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Connect a JBL Bar 2.0 to a TV using HDMI ARC when both devices have ARC ports; use an optical cable if ARC is unavailable or does not work. After connecting, select TV as the soundbar source and set the TV’s audio output to the external sound system if needed.
There are two models: the original JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One and the Bar 2.0 All-in-One MK2. Check the label on your soundbar and use the matching JBL manual for model-specific controls. The MK2 manual says an HDMI cable is included and an optical cable is sold separately.
Connect the soundbar with HDMI ARC
HDMI ARC is the preferred wired option when the TV and soundbar both have the required ports. It carries TV audio to the soundbar and, when HDMI-CEC works on both devices, may let the TV remote control soundbar volume, mute, or power.
- Turn off or mute the TV and soundbar before connecting.
- Connect the soundbar’s HDMI OUT (TV ARC) port to the TV’s HDMI port labeled ARC. If the TV has a dedicated ARC port, an ordinary HDMI input is not a substitute.
- Turn on both devices. In the TV settings, enable HDMI ARC and HDMI-CEC. CEC may appear under a manufacturer-specific name. If required, set the TV’s audio output to an external audio system or soundbar.
- Press the soundbar’s source button or use its remote to select TV, then test the audio and adjust the volume.
JBL’s MK2 manual describes the HDMI connection and directs users to enable HDMI-CEC and ARC. The original model manual identifies the soundbar port as HDMI OUT (TV ARC). See the original Bar 2.0 manual or MK2 manual for the instructions matching your unit.
#1 Best Overall
- Deep bass: Enhance the drama of a tense thriller, feel the roar of your team or sit back with your latest album. The JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One really is all-in-one, with deep bass for your movies and music.
- Surround yourself with sound: JBL Surround Sound instantly brings movies, sports and music to life. Upgrade to an immersive sound experience for your TV without any extra wires or speakers.
- Visit the movies, from your sofa: Get the popcorn ready. Built-in Dolby Digital gives you an authentic cinematic experience right in your home.
- Stream it all: Not in the mood for a film. No problem. With the JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One, you can also enjoy wireless music streaming via Bluetooth from your mobile or tablet.
- Low-profile Design: With a compact, low-profile design, the JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One is designed to fit effortlessly into your life and in front of your TV.
Use optical audio if ARC is unavailable
Optical is a wired alternative when the TV does not have a usable ARC port or HDMI troubleshooting has not resolved the problem. Check that the TV has an optical/digital audio output and the soundbar has an OPTICAL input before obtaining a cable; JBL says the optical cable is sold separately for the MK2.
- Connect the TV’s optical/digital audio output to the soundbar’s OPTICAL input.
- In the TV’s sound settings, choose optical or external audio output if the TV requires a selection.
- Select TV as the source on the soundbar.
- If there is no sound, check that the cable is firmly seated at both ends and consult the TV manual for its supported digital audio output setting.
Both Bar 2.0 model manuals document optical TV audio. Unlike HDMI-CEC, optical does not provide the same TV-to-soundbar control connection, so you may need the soundbar remote. The original model manual also describes a TV-remote learning feature; follow the matching manual for its procedure.
Rank #2
- Deep Bass: Enhance the drama of a tense thriller, feel the roar of your team or sit back with your latest album | Surround Yourself with Sound: Upgrade to an immersive sound experience for your TV without any extra wires or speakers
- Visit The Movies, From Your Sofa: The JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One is a 2-channel soundbar featuring Dolby Digital surround sound and a built-in subwoofer for deep, immersive bass | Stream It All: This soundbar offers wireless Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music from your mobile devices
- 48Gbps Data Rate: Transfers up to 10K Ultra HD video, including 8K/60 and 4K/120 | Solid Long Grain Copper Conductors: All HDMI conductors are Direction-Controlled to effectively drain induced RF noise away
- This Bundle Includes: JBL BAR-2-0-ALL-IN-ONE-MK2 Compact 2ch Soundbar with Dolby Digital (2022) | WireLogic Ruby 8ft Ultra High Speed 4K-8K-10K HDMI Cable w/UHD, HDR, VRR & eARC
Choose the connection that fits your equipment
| Connection | Use it when | TV-remote control | Cable note |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI ARC | The TV has an ARC-labeled HDMI port and the soundbar is connected through HDMI OUT (TV ARC). | HDMI-CEC may allow volume, mute, and power/standby control; behavior depends on TV support and compatibility. | The MK2 manual says an HDMI cable is supplied. |
| Optical | The TV has optical audio out and the soundbar has an OPTICAL input, especially if ARC is unavailable or troubleshooting fails. | Does not carry HDMI-CEC control. Use the soundbar remote or, where supported, the soundbar’s remote-learning feature. | The MK2 manual says the optical cable is sold separately; check both devices’ ports before buying one. |
JBL cautions in the MK2 manual: “Full compatibility with all HDMI-CEC devices is not guaranteed.” Bluetooth is documented for streaming from Bluetooth devices, but the manuals do not establish that every TV can send audio to the soundbar over Bluetooth, so HDMI ARC and optical are the documented wired TV routes.
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Fix common connection problems
No sound over HDMI ARC
- Confirm the cable runs from the TV’s ARC-labeled port to the soundbar’s HDMI OUT (TV ARC) port.
- Check that HDMI ARC and HDMI-CEC are enabled in the TV settings.
- Set the TV audio output to the external sound system or soundbar if that option is available.
- Select TV as the soundbar source.
No sound over optical
- Check that the TV’s optical output connects to the soundbar’s OPTICAL input and that both ends are fully seated.
- Choose optical or external audio output in the TV settings if required.
- Select TV as the soundbar source, and check the TV manual for the supported digital audio output setting.
The TV remote does not control the soundbar
For HDMI, verify that HDMI-CEC is supported and enabled. JBL does not guarantee full compatibility across CEC devices. With optical, HDMI-CEC control is not carried over the cable; use the soundbar remote or consult the original-model manual for its TV-remote learning instructions.
Rank #3
- 450W max output power and punchy bass without a separate subwoofer: Get a truly immersive sound experience from your music, movies, and games with 450 watts of max output power. Feel the thrilling energy of your favorite music and movies from built-in bass ports that pack a powerful punch.
- Dolby Atmos: Hear a plane soar overhead. Feel a crowd swarming past you. Or get carried away by the energy of your go-to dance playlist. Hear extraordinary cinematic sound from all directions with the 3D audio experience of Dolby Atmos.
- MultiBeam 3.0: Wherever you're sitting, you'll be in the middle of the action. Our MultiBeam 3.0 delivers a wide, cinema-like soundstage that makes every high-speed chase or epic fight scene come alive. The sound beams perfectly fill your room, delivering truly immersive, lifelike, and realistic sound reproduction.
- PureVoice 2.0: Never miss a softly spoken line or a whispered plot twist. JBL's own PureVoice 2.0 automatically raises or optimizes the dialogue, based on both ambient sound in the scene and your soundbar's volume. So you'll always hear every word, clearly and consistently, in cinema-quality sound.
- SmartDetails: Hear all the subtleties in a film's sound mix, just like you would in the theater. From a creaking door to a faraway shout, experience every detail the way the filmmakers intended in a clear, balanced sound field, thanks to JBL's own advanced sound enhancement technology.
The TV speakers continue playing
On the original Bar 2.0, JBL instructs users to configure the TV for external speakers and disable its built-in speakers. TV menu labels differ, so consult the TV manual if the relevant setting is not obvious.
The audio and picture are out of sync
The original Bar 2.0 manual documents an audio-sync adjustment. Use the sound-settings section of the manual matching your model and follow its indicator or on-screen procedure.
Rank #4
- Deep Bass: Enhance the drama of a tense thriller, feel the roar of your team or sit back with your latest album | Surround Yourself with Sound: Upgrade to an immersive sound experience for your TV without any extra wires or speakers
- Visit The Movies, From Your Sofa: The JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One is a 2-channel soundbar featuring Dolby Digital surround sound and a built-in subwoofer for deep, immersive bass | Stream It All: This soundbar offers wireless Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music from your mobile devices
- HDMI Connectivity: The HDMI ARC or Optical cable connection is super simple to set up and use | Compact Design: This soundbar is designed to fit into your life!
- This Bundle Includes: JBL BAR-2-0-ALL-IN-ONE-MK2 Compact 2ch Soundbar with Dolby Digital (2022) | 1 Year Amber Protection in Addition to the Included Full 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty. Intended for Residential Use Only. Exclusively Offered by Walt's TV
The connection still does not work
Recheck the selected soundbar source and the TV’s audio-output settings, then consult the TV manual for the available output modes. Menu names and HDMI-CEC behavior depend on the TV’s make, model, and software version.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Deep Bass: Enhance the drama of a tense thriller, feel the roar of your team or sit back with your latest album | Surround Yourself with Sound: Upgrade to an immersive sound experience for your TV without any extra wires or speakers
- Visit The Movies, From Your Sofa: The JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One is a 2-channel soundbar featuring Dolby Digital surround sound and a built-in subwoofer for deep, immersive bass | Stream It All: This soundbar offers wireless Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music from your mobile devices
- HDMI Connectivity: The HDMI ARC or Optical cable connection is super simple to set up and use | Compact Design: This soundbar is designed to fit into your life!
- This Bundle Includes: JBL BAR-2-0-ALL-IN-ONE-MK2 Compact 2ch Soundbar with Dolby Digital (2022) | 2 Year Amber Protection in Addition to the Included Full 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty. Intended for Residential Use Only. Exclusively Offered by Walt's TV
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