No—not always. You need an HDMI cable only if you choose a wired HDMI connection and do not already have a suitable cable. For TV audio over HDMI ARC or eARC, both the TV and soundbar must have compatible ports marked ARC/eARC; optical, Bluetooth, and, on supported device combinations, Wi-Fi are alternatives.
When does a soundbar need an HDMI cable?
A cable is needed for a wired HDMI connection, including ARC or eARC. Before buying one, check the ports on both devices: the TV needs an HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC, and the soundbar needs its matching ARC/eARC or HDMI TV-out port. A regular HDMI input is not automatically an audio-return port. Port names and locations vary, so consult the manuals for your exact models. Samsung’s setup guide and Sony’s connection guidance both emphasize checking available connections.
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ARC (Audio Return Channel) sends the TV’s audio back to the soundbar over the HDMI connection. Samsung describes ARC as bidirectional audio transfer over one HDMI cable. eARC is the enhanced version; the HDMI Licensing Administrator’s 2025 HDMI 2.2 overview lists eARC among the specification’s features. That specification context does not guarantee that a particular TV and soundbar support eARC together.
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- Look for ARC/eARC on the TV’s HDMI port and the soundbar’s corresponding port.
- Check whether you already own a suitable cable. Samsung UK says a cable supplied with a set-top box or game console may already be certified for its recommended HDMI connection.
- Confirm the formats and control features you want against both devices’ specifications; port compatibility alone does not establish every capability.
Which connection should you choose?
| Connection | What you need | Key trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI ARC/eARC | An HDMI cable and compatible, labeled ARC/eARC ports on both devices | Capabilities depend on the TV and soundbar; eARC may need to be enabled in TV settings. |
| Optical digital audio | A TV optical output, a soundbar optical input, and an optical cable | Some audio formats and HDMI-dependent functions may be unavailable. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth support and pairing on both devices | No direct cable, but connection stability and audio quality can be trade-offs. |
| Wi-Fi | A supported TV/soundbar combination and network setup | Not universal; Samsung Canada describes this connection method for Samsung TV and soundbar setups. |
HDMI is a strong default when both devices support ARC/eARC and you want TV audio through the soundbar. Optical is a practical wired fallback if the matching ports are available. Bluetooth avoids a cable; Samsung Canada cautions that disruption can make it unstable or cause disconnections. Wi-Fi is available only for supported combinations. Samsung Canada’s overview describes its supported options; check your own devices’ manuals for compatibility.
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What audio formats can each connection carry?
Samsung UK’s support table distinguishes formats by connection in its documented context. It lists Dolby TrueHD, including uncompressed Dolby Atmos, as supported over HDMI eARC but not HDMI, optical, or Bluetooth. It lists Dolby Digital Plus, including compressed Dolby Atmos, over HDMI eARC and HDMI, but not optical or Bluetooth. Dolby Digital 5.1 is listed for all four methods. These are Samsung’s stated capabilities, not guarantees for every TV, soundbar, app, or program. Check the specifications for both devices and the audio settings on the source device.
Samsung UK also says HDMI connections transmit sound digitally and support high-bitrate formats such as Dolby Digital Plus. For optical, Samsung’s guidance notes that formats such as Dolby Digital Plus are not supported in the cited setup context; Sony notes that an optical-only connection omits some HDMI-dependent functions. These limitations matter if you are choosing between available ports, rather than simply trying to get basic TV audio to the soundbar. Samsung UK’s format and setup information provides the referenced support details.
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How to connect a soundbar with HDMI ARC/eARC
- Connect the TV’s HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC to the soundbar’s corresponding HDMI TV-out, ARC, or eARC port.
- On the soundbar, select the HDMI/TV input if it does not switch automatically.
- In the TV’s sound settings, choose the soundbar or receiver as the audio output. If using eARC, enable it if the TV requires that setting.
- If there is no sound, recheck both port labels and the selected inputs/outputs, then consult the manuals for model-specific settings.
Menu names, port locations, and eARC settings differ across models. Samsung Canada provides a menu path for its own devices; use your TV’s manual rather than assuming that path applies to another brand or model. For a new cable, Samsung UK recommends one labeled “High Speed” or “High Speed with Ethernet”; Samsung Canada lists High Speed HDMI with Ethernet and Premium High Speed HDMI. The guidance supports checking certification and an existing cable before buying, not paying more on the assumption that a pricier cable inherently improves sound.
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- Connect the TV’s optical digital audio out to the soundbar’s optical input.
- Set the soundbar source to optical or D.IN. (the label varies by model).
- Select the corresponding external or optical audio output in the TV’s sound settings.
Use this route when the matching optical ports are available and its format and control trade-offs suit your setup. Follow the device manuals for exact setting names.
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When are Bluetooth or Wi-Fi practical?
Bluetooth
Bluetooth can avoid a direct cable if both devices support audio pairing. Pair the soundbar through the TV’s Bluetooth audio settings, following the instructions for your models. A wireless link can be convenient, but Samsung Canada warns that interference or disruption may affect stability.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is not a universal substitute for HDMI. It requires a supported TV/soundbar ecosystem and network setup; Samsung Canada’s instructions describe it for Samsung TV and soundbar use. Check compatibility before relying on it.
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Which option fits your setup?
- Both devices have ARC/eARC: Use HDMI if you want a direct wired TV-audio connection, and verify the desired formats and settings.
- ARC/eARC is unavailable but both have optical: Use an optical cable if the formats and functions it supports are sufficient.
- You want to avoid a direct cable: Use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi only if both devices support the chosen method, accounting for wireless stability and ecosystem limits.
- You have external devices to connect: Check the TV and soundbar manuals for their input and audio-routing capabilities before deciding where those devices should connect.
Instructions and supported formats vary by model and region. Samsung UK’s guidance was updated August 11, 2026; Samsung Canada’s connection guidance was updated August 15, 2026 and covers products sold in Canada. Sony’s article was last modified July 1, 2025. Consult the exact manuals for your equipment when port labels, settings, or compatibility are unclear.
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