Sony Support

Article ID : 00281545 / Last Modified : 02/01/2024Print

Connecting a BRAVIA TV with a Soundbar and another input device using an optical digital audio cable

    How to connect your TV with a Soundbar and another input device (Blu-ray player, CATV tuner, game console, etc.) not compatible with eARC or ARC connection, using an optical digital audio cable and HDMI cables.

    Notes:

    • If your TV and Soundbar have an HDMI terminal marked as eARC/ARC or ARC, we recommend connecting the TV to the other devices using only an HDMI cable.
    • The terminal locations will differ depending on your Soundbar; refer to the operating instructions for more information. Manuals, Specifications, and Warranty information for your Sony product are available online.
    • Depending on the model, switching the Soundbar settings to TV may be necessary after connecting. For details on operating your Soundbar system, refer to its instructions.
    • If the Soundbar comes with a Subwoofer, avoid leaving items on top of the Subwoofer. Since the Subwoofer produces vibrations, any items placed on top of it may fall.

    Sound Bar + TV + Another Audio device

    1. Connect the TV, Soundbar, and external input device with optical digital audio and HDMI cables

    Connect your TV to the Soundbar with an optical digital audio cable. If you want to adjust the volume of the Soundbar with the BRAVIA TV remote control, connect it with an HDMI cable.

    1. Use an optical digital audio cable to connect the TV's Optical OUT terminal and the Soundbar's Optical IN terminal.
    2. Use an HDMI cable to connect the HDMI IN terminals of the TV and the HDMI OUT terminals of the external input device.
    3. If you want to adjust the volume of the Soundbar with the BRAVIA TV remote control, use an HDMI cable to connect the HDMI IN terminals of the TV and the HDMI OUT terminals of the Soundbar.
      Conection of TV, Soundbar, and another device with an optical digital audio and HDMI cable.
      • A: Soundar
      • B: HDMI cable (included with the Sound Bar or optional)
      • C: External input device (e.g., Blu-ray player, CATV tuner, Game console)
      • D: HDMI cable (not supplied)
      • E: Optical digital audio cable (not supplied)

    2. Set BRAVIA TV settings to output the sound from the Soundbar


    1. Go to the Settings screen on the TV.
      • If the remote control has a Quick Settings (spanner or gear) button, press the Quick Settings button and select Settings.
      • If the remote control does not have a Quick Settings (spanner or gear) button, press the HOME button → select Settings.
    2. Select Display & Sound → Audio output → Speakers → Audio system.
    3. Select your favorite program or external input with the TV remote control, and check if the sound is output from the Soundbar.

    Hint:

    • When there is audio delay: If the sound of the connected device (Blu-ray Disc player, gaming console, etc.) is delayed with the above connection, it may be improved by changing the TV settings. For details, refer to the article When the Soundbar is connected to the TV, the sound of other connected devices (Blu-ray Disc™ player, Gaming console, etc.) is delayed. If the issue persists after changing the settings, try the following connection method.

    • When no audio is output depending on the audio format / When there is audio delay: If your Soundbar has an HDMI IN terminal, you can connect the external input device (Blu-ray Disc player, gaming console, etc.) directly to the Soundbar instead of the TV.

      1. Use an optical digital audio cable to connect the Optical IN terminal of the Soundbar and the Optical OUT terminal of the TV.
      2. Use an HDMI cable to connect the HDMI OUT terminal of the Soundbar and the other end to the HDMI IN terminal of the TV.
      3. Use another HDMI cable to connect the HDMI IN terminal of the Soundbar to the HDMI OUT terminal of the external input device.
        Connection of TV, Soundbar, and another device with an optical digital audio and HDMI cable.
        • A: Soundbar
        • B: Optical digital audio cable (not supplied)
        • C: HDMI cable (included with the Soundbar, or optional)
        • D: External input device (e.g., Blu-ray player, CATV tuner, Game console)
        • E: HDMI cable (not supplied)

    • Expected points with this connection:

      • Even if the TV does not support eARC, you may be able to output a higher quality audio format (such as Dolby Atmos) played on an external device with the Soundbar.
        * The supported audio formats differ depending on the audio device. Please check the Soundbar instruction manual or the manufacturer's specification page.
      • If you connect an external device and Soundbar to your TV, and the Soundbar sounds are delayed relative to the video, the symptom may improve.

    • Notes with this connection:

      • Audio from system sounds and audio responses is not output.
      • For TVs with a built-in MIC, may degrade the voice recognition performance of the MIC.