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For the simplest wired setup, connect the Samsung TV’s HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC to the matching ARC/eARC port on your soundbar or receiver. Then choose the external audio system in the TV’s Sound Output menu and select the matching input on the audio system. If HDMI ARC/eARC is unavailable, optical is a common wired fallback; Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are options only when both devices support them.
Use HDMI ARC or eARC when both devices support it
ARC and eARC send audio from the TV to an external sound system over HDMI. The ports matter: connect the TV’s port labeled HDMI (ARC/eARC) to the soundbar or receiver’s port labeled HDMI OUT, HDMI TO TV, or ARC/eARC. A regular HDMI port may not support audio return. Samsung recommends a High Speed HDMI cable with Ethernet or a Premium High Speed HDMI cable for ARC/eARC connections. Samsung’s connection guide explains the setup.
- Turn off or ready both devices, then connect the ARC/eARC-labeled ports with the HDMI cable.
- On the TV, enable Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) if needed. Samsung’s example path is Settings > All Settings > Connection > External Device Manager > Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC). Menu names and paths vary by model.
- On the TV, open Settings > Sound > Sound Output and select the connected soundbar or receiver. Older TVs may call it “Receiver (HDMI)” rather than “Soundbar (HDMI).”
- Set the soundbar or receiver to its TV ARC/eARC input. For a Samsung soundbar, Samsung’s setup guidance says to select D.IN and wait for the source to change to TV ARC.
If the TV offers an eARC setting, Samsung’s example is Settings > All Settings > Sound > Expert Settings > HDMI-eARC Mode > Auto. Only use eARC where supported by the TV and audio system. A compatible connection does not by itself guarantee a particular surround format: the TV, receiver or soundbar, and audio source must all support the format and signal path.
Use optical if ARC/eARC is unavailable
Optical works when the TV has an optical audio output and the sound system has a compatible optical input. Connect the TV’s optical output to the receiver or soundbar’s optical input, then choose Optical or D.IN on the audio system. In the TV’s Sound Output menu, select Receiver (Optical) or the equivalent option. The TV may detect an optical device automatically, but manual selection can be necessary. Samsung’s Sound Output guidance covers the available options.
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- ONE REMOTE. TOTAL CONTROL: Use your Samsung TV remote to control key soundbar functions, including power, volume and sound effects.
- EXPANDS YOUR LISTENING ZONE SO YOU CAN FEEL THE SOUND ALL AROUND YOU: Experience immersive sound that fills the room. Clear audio is projected in all directions so you can feel the action from every angle.
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Optical is a useful wired fallback, but its format support and control features may differ from HDMI ARC/eARC. Check the manuals for the exact TV and audio system before expecting a specific multichannel format. Some newer Samsung models have a Simultaneous Optical Output setting; if optical is silent, consult the guide for your TV model. Samsung’s audio settings guidance describes model-dependent sound settings.
Consider Bluetooth or Wi-Fi only when supported
On a TV and speaker or soundbar that support Bluetooth pairing, put the audio device in pairing mode, then open Settings > Sound > Sound Output > Bluetooth Speaker List on the TV and select the device. Wi-Fi audio availability and setup depend on the specific models. These wireless choices are model-specific alternatives, not guaranteed ways to get surround sound; check both devices’ manuals for compatibility.
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- MULTI-DIRECTIONAL SPATIAL AUDIO THAT COMES FROM ALL AROUND YOU: Let immersive virtual surround sound draw you in, with spatial audio that moves all around you. Feel at the center of all your movies, shows and games without the need for rear speakers.
- AN EXTRA PUNCH OF BASS FOR SOUND YOU CAN FEEL: Add more excitement with deeper, fuller sound in your favorite heart-pumping, beat-thumping content. Enjoy a rush of extra powerful bass in your favorite movie scenes, trending songs and more.
- OPTIMIZED SOUND FOR EVERY SCENE: Get the optimal listening experience for each scene. The soundbar recognizes the type of content you’re watching and automatically adapts audio settings to produce clear voices and detailed sounds.
- PICK UP EVERY PIECE OF DIALOGUE: Hear voices more clearly with automatically amplified dialogue allowing it to stand out so you don't miss a word, no matter what you're watching.
Choose the connection that fits your equipment
| Connection | What you need | Setup and control considerations | Format considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI ARC/eARC | ARC/eARC ports on both devices and a suitable HDMI cable | Select the TV’s external Sound Output and the matching audio-system input; Anynet+ may be needed. Samsung says its TV remote can control volume and mute on a soundbar connected by ARC. | Depends on the capabilities of both devices and the source path. |
| Optical | Optical output on the TV and optical input on the sound system | Select the optical input and matching TV Sound Output. Samsung says its TV remote can control volume and mute on a soundbar connected by optical; do not assume the same behavior for every receiver. | Supported formats vary; check both manuals. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth support and pairing mode on the TV and audio device | Pair through the TV’s Bluetooth Speaker List. Availability and device behavior vary by model. | Do not assume a surround-sound path; check model specifications. |
| Wi-Fi | Compatible TV and audio device with the required Wi-Fi audio feature | Availability and steps are model-specific. | Check both devices’ specifications. |
For Samsung soundbars connected by HDMI ARC or optical, Samsung says the TV remote can control volume and mute. Optical setup on Samsung soundbars may require Auto Power Link. Remote behavior with other brands’ receivers or soundbars depends on their support. Samsung’s soundbar remote guidance describes these soundbar-specific controls.
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Fix no sound from the TV through the receiver or soundbar
- Check the ports: For HDMI audio return, the cable must connect the ARC/eARC port on each device, not just any HDMI port. Confirm both devices are powered on.
- Check the audio-system input: Choose the corresponding TV ARC/eARC input, or D.IN where applicable. A system set to another source will not play the TV audio.
- Check TV Sound Output: Select the receiver or soundbar rather than the TV speakers.
- Check HDMI control and eARC settings: Enable Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) if needed. If using eARC and the setting exists, set HDMI-eARC Mode to Auto.
- Try a format setting: If available, set Digital Output Audio Format to Auto while diagnosing compatibility.
- Restart and isolate the cable: Restart the TV and audio system. If the problem continues, try a known-working compatible HDMI cable and consult both devices’ model-specific manuals.
Samsung’s ARC connection steps and audio settings guidance provide the relevant model-dependent controls.
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Check the manuals before choosing a surround format
The exact options depend on the Samsung TV and the connected system’s model numbers. Check both manuals for port support, eARC availability, supported audio formats, and wireless compatibility. The connection type alone is not enough to determine which surround formats will work.
Quick Recap
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- EXTRA CLEAR VOICES POWERED BY A DEDICATED CENTER: Hear every word with a dedicated, built-in center channel speaker that enhances dialogue clarity. Plus, feel the power of rumbling bass with a wireless subwoofer.
- MULTI-DIRECTIONAL SPATIAL AUDIO THAT COMES FROM ALL AROUND YOU: Let immersive virtual surround sound draw you in, with spatial audio that moves all around you. Feel at the center of all your movies, shows and games without the need for rear speakers.
- ONE REMOTE. TOTAL CONTROL: Use your Samsung TV remote to control key soundbar functions, including power, volume and sound effects. You can access everything you need with the single remote. Enjoy full control and have one less thing to keep track of.*
- OPTIMIZED SOUND FOR EVERY SCENE: Get the optimal listening experience for each scene. The soundbar recognizes the type of content you’re watching and automatically adapts audio settings to produce clear voices and detailed sounds.
- SEAMLESS SWITCHING: Connect up to two devices to your soundbar, like your smartphone and computer, via Bluetooth and switch between them seamlessly. Play your favorite music from either device without disconnecting.**
Rank #4
- 3D AUDIO WITH BUILT-IN SIDE SPEAKERS THAT FILLS THE ROOM: Put yourself in the heart of the action and get lost in immersive sound with enhanced, built-in side speakers. With five front- and side- firing channels plus a wireless subwoofer, you'll get well-balanced, multidimensional sound.
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- MULTI-DIRECTIONAL SPATIAL AUDIO THAT COMES FROM ALL AROUND YOU: Get drawn into the action of your favorite movie or show with immersive sound that virtually surrounds you. Dolby Audio 5.1 Ch delivers clear dialogue and precise sound, while DTS Virtual:X provides a 3D audio experience, so you can hear sound around you without the need for rear speakers.
- OPTIMIZED SOUND FOR EVERY SCENE: Get the optimal listening experience for each scene. The soundbar recognizes the type of content you’re watching and automatically adapts audio settings to produce clear voices and detailed sounds.
- PICK UP EVERY PIECE OF DIALOGUE: Hear voices more clearly with automatically amplified dialogue - allowing it to stand out so you don't miss a word, no matter what you're watching.
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