iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
For the simplest setup, connect the Samsung Blu-ray player’s HDMI OUT to the TV’s HDMI IN, then select that HDMI input on the TV. To use a receiver, connect the player to a receiver HDMI input and the receiver’s HDMI output to the TV. Use optical or HDMI ARC/eARC when you need a separate audio path; the formats supported depend on the exact player, TV, and audio system.
Choose the connection that fits your equipment
Check the ports on the player, TV, and receiver or soundbar before wiring anything. Samsung Blu-ray models do not all have the same connections; see the Samsung guide to Blu-ray player connections or the manual for your model.
| Connection path | What to connect | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Player directly to TV by HDMI | Player HDMI OUT → TV HDMI IN | The simplest option when the TV handles the picture and sound. |
| Player through receiver or compatible soundbar | Player HDMI OUT → receiver HDMI IN; receiver HDMI OUT → TV HDMI IN | Use this when the receiver or soundbar should handle the player’s audio. |
| Player to TV, with TV audio returned to audio system | Player HDMI OUT → TV HDMI IN; TV audio → receiver/soundbar by optical or ARC/eARC | Useful when you also want TV app audio through the audio system, or the receiver has limited inputs. Confirm compatible ports and routing in the equipment manuals. |
A standard HDMI cable is needed for either HDMI route. Check that the devices have the required ports and choose a cable long enough to reach between them.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Connect the Blu-ray player directly to the TV with HDMI
- Turn off the devices first if convenient.
- Connect one end of an HDMI cable to the player’s HDMI OUT and the other to an HDMI IN on the TV. Samsung’s Blu-ray-to-TV instructions say: “Connect one end of the HDMI video and audio cable to the HDMI OUT on your blu-ray Player.”
- Turn on the TV and player.
- Use the TV’s Source or Input control to select the HDMI port you connected. The port may be labeled with a number, such as HDMI 1 or HDMI 2.
- Play a disc and check for both picture and sound.
HDMI carries both video and audio on this connection, so no separate audio cable is needed for a basic player-to-TV setup.
#1 Best Overall
- Full HD 1080p Playback via HDMI - This Blu-ray player supports full HD 1080p Blu-ray disc playback from its HDMI output
- Built-In Wi-Fi - With built-in Wi-Fi, you can access all your Smart Blu-ray features and apps wirelessly. Sync and stream content to other devices as well, such as PCs, smartphones, tablets and cameras using Samsung AllShare content sharing technology
- DVD Upscaling to Near HD Quality - With HD Upconversion, non-HD video is automatically enhanced to bring it to near-HD quality. You can watch your favorite DVD movies with greater detail and clarity
- HDMI - Connect your TV and audio systems for high quality audio and an enhanced entertainment experience when watching your favorite movies, shows and sports
Connect through a receiver or home theater system
- Connect the Blu-ray player’s HDMI OUT to an HDMI IN on the receiver or compatible soundbar.
- Connect the receiver’s HDMI OUT to an HDMI IN on the TV.
- Select the TV input connected to the receiver, then select the receiver input connected to the Blu-ray player.
- Play a disc and confirm that the TV displays the picture and the audio system plays the sound.
If the picture appears but there is no sound, check the receiver’s selected source and whether it can decode the player’s current audio format. Some setups instead connect the player directly to the TV and send TV audio back to the receiver through ARC/eARC or optical; the TV and audio device must support the chosen return connection.
Use optical, ARC, or eARC for TV audio
Optical audio
Optical can connect a TV to a receiver or soundbar when both have optical ports. Samsung’s optical and ARC guidance describes optical support for PCM, Dolby Digital, or DTS, up to 5.1-channel audio. Optical may not pass higher-bandwidth lossless formats, so it may not suit a system that needs those formats from discs.
Rank #2
- Enjoy Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD as well as DVD discs
- Upscale your DVDs to near HD quality
- Easy set-up with included HDMI cord
- Boot up in less than a second with super quick start mode
- Keep things simple with the new user-friendly interface
Connect the TV’s optical output to the audio system’s optical input, then select the optical input on that system. The TV’s audio-output options and menu labels vary by model.
HDMI ARC and eARC
ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC send sound from the TV back to a connected receiver or soundbar over HDMI. Use the TV and audio-system ports specifically marked ARC or eARC; an ordinary HDMI port is not a substitute. This route can carry sound from TV apps as well as other sources connected to the TV, subject to the devices’ supported formats.
Rank #3
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested & certified to work like-new. The product is backed by a 90 day warranty.
- Preloaded Apps: Netflix, Pandora, YouTube, Vudu, Facebook, CinemaNow, Accuweather, Rhapsody, Flingo, Flickr, Twitter, Hulu Plus, and over 100 more on the Opera Apps Store.
- Wi-Fi Built In: With Built in Wi-Fi, you can access all your Smart Blu-ray features and apps wirelessly.
- Video Upscaling (DVD): With HD Upconversion, DVD video is auto-enhanced to bring you near-HD quality.
- The screen mirroring feature allows you to mirror your phone or other compatible mobile device's screen onto the TVs screen wirelessly.
Samsung’s eARC guidance says compatible Samsung TVs and audio devices can support formats including DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Atmos. This does not mean every Samsung TV, Blu-ray player, or soundbar supports every format: the connected devices and source content must support the format, too. Samsung’s guidance also specifies enabling Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) and setting eARC mode to Auto for the described setup; menu labels can vary by model.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Fix picture or sound problems
No picture
- Confirm the TV is set to the HDMI input used by the player or receiver.
- Check that the cable runs from an HDMI OUT port to an HDMI IN port, and reseat both ends.
- If the player runs through a receiver, verify that the TV is on the receiver’s HDMI input and that the receiver is on the player’s source.
No sound or missing surround audio
- Check that the TV, receiver, or soundbar is set to the input connected to the player or TV audio return.
- Reseat the HDMI or optical cable and verify the output and input ports at both ends.
- Check the player’s digital audio-output setting. For a DTS troubleshooting example, Samsung’s DTS support instructions use Sound > Digital Output > Bitstream (unprocessed) and suggest disabling Secondary Audio when that option is available. The menu path and setting availability vary by model.
- If the receiver cannot decode the selected bitstream format, try a compatible output such as PCM. The appropriate setting depends on the equipment and connection.
- Check the manuals for the exact player, TV, and audio system. Samsung notes that DTS compatibility varies by model; do not assume every Samsung TV supports DTS or every Blu-ray player offers identical audio settings.
For Samsung TV audio-format options, consult Samsung’s guide to changing the audio format.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 4K / UHD Upscale - This 3D Blu-ray player supports full HD 1080p Blu-ray disc playback from its HDMI output, and can also upconvert standard definition DVDs and Blu-ray movies to near 4K quality when used with a 4K television. Color and model may vary.
Rank #4
- HDMI Cable - This unit Includes a 6Ft High Speed HDMI Cable for Superior Conductivity
- Full HD 1080p Playback via HDMI - This Blu-ray player supports full HD 1080p Blu-ray disc playback from its HDMI output
- Ethernet Network Connectivity - An Ethernet port is built into the Blu-ray player for Internet connectivity
- DVD Upscaling to Near HD Quality - With HD Upconversion, non-HD video is automatically enhanced to bring it to near-HD quality. You can watch your favorite DVD movies with greater detail and clarity
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →

