Connect soundbar to TV - how it works

If you want to connect a soundbar to your TV, you first need to clarify which connections are available. Some models have special connections - but mostly you will find universal connections as you know them from common speakers. In this practical tip, we will show you how to connect your soundbar to a television.

1. Check connections to soundbar and TV

Before you can connect the soundbar, you need to know which inputs and outputs both devices have. To do this, proceed as follows.

• Take a look at the back of your soundbar and use our picture to compare which connections your model has.
• Now look at the back and the side frame of your TV. Here you should find at least one audio output that matches one of the inputs on your soundbar.
• If you can find a digital or optical audio connection (S / PDIF) on both devices, we recommend that you use this. Alternatively, you can of course also use an analog RCA plug or HDMI.

2. Connect the soundbar to the TV

Now you know which connection you can use. If you have the appropriate cable, you can now connect your soundbar to your TV.

• To do this, plug one of the cable ends into the audio output on your television and the opposite one into the audio input on your soundbar.
• In the case of cinch plugs, make sure that some of them also come in black-red pairs. In this case, insert the black end into the white connector.

3. Select the soundbar as the playback device on the TV

Many televisions automatically recognize external speakers. If this is not the case, you have to select the playback device yourself.

• First open the menu of your TV.
• Navigate to the "Audio" menu area. Depending on the device, this can also be called different.
• Look for a setting for the "audio output" here. At this point, select the channel you are using (e.g. analog for Cinch, digital / optical for S / PDIF, HDMI for HDMI).
• With some TV sets, you can also select whether the built-in TV speaker should still be active. If you only want the sound from your soundbar, you must select "Off" here.

Alternatively, we will show you how to connect your speakers directly to your PlayStation 4.