You might be confused right now…
You’re aware that there are many ways to connect your Vizio soundbar to your TV.
So, what option to choose?
But first, what’s the best one for your devices?
And how can you set them up as fast as possible?
Just…
Continue reading to find out:
- 3 easy ways to connect Vizio soundbar to TV in seconds.
- A wireless alternative way to link your soundbar to your TV.
- 11 helpful steps on how to set up your devices using an HDMI cable.
- 3 possible reasons why your Vizio soundbar won’t connect to your TV.
- And so much more…
How to connect Vizio soundbar to TV?
To connect the Vizio soundbar to the TV, you can use an audio cable. Say, an HDMI ARC, SPDIF, or RCA. These usually come with your Vizio soundbar. So check its packaging and choose the one that’s most recommended or convenient for you. But if you want a wireless connection, go for Bluetooth instead.
3 ways to connect Vizio soundbar to TV
#1: Connect Vizio soundbar to TV with HDMI ARC
Among these methods, using an HDMI ARC cable is usually considered the best option.
Why?
- It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
- It sends quality audio from your TV to your soundbar.
- It provides a digital multi-channel surround effect as well.
- It allows you to control your TV and soundbar using one remote.
So connecting using an HDMI cable will be the most convenient for this situation.
What to do?
Before plugging the HDMI ARC cable in, take note of these things first:
- Check your TV and soundbar audio ports.
- Look if they have the same ones (e.g., HDMI, SPDIF, RCA).
- Turn both your devices off before connecting them to each other.
Once you’re done with these, you can now go to the actual procedure:
Step 1: Get the HDMI cable.
Step 2: Find the HDMI OUT port of your soundbar.
This might be labeled with “HDMI OUT (eARC)” and “TO TV.”
Once you’ve found it…
Step 3: Plug one end of the cable to the HDMI OUT port of your soundbar.
Step 4: Connect the other end of the cable to your TV’s HDMI port.
Unlike in your Vizio soundbar, this is usually marked with “HDMI 1 (ARC).”
By doing this, you’ll allow your TV to transmit audio signals to your speaker.
Note: This will not work if the HDMI ARC cable is plugged into the wrong port. So double-check the connections.
Also, make sure they’re inserted in the ports I mentioned above.
Next…
Step 5: Plug in your soundbar to a power source.
- Get the power adapter included in your Vizio package.
- Connect it to your soundbar.
- Plug the cord into a power source.
- Press the “Power” button to turn your soundbar on.
Step 6: Set “HDMI” as the input method of your soundbar.
To change this, press the “INPUT” button on your Vizio soundbar remote. Then select “HDMI” as the new input.
After this, get your TV remote and…
Step 7: Press the “Menu” button and go to “Settings.”
Step 8: Find and select “Audio” from the options.
Step 9: Change the setting to “Bitstream.”
Click “Digital Audio Out/Setting.” Then set it to “Bitstream.”
Note: If you can’t see these options on your TV, refer to your manual instead. Look for similar settings and follow the instructions.
Now, if you want to control both your TV and soundbar with one remote, do the next step.
If not, you can skip this and you’re done setting up your devices.
Step 10: Enable CEC and ARC (SAC) on your TV.
How?
- Go back to the “Settings” menu.
- Select “System.”
- Click “CEC” and “ARC” and make sure that they’re activated.
“What are CEC and ARC?” you might ask.
“CEC” means Consumer Electronics Control.
This lets you operate all connected devices to your TV.
So you can control your Vizio soundbar by using the TV remote. This includes functions such as:
- Mute.
- Power.
- Volume control.
Whereas “ARC” means Audio Return Channel.
A regular HDMI cable can only send video contents to a device. But what separates HDMI ARC is that it could also transmit audio – and with good quality as well.
This is why it’s usually the most recommended method if you want to connect your TV to a soundbar.
Then, the last step…
Step 11: Select “Device Discovery.”
Lastly, while on the CEC menu, click the “Device Discovery” option.
This is to pair your Vizio soundbar with your TV.
Follow all the instructions that’ll show up. And wait for the process to be finished.
Note: The settings “CEC” and “ARC” may have different names in other TV models. So it’s best to check your manual for verification.
“Do Vizio soundbars come with an HDMI cable?”
Some models may not include this in their package.
But others usually come with this, such as the Vizio 5.1 Channel V-Series.
If yours doesn’t have this, you can get it on Amazon – check out this link.
#2: Connect Vizio soundbar to TV with SPDIF cable
Now, if you don’t have an HDMI cable, this is another great option.
“What’s a SPDIF cable?”
Sony/Philips Digital Interface cable a.k.a. SPDIF sends audio signals using a cable out of plastic fibers.
And this is typically recommended for short distances.
In terms of quality, HDMI provides better audio.
But, SPDIF is regarded as a better option than RCA (we’ll get to this later.) This is based on Vizio soundbar’s manual.
So if using an HDMI cable isn’t possible, then this is your best bet.
What to do?
Step 1: Plug one end of your SPDIF cable into your TV.
This is usually labeled with “OPTICAL” or “DIGITAL AUDIO OUT.”
Also, it’s box-shaped and has a plastic covering to prevent dirt from coming inside.
But you don’t need to remove it before plugging the cable in.
Simply insert the end of the SPDIF cable with a light push. Then you’ll know if it’s plugged correctly if it snapped in place.
Note: Make sure you’ve already taken off the protective film on both ends of your SPDIF cable.
Step 2: Insert the other end of the cable into your soundbar.
In Vizio soundbars, the optical port is located under the 3.5mm RCA jack.
Also, it has the same appearance as the TV’s optical port. So it’ll be easy to spot.
Step 3: Turn your Vizio soundbar on.
Plug your soundbar into a power outlet. Then switch on your TV as well if it’s not turned on yet.
Step 4: Make “SPDIF/Optical/Toslink” your default soundbar input.
To do this, press the “Input” button on your Vizio remote.
Then set the default option to any of these: “SPDIF/Optical/Toslink.” Depending on what keyword will pop up on your menu.
And then…
Step 5: Click the “Menu” button on your Vizio soundbar remote.
Step 6: Find and open the “Audio” settings tab.
Step 7: Disable the “TV Speakers” option.
Select it from the menu.
Then ensure it’s “OFF” to prevent echo. This is because your audio may come from 2 sources – both your TV and Vizio soundbar.
Step 7: Set the Digital Audio to “Bitstream.”
On the “Audio” settings menu, cycle down to search for the “Digital Audio Out/Setting.”
Then click it to change the default option to “Bitstream” or “Dolby Digital.”
#3: Connect Vizio soundbar to TV with RCA cable
Next, if HDMI and SPDIF aren’t convenient for you, here’s a 3rd option.
RCA is a connector that’s often used to transmit video and audio signals. And I’m certain that you have already seen this before.
Why?
It’s because it’s an eye-catching cable with 2 different colored ends – red and white.
What to do?
Step 1: Get the RCA/Phono cable.
Step 2: Look for the “Audio Out” ports on your TV’s rear side.
I’m sure you’ll be able to spot these quickly as they’re colored red and white as well.
Step 3: Insert one end of the red and white cables to their respective ports.
Plug the red one into the red-colored port marked with “Audio Out.”
Then also do the same for the white one.
Step 4: Plug the other end of the cables into your soundbar.
Step 5: Power on your Vizio soundbar.
Step 6: Set “AUX” as the new input method of your soundbar.
To change this setting, press the “Input” button on your Vizio remote.
Use the arrow buttons to navigate and select “AUX.”
Step 7: On your Vizio remote, press the “Menu” button.
A new window will appear showing a list of options. Then…
Step 8: Click the “Audio” tab.
You’ll now see your Vizio soundbar’s audio settings.
Again, to prevent any echo while using your TV and speaker…
Step 9: Turn off the “TV Speakers” option.
To disable this, cycle down to the “Audio” settings.
Then click the “TV Speakers” option to change the toggle switch beside it. And make sure it’s “Off.”
Step 10: Adjust your “Analog Audio Out” settings.
You’ll see this option by cycling down from the “TV Speakers” option.
Then once you click it, your TV will most likely give you 2 choices – “Fixed” and “Variable.”
“What does each setting do?”
- Fixed: Your soundbar won’t be affected even if you change your TV volume.
- Variable: Every time you adjust the volume of your TV, your soundbar’s volume will also be affected.
#BONUS: Connect Vizio soundbar to TV with Bluetooth
Lastly, not all soundbars and TVs have a wireless feature.
But if both your devices have one, you can easily connect them via Bluetooth.
The ones I discussed above are all wired connections. So if you think about it, this is a convenient method.
You can place your soundbar anywhere (but only within 30 ft or 10 m from your TV). As you won’t be limited by the length of any cable.
However, since this is wireless, expect that there might be glitches sometimes. Especially if your soundbar is near another device that emits signals.
What to do?
Step 1: Turn your soundbar on.
Once you’re done, do the same for its Bluetooth to put it in pairing mode.
To do this, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Press and hold your soundbar’s “Bluetooth” button.
It’s usually the middle one out of the 5 buttons on your soundbar.
Doing this will set your soundbar in pairing mode. And it’ll be able to detect all visible devices around – including your TV.
Note: If your Vizio remote has an LED screen, you may also use it to turn your Bluetooth on. Simply press the “Menu” button on your remote. Then select “BT Pair” in the menu.
Step 3: Enable Bluetooth on your TV as well.
For your TV to be detected by the soundbar, ensure that its Bluetooth is on too.
Smart TVs have this built-in feature. But other models may also have this and you only need to confirm it.
“How?”
- Press the “Menu” button on your TV remote.
- Navigate to “Settings.”
- Click “Sound.”
- Select the “Sound Output” tab.
- Look at the options on your screen.
If you see the “Bluetooth Speaker List” tab, then your TV has Bluetooth connectivity.
Now that you’ve confirmed it, ensure that it’s on.
- Go to the “Settings” menu on your TV again.
- Cycle down until you see “Network & Accessories.” (The name may vary per TV model.)
- Select “Bluetooth Settings.”
- Click it to turn the Bluetooth toggle switch on.
And lastly…
Step 4: Pair your TV with your soundbar.
The following steps might be different in every model.
But, here’s the general process on how to connect your devices together.
- Click the “Menu” button on your TV remote control.
- Find and go to “Settings.”
- Select “Sound Output” or “Bluetooth.” (Whichever option is shown on your device.)
- Click “Bluetooth Speaker List.”
- Wait until your TV finishes scanning and detecting your soundbar.
- Once done, select its name if it appears on your screen.
And there you go. You’ve successfully connected your Vizio soundbar to your TV.
After this, test whether the pairing was successful or not.
Play any song or video. Then check if the quality is good and the volume is working.
Reading recommendation: WiFi vs Bluetooth Speakers: 3 Sound Quality Comparisons
Why won’t my Vizio soundbar connect to my TV?
Your Vizio soundbar won’t connect to your TV because the cable might be plugged in the wrong ports. For HDMI cable, ensure that the one end is in the TV HDMI 1 (ARC) port. Then the other one is on the soundbar’s HDMI OUT slot. But it could also be that the ARC and CEC settings aren’t activated yet.
Learn more: 11 Quick Fixes: Vizio Soundbar HDMI Arc Not Working
You can find the latter options on your TV. And to enable these, do the following steps:
- Press the “Menu” button on your TV remote.
- Go to “Settings.”
- Click the “System” tab.
- Select “CEC” and “ARC” and check if they’re activated or not.
But are you linking your soundbar and TV via Bluetooth?
If so, your TV might not have wireless connectivity. Or you may need to turn this on first.
“How?”
The steps will vary in every TV model. But basically, here’s what you need to do:
- Click the “Menu” button on your TV remote.
- Navigate to the “Settings” tab.
- Select “Network & Accessories.”
- Click “Bluetooth Settings.”
- Turn the Bluetooth toggle switch on.
Note: If the problem still persists, consult your TV’s support service. There might be an internal problem with your model. And this may have to be assessed by an expert.
But if your Vizio soundbar doesn’t produce any sounds…
Check out this article: (13 Fixes) Vizio Soundbar No Sound