Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallStart with the ports. If the TV and soundbar both have matching HDMI ARC or eARC ports, use one HDMI cable between them. If not, use optical; Bluetooth and analog connections are model-dependent alternatives.
Use HDMI ARC or eARC if your TV and soundbar both have matching ARC/eARC ports. Connect the TV’s HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC to the soundbar’s HDMI port labeled HDMI OUT, TV OUT, ARC, or eARC. Then select the corresponding input on both devices and set the TV to use external speakers.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If ARC/eARC is unavailable, use an optical cable. Bluetooth can work when both devices support Bluetooth audio, while RCA or 3.5 mm analog audio is a legacy fallback.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Check the ports before connecting anything
Look at the labels beside the ports on the back or side of both devices. The labels matter more than the connector’s shape.
#1 Best Overall
- Top Technology--8K@60HZ: This 8K Ultra-High Speed 2.1 HDMI Cable uses the most cutting-edge technology, which is compatible with 8K@60HZ,4K@240HZ and 4K@120HZ clearly displays every particle, and accurately processes every signal source.
- Upgrade Revolution: Highwings Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable 2.1 8K supports 48Gbps (6GB/s) which can will no longer be stuck or dropped frames when watching video. It is also backward compatible with HDMI 2.0b/2.0a/1.4/1.3/1.2/1.1 versions.
- For Game Enthusiasts: This 8K Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable 2.1 can achieve a super smooth picture of 4K@120HZ. Its latest game mode supports variable refresh rate, maximizes the value of the graphics card and CPU to obtain a smoother and more detailed picture.
- Reinforced high-quality materials: This 8K HDMI Cord uses Highwings' most popular classic style. The tail's anti-bending design has been upgraded to make it more durable. The military grade tensile nylon material also greatly extends its life.
- The ultimate perfectionist: Highwings every parts of the cable has been put through rigorous the performance tests in the laboratory. After we've combined every flawless part into a perfect 8K cable and it can be presented to you.
| What you find | Best connection | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI ARC/eARC on both devices | HDMI ARC/eARC | TV: HDMI IN labeled ARC/eARC; soundbar: HDMI OUT or TV OUT labeled ARC/eARC |
| Optical output on the TV and optical input on the soundbar | Optical/Toslink | TV: Optical Out; soundbar: Optical In |
| Bluetooth audio on both devices | Bluetooth | The soundbar must support Bluetooth pairing as an audio receiver, and the TV must support Bluetooth audio output |
| RCA or 3.5 mm audio output on the TV and a matching input on the soundbar | Analog audio | Confirm that the TV connection is an audio output, not a headphone-only or composite-video connector |
An ordinary HDMI port is not automatically an audio-return port. For HDMI soundbar setup, the TV port must specifically say ARC or eARC. Do not connect the soundbar to an ordinary TV HDMI input and expect the TV’s audio to travel back to it.
Option 1: Connect with HDMI ARC or eARC
HDMI ARC/eARC is generally the best first choice when both devices support it. One HDMI cable carries the TV audio to the soundbar, and compatible equipment may also coordinate volume and power through HDMI-CEC. The exact feature set depends on the TV, soundbar, source device, settings, and supported audio formats.
What you need
- A TV with an HDMI input labeled ARC or eARC.
- A soundbar with an HDMI port labeled HDMI OUT, TV OUT, ARC, or eARC.
- An appropriate HDMI cable.
If you need one, an HDMI ARC cable is the natural accessory for this setup. Verify the ARC/eARC labels on both devices first: a cable cannot add ARC or eARC to equipment that does not support it, and the cable label alone does not guarantee every eARC audio format.
Connection steps
- Turn off the TV and soundbar, or leave them on if the manufacturer permits hot-plugging.
- Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the TV’s HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC.
- Plug the other end into the soundbar’s HDMI port labeled HDMI OUT, TV OUT, ARC, or eARC. Do not use an ordinary HDMI input on the soundbar if it has a separate TV OUT/ARC connection.
- Turn on the TV and soundbar.
- Use the soundbar remote or its controls to select ARC, eARC, TV ARC, or D.IN, depending on the model.
- Open the TV’s sound settings and choose External Speakers, Audio System, HDMI ARC/eARC, or the equivalent option.
- If required, enable HDMI-CEC. Manufacturers use different names for this feature; Samsung, for example, calls it Anynet+.
- Play a TV channel or app and raise the volume using the TV remote.
If the TV offers an eARC setting, enable eARC only when both the TV and soundbar support eARC and the rest of the system supports the desired source format. eARC has greater bandwidth than standard ARC, but it does not make an eARC-compatible system out of non-eARC equipment.
Rank #2
- 【HDMI 2.1 Certification】Only 1% of HDMI cables on the market have passed HDMI 2.1 certification. Scan with the QR code Scanner app for erification
- 【Immersive Audio-Visual Experiences】Immerse yourself in cutting-edge audio formats like DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, backed by enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC/ARC) support (Note: Please ensure both your input and output sources have HDMI eARC/ARC labeling (e.g., TV and soundbar). If the eARC function is not enabled, please activate it manually)
- 【Dolby Vision Experience】Elevate your viewing experience with dynamic HDR and Dolby Vision, revealing nuanced brightness and darkness for a cinematic adventure right in your living room. *Please select an HDMI interface with ARC/eARC labels and actively enable ARC/eARC function in the audio settings of devices.
- 【Exclusive "E-Braid" Technology】Experience unprecedented durability with our unique double-layer fishnet winding and nylon braiding techniques. Copper cores and ferrite magnetic beads ensure uninterrupted signals, eliminating black screens and flickering
- 【120Hz/144Hz Gaming Excellence】Elevate your gaming experience with smooth 4K@120Hz gameplay for PS5 and Xbox, and ultra-responsive 4K@144Hz for PC. Whether you’re pushing your console or PC to the limit, enjoy unparalleled performance across all platforms(Requires game to support 4K@120Hz). Note: High refresh rate requires devices to support HDMI 2.1 standard. Meanwhile, please manually adjust the resolution and refresh rate of the device in advance.
Option 2: Connect with an optical cable
Optical is the main wired fallback when ARC/eARC is unavailable but both devices have compatible optical ports. It is especially useful with older TVs and soundbars.
What you need
- A TV with an optical digital audio output.
- A soundbar with an optical digital audio input.
- A digital optical, or Toslink, cable.
A digital optical audio cable is appropriate only when the TV has Optical Out and the soundbar has Optical In. Match the ports rather than assuming that every small, square-looking connector is interchangeable.
Connection steps
- Remove any protective caps from the ends of the optical cable.
- Connect the TV’s Optical Out to the soundbar’s Optical In.
- Select Optical, D.IN, or the model’s equivalent input on the soundbar.
- Open the TV sound settings and select Optical, External Speakers, or the corresponding digital-audio output option.
- Play audio and adjust the volume.
Optical can provide reliable digital audio, but it does not provide every HDMI feature. Power interlocking, TV-remote volume control, and other HDMI-CEC functions may not work through optical alone. Supported formats also depend on the particular TV, soundbar, and source.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Option 3: Connect wirelessly with Bluetooth
Bluetooth is convenient when both devices support Bluetooth audio, but it is model-dependent and should not be treated as a universal replacement for HDMI ARC/eARC.
Rank #3
- Superior Display, Swift Connectivity: Elevate your viewing experience to unparalleled clarity with 8K@60Hz, and enjoy smoother visuals and reduced lag with support for 4K@120Hz and 4K@60Hz.
- Quick and Seamless Video Transfer: With the latest HDMI technology, stream or transfer videos without interruptions, and witness the power of up to 48 Gbps in bandwidth, ensuring consistently clear content.
- Lasts Longer, Performs Stronger: This cable is designed to withstand up to 1,000 bends throughout its lifespan, meaning fewer replacements and continuous peace of mind.
- One Cable, Many Solutions: Whether you're connecting tablets, laptops, HDMI devices, projectors, or desktop screens, this cable effortlessly connects them all.
- What You Get: HDMI Cable (6 ft, 8K), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Put the soundbar into Bluetooth pairing mode. This may require pressing a Bluetooth or Source button, or holding a button until the display shows BT PAIRING.
- On the TV, open Settings, then look under Sound, Audio Output, Bluetooth Devices, or External Devices. Menu names vary by manufacturer and model.
- Select the soundbar from the list of available Bluetooth devices.
- Confirm pairing and select the soundbar as the TV’s audio output.
- Switch the soundbar to its Bluetooth input if it does not change automatically.
Check the manuals for automatic reconnection behavior, supported Bluetooth profiles, possible audio delay, and format limitations. A TV may have Bluetooth for headphones or a remote without supporting Bluetooth audio output to a soundbar.
Option 4: Use RCA or 3.5 mm analog audio
Analog is a legacy fallback for equipment without ARC/eARC or optical. Some TVs provide red-and-white RCA audio outputs; others provide a 3.5 mm stereo output. The soundbar must have a matching analog input, or the cable must use the correct adapter arrangement for the specific devices.
- Confirm that the TV port is an audio output.
- Connect the TV’s red-and-white RCA output to the soundbar’s matching left/right input, or connect the TV’s 3.5 mm output to the soundbar’s compatible analog input.
- Select AUX, Analog, or the equivalent soundbar source.
- Set the TV to external speakers or its analog audio output, if that option is available.
Do not mistake a composite-video connector for an audio output, and do not assume that a headphone jack has the same behavior as a fixed-level line output. The exact volume controls and audio quality depend on the equipment.
Recommended Free Tools
What to do when there is no sound
Work through these checks in order before buying a new soundbar or converter.
Rank #4
- Top Technology----8K@60HZ: This 8K Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable uses the most cutting-edge technology, is compatible with 8K@60HZ and 4K@120HZ, clearly displays every particle, and accurately processes every signal source.
- Upgrade Revolution: Highwings Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable supports 48Gbps (6GB/s) which can will no longer be stuck or dropped frames when watching video. It is also backward compatible with HDMI 2.0b/2.0a/1.4/1.3/1.2/1.1 versions.
- For Game Enthusiasts: This 8K Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable can achieve a super smooth picture of 4K@120HZ. Its latest game mode supports variable refresh rate, maximizes the value of the graphics card and CPU to obtain a smoother and more detailed picture.
- Reinforced high-quality materials: This 8K HDMI Cord uses Highwings' most popular classic style. The tail's anti-bending design has been upgraded to make it more durable. The military grade tensile nylon material also greatly extends its life.
- Clear Size Information: This HDMI cable has a total length of 14.76ft (450cm) and a middle cable length of 14.4ft (439cm). Please note that the cable is relatively short, making it ideal for devices that are placed close to each other, such as connecting a laptop to a nearby monitor or a game console to a TV in a compact space
- Confirm playback. Make sure the TV and soundbar are powered on and that the TV is actually playing content with audible audio.
- Check both ends of the cable. With HDMI, verify TV ARC/eARC to soundbar HDMI OUT/TV OUT ARC/eARC. With optical, verify TV Optical Out to soundbar Optical In.
- Choose the correct soundbar source. Try the input labeled ARC, eARC, TV ARC, D.IN, Optical, AUX, or Bluetooth as appropriate.
- Change the TV speaker output. Select External Speakers, Audio System, HDMI ARC/eARC, Optical, or the model-specific equivalent instead of the built-in TV speakers.
- Check HDMI-CEC for ARC. Enable the TV’s HDMI-CEC feature if ARC is not being detected. The setting may have a brand-specific name.
- Reseat the cable. Remove and reconnect both ends. Optical connectors have protective caps that must be removed, and the connector should slide in without force.
- Try another compatible cable. A different HDMI cable can help determine whether the original cable is preventing ARC from switching correctly. A cable replacement will not solve a missing or incompatible ARC/eARC port.
- Restart the equipment. Turn off the TV and soundbar, disconnect power briefly, reconnect them, and test again. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions if they specify a different reset sequence.
- Test the port or device. If available, try another compatible cable, another ARC-equipped TV, or another sound source. This helps isolate a faulty cable, TV port, or soundbar.
- Check the manuals. Source names, menu paths, HDMI-CEC settings, supported formats, and pairing procedures vary by model.
Common compatibility mistakes
- Using the wrong HDMI port: the TV connection must be labeled ARC/eARC; an ordinary HDMI input is not sufficient.
- Using the wrong soundbar HDMI socket: connect to HDMI OUT or TV OUT ARC/eARC, not an unrelated HDMI input.
- Expecting a cable to add features: HDMI and optical cables carry signals; they do not add ARC, eARC, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Bluetooth, or HDMI-CEC support that the devices lack.
- Assuming every soundbar has Bluetooth: wireless features are optional and model-specific.
- Assuming optical is always inferior: it can be a dependable solution, though it may not support HDMI-dependent control features or every audio format.
- Ignoring the complete signal path: eARC capabilities depend on the TV, soundbar, cable, connected source, settings, and content—not simply on the word “eARC” printed on a cable.
Buying checklist
Identify the ports first, then buy only what matches them:
- For HDMI: confirm ARC/eARC on the TV and a matching HDMI OUT/TV OUT ARC/eARC port on the soundbar.
- For optical: confirm Optical Out on the TV and Optical In on the soundbar.
- For analog: confirm the connector type and that the TV port is an audio output.
- For Bluetooth: confirm that both devices support Bluetooth audio, not merely Bluetooth for a remote or other accessory.
- For replacement remotes: match the exact soundbar model number. A model-specific replacement soundbar remote may help when the original remote is missing and you need to select D.IN, ARC, optical, or Bluetooth mode, but a generic remote should not be assumed compatible.
An HDMI audio extractor or digital audio converter is an advanced option only for unusual combinations of ports. It is not a default fix: compatibility can depend on the exact inputs and outputs, HDCP behavior, audio formats, and whether the TV’s available connection is an input or output. Verify the complete model-specific setup before purchasing one.
Which connection should you choose?
Choose HDMI ARC/eARC when both devices support it. Choose optical when ARC/eARC is unavailable but matching optical ports are present. Choose Bluetooth for a cable-free setup when both devices explicitly support TV-to-soundbar audio pairing. Use RCA or 3.5 mm only when the equipment’s available outputs and inputs leave no better wired option.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any HDMI port on my TV?
No. The TV’s HDMI port must specifically be labeled ARC or eARC, and the soundbar must use its HDMI OUT or TV OUT ARC/eARC port. An ordinary HDMI input does not automatically send TV audio back to the soundbar.
Best Value
- 【HDMI 2.1 Certification】Only 1% of HDMI cables on the market have passed HDMI 2.1 certification. Scan with the QR code Scanner app for verification
- 【120Hz/144Hz Gaming Excellence】Elevate your gaming experience with smooth 4K@120Hz gameplay for PS5 and Xbox, and ultra-responsive 4K@144Hz for PC. Whether you’re pushing your console or PC to the limit, enjoy unparalleled performance across all platforms(Requires game to support 4K@120Hz)
- 【Exclusive "E-Braid" Technology】Experience unprecedented durability with our unique double-layer fishnet winding and nylon braiding techniques. Copper cores and ferrite magnetic beads ensure uninterrupted signals, eliminating black screens and flickering
- 【HDMI 2.1-48Gbps Bandwidth】Unleash the full potential of your devices with lightning-fast data transfer rates, ensuring seamless connectivity for all your high-definition needs
- 【Next-Level Resolution Support】Dive into the future with support for mind-blowing resolutions, including 10K 8K@60Hz, 12-bit; 5K@120Hz/90Hz, 12-bit; 4K@144Hz/120Hz, 12-bit; and 2K@240Hz/165Hz
Does optical work without HDMI ARC?
Yes, if the TV has an optical digital audio output and the soundbar has an optical input. Connect TV Optical Out to soundbar Optical In, select Optical or D.IN on the soundbar, and choose the corresponding external-audio setting on the TV.
Can Bluetooth connect automatically?
It may, but automatic reconnection depends on the TV and soundbar models. Bluetooth audio support is not universal, and some devices use Bluetooth for remotes or headphones without supporting TV audio output to a soundbar.
Why is there no sound from my soundbar?
Usually the cause is an incorrect port, wrong soundbar source, or the TV still using its internal speakers. Check TV ARC/eARC to soundbar HDMI OUT/TV OUT, select ARC/eARC or D.IN, choose external speakers in the TV settings, reseat the cable, and try another compatible cable.
The Bottom Line
The port labels determine the connection: HDMI ARC/eARC first, optical second, Bluetooth when supported, and analog only as a legacy fallback. If there is no sound, check the physical port path, select the matching soundbar input, and set the TV to external audio before replacing equipment.
Quick Recap
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.
