Samsung TVs can connect to many audio devices, including Vizio soundbars.
And what’s great about it is that you can connect these devices in several ways.
Not to mention that the process is very easy and simple.
Wanna know how to do it? Then…
Read on to learn:
- 26 easy steps to pair your Vizio soundbar to a Samsung TV.
- Why you can’t connect your Vizio soundbar to a Samsung TV.
- Which Samsung TVs and Vizio soundbars support analog audio connections.
- How to connect a Vizio soundbar using HDMI ARC, optical cable, and RCA cables.
- And much, much more…
Can you connect a Vizio soundbar to a Samsung TV?
You can connect your Vizio soundbar to a Samsung TV using the HDMI ARC or optical cable connection. Just make sure that you connect to the right “Audio Out” ports on the TV. Suppose both your soundbar and TV have analog audio input and output ports. You can also pair your devices using RCA cables.
4 methods to connect your Vizio soundbar to your Samsung TV
#1: How to connect Vizio soundbar to Samsung TV using HDMI ARC
Do this when: You want to control your devices using one remote.
The best way to connect your Vizio soundbar to a Samsung TV is via HDMI ARC.
The reason:
HDMI ARC connection provides higher bandwidth. Which allows users to play high-resolution audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos.
Note: On some models, you can find an HDMI eARC port.
It functions similarly to the HDMI ARC. Only that the eARC supports much higher-resolution audio formats like Dolby TrueHD.
And yes, if you have this port on your TV and soundbar, you can use it for much better results.
“Can’t I just connect to a regular HDMI port?”
Regular HDMI ports can only output images and videos.
So, if you want to play the audio from your TV to your soundbar, use an HDMI ARC/ eARC connection.
Another advantage of using an HDMI ARC is that it allows users to control their devices using one remote.
And that’s possible if you enable the CEC control setting on your Samsung TV.
To sum up everything, here’s a short review on HDMI ARC:
Benefits
- Allows HDMI-CEC control.
- Uses just one HDMI cable.
- Support high-resolution audio formats (e.g., Dolby TrueHD).
Downside
- Older TV and soundbar models don’t have HDMI ARC ports.
Step-by-step guide on connecting via HDMI ARC or eARC
Things you should have:
- HDMI 2.0 cable.
- HDMI ARC or eARC port on the TV.
- HDMI ARC or eARC port on the soundbar.
Step 1: Ensure that your devices are powered ON.
The TV display should be playing anything. And the soundbar LED lights should be glowing.
Step 2: Locate the HDMI ARC or eARC port at the back of the soundbar. And connect one end of the HDMI cable to it.
It’s usually on the left side of the port panel, next to other HDMI ports. And has a green lining and a “1(ARC)” label.
Step 3: Search for the TV’s HDMI ARC or eARC port. And connect the other end of the HDMI cable to it.
Look for a port with an “HDMI 2 (ARC)” label or similar.
Step 4: Enable the HDMI ARC or eARC setting on the TV.
Using a remote, go to Settings>Sound>Expert Settings>HDMI ARC mode.
Once you’re there, press ENTER on the remote. And then select “ON” or “Auto.”
Step 5: Change the TV audio output to “HDMI.”
First, go back to the “Sound” settings by pressing the RETURN button on the remote once.
Then, on that page, Click Sound Output>HDMI.
Step 6: Change the soundbar input source to “HDMI.”
Usually, your TV should be able to detect your soundbar once you’ve changed its sound output to HDMI.
But just to be sure, you should also adjust the input source of your soundbar.
To do that, press the INPUT icon on the soundbar. It’s next to the POWER button. Then, wait for the indicator lights to flash. This indicates that the device is in “Auto Input Search.”
Note: The process is done once the lights become steady.
Learn more: Why is my Vizio soundbar blinking up and down?
#2: How to connect Vizio soundbar to Samsung TV using Optical cable
Do this when: Your devices don’t have an HDMI ARC port. Or if you have another device plugged into the HDMI ARC port.
Before HDMI ARC or eARC, users mostly used an optical cable to connect their audio devices to their TVs.
Since it outputs a decent quality of audio. Plus, it’s very easy to connect and compatible with most devices.
Unlike other cables, the strands of an optical cable are made of glass. Which makes it prone to electromagnetic interference.
Meaning, you can expect longer and uninterrupted streaming.
Here’s a summary of the features of an optical cable connection:
Benefits
- Uses just one lightweight cable.
- Prone to connection interference.
- Most devices have an optical cable port.
Downsides
- Don’t support HDMI-CEC control.
- Don’t support some high-resolution audio formats.
- The cable is prone to damage since it’s comparably thinner.
Step-by-step guide on connecting via Optical cable
Here are the things you need:
- Optical audio cable.
- Optical audio out port on the TV.
- Optical audio in port on the soundbar.
Note: On some models, the optical port is labeled as “TOSLINK” or “SPDIF.”
Step 1: Turn ON the soundbar and TV.
Step 2: Find the soundbar’s optical cable port. Search for a boxy port with an irregular-shaped socket.
It’s usually next to or under the AV ports (colored round ports). And has an “Optical” label above or under it.
Step 3: Put one end of the optical cable on it.
You may notice that the optical port is “close” since it has a cover. But you don’t have to pull out the cover. As it’ll open once you insert the optical cable into it.
Step 4: Locate the TV’s optical cable port.
Just search for a similar-looking port that has a “Digital Audio Out (Optical)” label.
Step 5: Connect the remaining end of the optical cable to it.
The cable is properly seated on the port if you can’t easily pull it out.
Step 6: Change the TV audio output to “Optical.”
Using a TV remote, visit the settings page. Then, select Sound>Sound Output>Optical.
Step 7: Put the soundbar into “Auto Input Search.”
To ensure that the devices will connect, adjust the input setting of your soundbar.
You can simply press the INPUT button on the device. Or press “INPUT” on the soundbar remote.
You might also want to know: 9 Steps To Fix Vizio Soundbar Bluetooth Pairing Problems
#3: How to connect Vizio soundbar to Samsung TV using RCA cables
Do this when: Your Samsung TV has analog audio input ports. And your Vizio soundbar has analog audio output ports.
RCA to RCA cable is one of the oldest types of audio connection.
Note: However, most latest smart TVs and soundbars don’t support an RCA cable connection.
So, this may not work on other Samsung TVs and Vizio soundbars.
Here are some old Samsung TV models that have analog audio output ports:
- LE46B550.
- LE40B551A6W.
- LE32B554M2W.
- LE32B550A5PXZG.
- And other similar models.
And here are some Vizio soundbar models that have analog audio input ports:
- SB3820-C6.
- S4251W-B4.
- And other similar models.
A quick rundown on RCA to RCA cable connection:
Benefits
- Offers reliable connection.
- Easy to install due to color-coded cables.
Downsides
- Don’t support high-resolution audio formats.
- If one cable gets damaged, the whole set will fail to work.
- Latest TV and soundbar models don’t have RCA cable ports.
Step-by-step guide on connecting via RCA cables
To start, make sure to have the following:
- RCA to RCA cable.
- Analog audio output ports on the TV.
- Analog audio input ports on the soundbar.
Step 1: Make sure that your soundbar and TV are plugged in and powered ON.
Step 2: Locate the analog audio input ports on the soundbar.
Look for white and red round ports that are next to each other. The red one has an “R” label, and the white one has an “L” label.
There’s also an “AUX (1)” label between these two analog ports.
Step 3: Inset one set of the RCA cable to the input ports.
Plug the red cable to the red port. And the white cable to the white port.
Plus, ensure that the cables are properly seated. You shouldn’t be able to unplug them easily.
Step 4: Look for the analog audio output ports on the TV.
There are several rounded ports on a Samsung TV that look like a typical analog port. So, you may easily get confused.
But make sure to search for the ports with an “Audio Out” label. Otherwise, your connection won’t work.
Step 5: Plug the other set of RCA cables into the soundbar.
Again, make sure to follow the color-coded system.
Step 6: Change the soundbar’s input source to “AUX.”
Press the INPUT button on the device to get your soundbar into “Auto Input Search.”
Or if you have a Vizio soundbar with a display…
Press the INPUT button. Then, press the left and right arrows until you find “AUX.”
Step 7: Turn off the TV speakers.
Using the soundbar remote, press MENU. Then click Audio>TV Speakers>Off.
Do you need more help connecting your Vizio soundbar to Samsung TV via RCA cables (or optical)? Then, watch this video:
#4: How to connect Vizio soundbar to Samsung TV using a 3.5 mm to RCA cable
Do this when: Your Samsung TV has analog audio output ports. But your Vizio soundbar only has a headphone jack port.
This works similarly with method #3. Expect that instead of using analog audio input ports on the soundbar, you’ll use the 3.5 mm jack port.
Here are some Vizio soundbar models with a 3.5 mm AUX port:
- SB3830-D0.
- S4251w-B4.
- SB3820-C6.
- SB4551-D5.
- SB36512-F6.
- SB2020n-G6.
- And other similar models.
Here are some of the features of the 3.5 mm to RCA connection:
Benefits
- Most soundbar models have a 3.5 mm jack port.
- Has lesser cable than the RCA-to-RCA connection.
Downsides
- Don’t support high-resolution audio formats.
- Most smart TVs today don’t have analog audio output ports.
Step-by-step guide on connecting via a 3.5 mm to RCA cable
What you’d need to create the connection:
- 3.5 mm to RCA cable.
- Analog audio input ports on the TV.
- 3.5 mm AUX port on the soundbar.
Step 1: Power ON your Samsung TV and Vizio soundbar.
Step 2: Locate the 3.5 mm AUX port on the soundbar.
Look for a round port with an “AUX (1)” label.
If your device model also has analog ports, the 3.5 mm port should be right above or below it.
Step 3: Plug the 3.5 mm jack into the AUX port.
Step 4: Look for the analog audio output ports on the TV.
Step 5: Insert the RCA cables on it.
Make sure to follow the red-to-red and white-to-white connection setup.
Step 6: Adjust the input source of the soundbar.
Either press the INPUT button on the device or the soundbar remote.
Further reading: 3 Ways To Connect Vizio Soundbar To TV In Seconds
Why won’t my Vizio soundbar work with my Samsung TV?
Your Vizio soundbar won’t work with your Samsung TV because the devices don’t have compatible ports. Or you haven’t changed the TV’s audio output and the soundbar’s input source yet.
Additionally, it’ll also not work if the:
- Port and cable are faulty.
- Cable is inserted into the wrong port.
- Cable is plugged into the TV’s “Audio In” port.
Your TV and soundbar have several cable ports. But not all of them can be used to connect your devices.
On most of the latest models, you can only connect a Vizio soundbar to a Samsung TV using:
- HDMI ARC.
- Optical cable.
Unless both your devices have analog audio ports for RCA cables…
That’s the only time you can connect them using an RCA-to-RCA or 3.5 mm to RCA cable.
Note: For the RCA cable connection to work, the analog ports on the TV must have an “Audio Out” label.
Otherwise, your soundbar won’t output audio from the TV.