Connecting a home theater to a TV: 4 working ways to output sound to speakers

Have you bought a powerful home theater, but the sound still comes from the built-in speakers of the TV? Or after connecting the speakers are silent and an error appears on the screen No Sound? The problem is familiar to many - according to the survey RTINGS, 42% of users have difficulty setting up audio output. In this article we will analyze all possible connection methods (from HDMI ARC to wireless adapters), we’ll explain why the TV may not “see” the speaker system, and give a checklist for diagnosing faults.

It is important to understand: the connection method depends on TV models, type of connectors on the receiver/soundbar and even year of production of the equipment. For example, old Sony Bravia 2015 is not supported eARC, and LG OLED 2023 The audio output menu may be hidden. We have collected current data for 2026, including nuances for Android TV, Tizen And webOS.

1. Connection via HDMI ARC/eARC: the most reliable way

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is a standard that allows you to transmit sound from a TV to external speakers via the same cable as video. The only method that supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X without loss of quality. But there are nuances: not all HDMI ports on TV support ARC, but for eARC (improved version) need high speed cable (High Speed HDMI 2.1).

How to check if your TV has ARC? Inspect the HDMI ports - usually the connector with ARC support is labeled accordingly. If there is no marking, look at the menu:

• 📺 Samsung: Settings → Sound → Audio Output Options → HDMI ARC
• 🖥️ LG: All settings → Sound → Audio output → HDMI ARC
• 🎮 Sony: Settings → Sound → Audio Out → HDMI (ARC)
• 📱 Android TV (Xiaomi, Philips): Settings → Device → Audio Output → HDMI ARC

If the ARC port is found, follow the instructions:

1. Connect an HDMI cable from the port HDMI ARC on the TV to the port HDMI ARC/eARC on the receiver or soundbar.
2. From the TV menu select HDMI ARC as a sound source.
3. On the receiver, activate the mode ARC (in the menu Audio Settings or HDMI Control).
4. Reboot both devices.

⚠️ Attention: If the sound is interrupted or clicking occurs after connecting, check the version of the HDMI cable. For eARC and formats Dolby TrueHD you need a certified cable Ultra High Speed HDMI (marking on packaging).

2. Optical cable (TOSLINK): universal solution for older models

Optical output (aka TOSLINK or S/PDIF) is available on almost all TVs over 5 years old. It transmits digital audio without interference, but does not support Dolby Atmos and limited by formats Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1. But this is the only way to output sound from Samsung Series 6/7 2018–2020, where HDMI ARC often malfunctions.

To connect you will need:

• 🔌 Optical cable (length up to 5 meters, otherwise signal loss is possible).
• 🎛️ Receiver or soundbar with optical input (Optical In).
• 🔧 On TV: output activation PCM or Bitstream (depending on model).

Step by step setup:

1. Connect the cable to the port Optical Out on TV and Optical In on the receiver.
2. From the TV menu, select:

   Настройки → Звук → Выход звука → Цифровой аудиовыход (Optical)

   Set the format Bitstream (for multi-channel audio) or PCM (if the speakers do not support decoding).

3. On the receiver, select the source Optical.

Brand TV	Path to optical output settings	Recommended format
Samsung (Tizen)	Settings → Sound → Expert Options → Digital Output	Bitstream
LG (webOS)	All settings → Sound → Audio output → S/PDIF	Auto or Bitstream
Sony (Android TV)	Settings → Sound → Audio output → Digital output	PCM (if the soundbar without a decoder)
Xiaomi	Settings → Device → Sound Output → Optical	Bitstream

⚠️ Attention: If after connecting the sound is only stereo (2.0), and not 5.1, check the source settings on your TV. For example, in Netflix or YouTube you need to manually select a multi-channel track (the 🎧 icon in the player).

Check the integrity of the cable (there are no cracks in the connectors)|

Make sure that the optical input on the receiver is not occupied by another device|

Disable audio processing modes on TV (for example, AI Sound on LG)|

Update the TV firmware (relevant for Samsung QLED 2021–2023)

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3. Analog connection (RCA or 3.5 mm): for budget systems

If your TV is not equipped with HDMI ARC or an optical output (valid for models before 2016), it remains analog connection. It transmits sound in the format PCM 2.0 (stereo), but it works even with the oldest receivers. There are two options:

• 🔴🔵 RCA ("tulips"): two connectors (red and white) for right/left channel.
• 🎧 3.5 mm (mini-jack): Standard audio output, like headphones.

How to connect:

1. If on TV there is only RCA Out, and on the receiver - 3.5mm Aux In, use an adapter RCA-to-3.5mm.
2. From the TV menu, select:

   Настройки → Звук → Выход звука → Аналоговый (или Aux)

3. On the receiver, select the source Aux or Analog In.

Disadvantages of analog connection:

• ❌ No support for multi-channel audio (stereo only).
• ❌ Sensitivity to interference (for example, from a Wi-Fi router nearby).
• ❌ Requires manual volume adjustment on two devices.

4. Wireless methods: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters

If laying cables is inconvenient, you can output sound from the TV to speakers by air. The most popular methods:

• 📶 Bluetooth: Suitable for sound bars and portable speakers (such as JBL Bar 5.1 or Sony HT-S400).
• 📡 Wi-Fi adapters: for multi-channel systems (for example, Sonos or Bose SoundTouch).
• 🎯 Transmitter/Receiver: a pair of devices for transmitting sound over radio frequency (e.g. Avantek WCA-100).

Bluetooth connection:

1. Activate Bluetooth on the soundbar (usually the button Pair or Bluetooth).
2. On TV:

   Настройки → Подключения → Bluetooth → Добавить устройство

   Select your soundbar from the list.

3. In the TV sound menu, set Bluetooth as an audio source.

Bluetooth Limitations:

• 🔊 Audio delay (~100–200 ms), noticeable in films.
• 🎵 No format support Dolby Digital (the sound will be in PCM).
• 📶 Range of action - up to 10 meters without obstacles.

Wi-Fi adapters (For example, Google Chromecast Audio or Apple AirPort Express) allow you to broadcast audio over a local network. To do this:

1. Connect the adapter to the soundbar via 3.5 mm or RCA.
2. Set it up on the same Wi-Fi network as your TV.
3. In the TV menu, select audio transfer to the adapter (on Android TV this is an option Cast audio).

How to reduce Bluetooth audio latency?

Use codec aptX Low Latency (maintained on Samsung Q90C, LG C2 and soundbars Sony HT-A5000).

Turn off audio processing on TV (for example, AI Sound+ on Samsung).

Reduce the distance between devices to 1–2 meters.

5. Common mistakes and how to fix them

Even after proper connection, the sound may not work. Here top 5 reasons and their solutions:

Problem	Possible reason	Solution
No sound at all	Incorrect source selected on the receiver	Click Input or Source on the receiver's remote control and select HDMI ARC/Optical
The sound comes only from the TV	External audio output is not activated in the TV menu	Go to Settings → Sound → Sound Output and select HDMI ARC/Optical
Sound is interrupted or distorted	Bad cable or interference	Replace the cable with a certified one (for example, Belkin Ultra HDMI). For optics, avoid sharp bends
Only stereo (2.0) instead of 5.1	Incorrect TV output format	Install Bitstream instead of PCM in sound settings
Audio delay (not synchronized with video)	Bluetooth or incompatible codec is used	Connect via HDMI ARC or set up synchronization in the soundbar menu (Lip Sync)

If the problem is not resolved, reset the audio settings on your TV:

Настройки → Поддержка → Сброс → Сбросить настройки звука

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung 2020–2026 HDMI ARC priority may be lost after a firmware update. To return the sound, go to Settings → Sound → Expert Options → HDMI Priority and enable this option.

6. Setting up sound for different sources (Netflix, YouTube, cable TV)

Even after successful connection, the sound may differ depending on the signal source. For example, Netflix conveys Dolby Digital Plus, and cable TV is regular PCM 2.0. Let's figure out how to configure each case.

For streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+):

• 🎬 In the application, select a multi-channel track (icon 🎧 → 5.1 or Dolby Atmos).
• 📺 On your TV in the sound settings, set Bitstream (for Samsung) or Passthrough (for LG).
• 🔊 On the receiver, turn on the mode Auto Detect or manually select the format Dolby Digital.

For cable/satellite TV:

• 📡 Check if your provider supports multi-channel audio (usually only PCM 2.0).
• 🔌 If the sound comes through the set-top box, connect it directly to the receiver (and not to the TV).

For game consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X):

• 🎮 On your console, in the audio settings, select HDMI → Bitstream (Dolby).
• 🔊 On the receiver, activate the mode Game or Direct for minimal latency.

7. Advanced settings: lip sync, equalizer and calibration

After connecting it costs optimize sound under your room. Modern receivers and soundbars support automatic calibration (for example, Denon Audyssey or Sony Digital Cinema Auto Calibration). If it is not there, configure it manually:

Lip Sync:

• On TV: Settings → Sound → Audio Sync (add a delay of 10 ms until the audio matches the video).
• On the soundbar: look for the option AV Sync or Lip Sync.

Equalizer and sound modes:

• 🎛️ For movies: turn on the mode Cinema or Movie (enhances low frequencies).
• 🎮 For games: select Game (minimizes latency).
• 🎵 For music: turn off audio processing (Pure Direct on Yamaha).

Acoustic calibration:

• 📏 Use the receiver's built-in microphone for automatic settings (for example, Denon Setup Assistant).
• 🔊 Manually adjust the volume level of each channel (center, subwoofer, rear speakers).

How to check multi-channel audio?

Run a test video with sound effects by channel (for example, search for "5.1 Test Audio" on YouTube).

In the receiver menu, look at the input signal indicator - it should be lit Dolby Digital or DTS.

If the sound comes only from the front, check the connection of the rear speakers to the receiver.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connection

🔊 Why is there sound, but very quiet?

Check:

• Volume level at TV (must be at least 50%).
• Volume level at receiver/soundbar (sometimes it resets after shutdown).
• Settings Dynamic range on TV (put Standard instead of Night).

If the problem persists, update the soundbar firmware - in Samsung HW-Q800C There was an error with a low signal level via HDMI ARC.

🎬 How to output sound from the TV to speakers and headphones at the same time?

There are two options:

1. If your soundbar has a headphone output (Headphone Out), connect them directly.
2. Use a Bluetooth transmitter (eg Creative BT-W5), connected to the optical output of the TV.

On TVs LG OLED 2022+ has a function Simultaneous Output — it allows you to duplicate sound on HDMI ARC and Bluetooth.

🔌 Is it possible to connect a home theater to a TV without HDMI ARC?

Yes, use:

• Optical cable (for multi-channel audio).
• Analog output (3.5 mm or RCA) for stereo.
• Bluetooth adapter (For example, Avantek WCA-100) if wireless transmission is required.

But keep in mind: without ARC you will not receive Dolby Atmos And DTS:X.

📺 Why doesn’t the TV turn on/off the soundbar after connecting via HDMI ARC?

Setting problem HDMI-CEC (device control technology via HDMI). Enable it on both devices:

• On Samsung: Settings → General → External Device → Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC).
• On LG: All settings → General → SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC).
• On the soundbar: look for the option HDMI Control or BRAVIA Sync (for Sony).

If that doesn't help, update the TV's firmware. LG CX/C1 There was a bug with CEC in software versions prior to 10/04/45.

🔄 How to reset the sound settings on your TV?

Instructions for popular brands:

• Samsung: Settings → Support → Self-diagnosis → Reset sound.
• LG: All Settings → Sound → Reset Sound Settings.
• Sony: Settings → Sound → Reset sound settings.
• Android TV: Settings → Device → Reset → Reset sound settings.

After resetting, do not forget to select the audio source again (HDMI ARC/Optical).