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To connect an older Bose system to a smart TV, match the TV’s audio output to an audio input on the Bose console. If both have optical ports, connect the TV’s optical OUT to the Bose optical IN, then select that Bose input and set the TV to send sound through its optical or external-audio output. The exact method depends on the Bose model and its ports; an HDMI cable alone may not return sound from the TV to every older console.
Check the ports before choosing a cable
“Old Bose system” covers different consoles with different inputs, so identify the exact model and read the labels on both devices before buying anything. Look for audio jacks marked OUT on the TV and IN on the Bose. The direction matters: the TV sends audio out, and the Bose receives it.
- On the TV, check for optical (sometimes labeled Digital Audio Out), coaxial digital audio, RCA stereo audio OUT, or an HDMI port specifically labeled ARC.
- On the Bose console, check for the corresponding audio input and note any source or input-assignment controls.
- Consider where the sound originates: a TV app or antenna, an external device connected to the TV, or a device connected directly to the Bose. An older console may need a separate audio cable to play sound from TV apps or devices routed through the TV.
Use the manual for the exact Bose model to confirm whether its HDMI connection returns TV audio or only handles video and connected sources. Bose’s SoundTouch 520 owner’s guide and SoundTouch 130 owner’s guide describe secondary audio connections for some non-ARC setups; those instructions do not establish that every Bose console has the same ports.
Choose the connection that fits both devices
Optical ports on the TV and Bose
Connect a digital optical audio cable (TOSLINK) from the TV’s optical OUT to the Bose console’s optical IN. Select the Bose source for that input; on some systems, you must assign the input to a remote button or configure it first. In the TV sound menu, choose optical or external audio output, or enable the optical output if the TV requires it.
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Bose’s CineMate 120 connection guidance describes using the matching console input and assigning it when needed. Confirm the procedure against your own model’s manual.
HDMI ARC ports on both devices
If the TV has an HDMI jack labeled ARC and the Bose manual identifies a compatible TV/ARC jack, connect those ports and enable ARC, HDMI-CEC, or external audio as required by the devices. Use the exact Bose manual to identify the correct HDMI jack; not every HDMI port is an ARC port.
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ARC and CEC behavior can vary between brands and models. Bose notes that compatibility problems can cause HDMI audio to fail or work intermittently, and documents optical as an alternative where the necessary ports are available.
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If the Bose console lacks HDMI ARC, or HDMI does not return audio from TV apps or devices connected to the TV, connect a separate audio cable from the TV’s audio OUT to a matching Bose audio IN. Depending on the two models, that may be optical, coaxial digital, or analog stereo. Check the manuals for the required connection and whether the TV’s panel separates audio IN and OUT jacks.
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TV and Bose have different audio formats
If the TV has a digital output but the Bose has only an analog input—or the reverse—a converter may be needed. For example, optical digital OUT to RCA analog IN requires an active digital-to-analog converter; a passive cable cannot perform that conversion. Verify the signal direction and supported audio format in both manuals before choosing one.
Set the TV and Bose inputs
- Connect the cable in the correct direction. Go from the TV audio OUT to the Bose audio IN, or between the documented ARC jacks for an HDMI connection.
- Select the Bose input. Choose the source that corresponds to the connected jack. If the console requires input assignment, follow the model-specific instructions.
- Set the TV’s sound output. In the TV’s sound or audio menu, select optical, ARC, or external audio as appropriate. Menu wording varies by TV; consult its manual if the setting is unclear.
- Play a TV source and check for sound. Test the app, broadcast, or device you intend to use. A connection that plays audio from a device connected directly to the Bose does not necessarily confirm that the TV is returning audio.
Fix missing or intermittent sound
- Confirm the selected Bose source. Make sure the console is set to the input where the TV cable is connected. Check whether that input needs assignment.
- Check the TV output setting. Confirm the TV is sending audio to the connected external output rather than only to its built-in speakers. Bose’s Lifestyle V25 troubleshooting guidance includes checking the TV’s speaker or audio-output setting.
- If ARC/CEC is unreliable, try optical. When both devices have the matching optical ports, connect TV optical OUT to Bose optical IN, select the Bose input, and set the TV’s output accordingly. Bose identifies optical as a fallback for some HDMI-CEC/ARC compatibility problems.
- Check whether your setup needs a second audio cable. Use the Bose manual to verify that HDMI returns audio from the TV on your specific model. Some older systems require a separate optical, coaxial, or analog connection, particularly for TV apps or sources connected to the TV.
- Reseat the cable and test another input if available. Confirm both ends are fully connected, then try another suitable input or cable to help isolate the problem.
What to provide for a model-specific answer
If the ports do not match or the setup remains silent, note the Bose model from the console or system label and list the audio-jack labels on the TV and Bose. Those details determine whether you need a direct cable, a separate TV-audio connection, or a format converter.
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