How to Connect a Soundbar to Vizio TV (HDMI ARC & Optical)

You bought a new soundbar and need to connect it to your Vizio TV. This process takes only a few minutes. You have two reliable methods to get your audio working.

Method 1 Connect with HDMI ARC

1. This is the best method. It gives you the highest sound quality. It also lets you control the volume with your TV remote.

2. Look at the back of your TV. Find the HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC port. Locate the matching HDMI ARC port on your soundbar. Plug one end of your HDMI cable into the TV. Plug the other end into the soundbar.

3. Power on both devices. Change the soundbar source to HDMI ARC.

4. Grab your Vizio remote. Press the Menu button. Select the Audio settings. Find the TV Speakers option and turn it off. Change the Digital Audio Out setting to Digital or Auto.

5. Return to the main menu. Select System. Find the CEC option and turn it to Enable. Your TV remote now controls the soundbar volume.

Method 2 Connect with an Optical Cable

1. Use this method if you lack an HDMI ARC port. It still provides excellent sound.

2. Remove the clear plastic caps from both ends of your optical cable. Look at the back of your TV. Find the square port labeled Optical Audio Out. Find the matching Optical In port on your soundbar.

3. Plug the cable into the TV. Plug the other end into the soundbar. Turn on both devices. Change the soundbar input source to Optical.

4. Press the Menu button on your TV remote. Go to Audio. Turn off the TV Speakers. Change the Digital Audio Out setting to PCM. Your soundbar now plays the TV audio.