How to Connect Soundbar to TV with Optical Cable? [Updated]

One of the finest ways to connect the soundbar to the TV by using a wired connection is to use an optical cable.

It’s a digital connection, hence, there is no distortion, and the sound comes with superior clarity.

Sadly, people get confused while connecting the soundbar to the TV using an optical cable. Thus, we have compiled this guide, providing you with all the steps required for connecting the soundbar to the TV using an optical connection.

That being said, let’s jump right into the details of the procedure.

Steps for Connecting the Soundbar to TV Using Optical Cable

The optical cable is one of the most sought-after connectivity options available for the soundbar. The digital connectivity on the optical cable allows you to enjoy the connectivity without any added fuss, which is a great thing to have.

By following the below-provided steps, you can conveniently connect the soundbar to the TV using an optical cable.

Step.1: Get the Right Type of Cable

Get the Right Type of Cable

First of all, you need to get the right type of optical cable, in this way, you can conveniently connect the soundbar to the TV without causing any sound issues. Ensure you do not get a knock-off and choose a quality cable that comes with premium quality, so, there is no downgrade in the performance.

Step.2: Connect to the Soundbar

Connect to the Soundbar

Now, you need to connect one end of the optical cable to the soundbar. One thing that you need to make sure of here is that, when you are connecting the optical cable to the soundbar, it is turned off. In case the soundbar is not turned off, there are chances of electrocuting yourself.

Also, you can damage the soundbar when you are connecting the soundbar while it’s turned on.

Step.3: Connect to the TV

Connect to the TV

Likewise, you also need to connect the other end of the optical cable to the TV. Make sure that the TV is turned off, otherwise, you can either hurt yourself with the current, or you can damage the TV.

So, before you plug the optical cable into the TV, make sure it’s turned off.

Step.4: Turn on Both Devices

Turn on Both Devices

After you have connected the cables on both devices, it’s now time to turn on the devices.

After you have connected the cables, now you should be able to hear the sound out of the soundbar.

Step.5: Changing the Source Settings

Changing the Source Settings

If you are not able to hear the sound through the soundbar, then it means that you need to change the source settings if the audio-source settings on the TV are not set accordingly, you will get the sound through the native TV speakers, so you have to change it from the audio source settings.

How to Connect a Bose Soundbar to a TV With an Optical Cable?

Connect a Bose Soundbar to a TV With an Optical Cable

Bose is the pioneer of soundbars, offering soundbars in all ranges, from affordable to the audiophile level. In case you are tired of connecting the Bose soundbar to the TV using an HDMI cable, and looking to transition to the alternatives, this guide is for, in which we have provided you with complete steps for connecting the Bose soundbar to the TV using the optical cable.

  • After you are done getting the right sort of cable for your needs, it’s now time to turn off both devices.
  • After you have disconnected both the devices from power, connect one end of the optical cable to the soundbar, and the other end of the optical cable to the TV.
  • Turn on both devices and now, if you are getting the sound through the soundbar, you are good to go.
  • Otherwise, you need to go to the TV sound source settings and select the soundbar from the provided options.

How to Connect Sony Soundbar to TV With Optical Cable?

Connect Sony Soundbar to TV With Optical Cable

SONY is a name synonymous with quality and efficiency, not only in the general electronics world but also, in the soundbar category, allowing versatile quality soundbars in all ranges.

Usually, people connect the Sony soundbar to TV using the wireless connectivity. In case you want to connect the Sony soundbar to the TV using the optical connection, below, we have provided you with a complete guide.

  • Switch off both the SONY soundbar, and the TV, and connect one end of the optical cable cable to the TV, and the other end of the optical cable cable to the soundbar.
  • Afterward, you need to turn on both devices and now you should be able to enjoy the sound through the soundbar.
  • There are times when connecting the soundbar to the TV directly does not provide you with any audio, in such a case, you need to change the source audio settings on the TV.

How to Connect Vizio Soundbar to TV With an Optical Cable?

Connect Vizio Soundbar to TV With an Optical Cable

Vizio is one of the leading soundbar brands in the market, providing exceptional quality sound. Another cool thing about the VIZIO soundbars is that they are super-affordable.

If you are confused about connecting the VIZIO soundbar to the TV using an optical cable, we have done all the hard work for you, check out the below-provided guide.

  • Turn off the VIZIO soundbar, and then connect one end of the optical cable to the soundbar. Afterward, when you are done connecting the optical cable to the VIZIO soundbar, you need to turn it on back again.
  • Likewise, you need to connect the other end of the optical cable to the TV, but first, you need to ensure that the TV is turned off. Do not plug the cable into the TV while it’s turned on.

How to Connect LG Soundbar to TV With an Optical Cable?

Connect LG Soundbar to TV With an Optical Cable

LG is not only famous for its electronics, but its soundbars are also equally famous, providing you with superior sound quality.

Connecting the LG soundbar to the TV using an optical cable is a no-brainer with our guide. 

  • First of all, you need to turn off both devices, which include the TV and the LG soundbar.
  • Plug one end of the optical cable to the LG soundbar, and the other end of the optical cable to the TV.
  • In most of cases, you should get the sound through the soundbar, if not you need to manually change the audio source settings on the soundbar.

How to Connect Polk Soundbar to TV with Optical Cable?

Connect Polk Soundbar to TV with Optical Cable

Polk soundbars offer quality sound at an affordable price, which makes them immensely popular.

In case you have no clue how to connect the Polk soundbar to the TV with an optical cable, we have provided you with all the steps for the connection procedure.

  • Turn off both the Polk soundbar and the TV.
  • Afterward, connect one end of the optical cable to the soundbar, and the other end of the optical cable to the TV.
  • Turn on the TV, and the soundbar, and you should be able to hear the sound through the soundbar now.

How do Connect Philips Soundbar to TV with Optical Cable?

Connect Philips Soundbar to TV with Optical Cable

Confused about connecting the Phillips soundbar to the TV via optical cable?

Check out the below-provided procedure.

  • Turn off both the soundbar and the TV.
  • Connect one end of the optical cable to the soundbar and the other one to the TV.
  • You should be able to get the sound through the soundbar, otherwise, change the audio source settings and you are good to go.

How to connect JBL Soundbar to TV with Optical Cable?

connect JBL Soundbar to TV with Optical Cable

Connecting the JBL soundbar to the TV using the optical connection is easy, still, if you are doubtful about the procedure, we have got you covered.

Check out the below-provided procedure to connect the JBL soundbar to the TV using the optical cable.

  • First of all, you need to disconnect both the JBL soundbar and the TV from the power.
  • Connect one end of the optical to the soundbar, and the other end of the optical cable to the TV.
  • If you are getting sound through the soundbar, you should skip the next step.
  • Otherwise, you need to change the audio source settings.

How to Connect Yamaha Soundbar to TV With Optical Cable?

Connect Yamaha Soundbar to TV With Optical Cable

Yamaha soundbars produce audiophile-quality sound, thus, the Yamaha soundbars are immensely popular amongst sound enthusiasts.

In case you do not know how to connect the Yamaha soundbar to a TV with an optical cable, below, we have mentioned all the steps.

  • Turn off both devices, which means you need to turn off both the TV and the Yamaha soundbar.
  • Afterward, you need to connect one end of the optical cable to the Yamaha soundbar.
  • Likewise, you also need to connect the other end of the optical cable to the TV.
  • Turn on both devices and in some cases, you need to switch to the right source device on the TV.

How to Connect a Samsung Soundbar to a TV With Optical Cable?

Connect a Samsung Soundbar to a TV With Optical Cable

Samsung TVs and Samsung soundbars are equally famous, both offering quality performance in their respective fields.

If you are trying to connect the Samsung soundbars to the TV using an optical cable, we have compiled a complete step-by-step guide that you can follow to get the work done.

  • First of all, you need to connect one end of the optical cable to the Samsung soundbar but ensure that the soundbar is turned off.
  • Likewise, you also need to connect the other end of the optical TV to the TV while it’s turned off.
  • In case you are able to hear the sound through the soundbar, you are good to go, on the other hand, if you are unable to hear the sound, you need to change the source settings.

Pros & Cons of Optical Cable Connectivity

Just like everything else, there are pros, and cons of using the optical cable for the connectivity of the soundbar and the TV.

We have provided you with both the pros, and cons of using optical connectivity for the soundbar and TV connection, so, you can know whether it is good enough for your needs or not.

Advantages of Using Optical Cable Connectivity:

Advantages of Using Optical Cable Connectivity
  • Connecting the soundbar to the TV using the optical cable is a pretty straightforward process, and you can connect the cables on either of the devices quickly, without any fuss, which is a great thing to have.
  • Likewise, the optical cable offers digital signal transmission which means there won’t be any depreciation in the sound quality as well.
  • Unlike the other cable types, you can use the optical cable for the distortion-free setup, allowing you to keep using the soundbar, and TV without any sort of distortion.
  • The quality of the optical cable connection is higher than any of the other cable connections out there for soundbars.

Disadvantages of Using Optical Cable Connectivity:

Disadvantages of Using Optical Cable Connectivity
  • The optical cables carry the connection only in a single way, which is a serious drawback of using these cables, this becomes even more severe when you are using the TV with the gaming console.
  • There are wireless connectivity options, hence, you do not need to deal with the clutter of cables. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can You Connect a Soundbar to a TV With Just an Optical Cable?

Yes, you can connect the soundbar to a TV with an optical cable only. You do not need to have any other cable in order to connect the soundbar to the TV if you have the optical cable.

Why Won’t My Soundbar Connect to My TV With an Optical Cable?

There are two common reasons that the soundbar is not connecting to the TV using the optical cable. The first one is that the optical cable is damaged. On the other hand, if the source settings are not right, then the TV and the soundbar won’t work either.

How Do I Connect My Optical Soundbar to My Optical Cable TV?

Connecting the optical soundbar to the optical cable TV is a super-simple process. You need to put one end of the optical cable to the soundbar, and the other end of the optical cable to the TV. Ensure you do this while the TV and the soundbar are turned off. Turn on both devices and you are good to go.

Is an Optical Cable Just for Sound?

Yes, the optical cable is just for sound, and cannot be used for video transmission. In fact, it’s a digital sound carrier and does carry sound in a single direction.

Can You Use an Optical Cable Instead of an optical cable?

Yes, you can use an optical cable instead of the optical cable. In fact, the optical cable provides you with better sound compared to the optical cable since the former comes with digital frequency as compared to the analog technology on the latter one.

Conclusion

Connecting the soundbar to the TV using optical connectivity can be challenging, especially, when you are transitioning from wireless connectivity.

Therefore, we have compiled this complete guide, in which we have provided you with steps for easily connecting the soundbar to the TV using an optical cable.

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