutter, improved audio syncing and more convenient control of your setup.
For more information on how to connect a soundbar to your TV, and any products or accessories you may require, please contact 4Cabling.
