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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →To hear Dolby Atmos through a soundbar, connect it to the TV’s HDMI ARC or eARC port, set the TV’s audio output to a compatible format such as Auto or Pass-Through, and enable the TV’s Dolby Atmos option if it has one. The soundbar, TV, and content source must all support Atmos; changing a setting cannot add it to unsupported equipment or audio.
Before changing settings, check the full audio path
Atmos playback depends on the source, TV, connection, and soundbar working together. Confirm that the soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, that the TV can send Atmos audio over its HDMI audio-return connection, and that the movie, show, or source device is actually outputting Atmos. Samsung and LG both identify device and content support as prerequisites (Samsung Support; LG Support).
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Use an HDMI cable between the TV’s port labeled ARC or eARC and the soundbar’s corresponding HDMI TV/ARC/eARC port. A device with HDMI does not necessarily support eARC: for eARC operation, both the TV and soundbar must support it, and the cable must meet the devices’ requirements. Consult both manuals if the labels or capabilities are unclear (Samsung Australia).
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Try the TV’s audio output settings
- Open the TV’s sound settings. Look for Digital Output Audio Format, HDMI eARC Mode, and Dolby Atmos. Names and locations differ by brand, model, region, and software version.
- Enable eARC if both devices support it. On Samsung models covered by its eARC guidance, the setting is HDMI e-ARC Mode > Auto. Enable HDMI-CEC if needed to establish the connection; Samsung calls this feature Anynet+.
- Choose a supported digital audio format. Start with Auto or Pass-Through when available. These options let compatible encoded audio reach the soundbar. Use the exact options supported by your TV and soundbar; Samsung’s instructions differ across its regional help pages and models.
- Turn on Dolby Atmos on the TV. If the TV offers an Atmos toggle, switch it on. The soundbar should indicate Atmos when it receives compatible content, though indicators differ by model.
- Play known Atmos content and check the soundbar’s input/status display. A TV menu setting alone does not prove that the program or source is sending Atmos.
Brand-specific menu paths
Samsung TVs and soundbars
Samsung US describes this route: Settings (All Settings) > Sound > Expert Settings > Digital Output Audio Format. Its illustrated setup lists Dolby Digital or Auto for that output setting and says to ensure Dolby Atmos is on. Samsung states that “Dolby Atmos works only through an HDMI connection.” For an external playback device, Samsung recommends bitstream/no encoding; for its Blu-ray example, choose Bitstream (unprocessed) and disable secondary audio when applicable (Samsung Support).
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- HDMI eARC for True Dolby Atmos: HDMI eARC supports up to 37 Mbps of bandwidth, unlocking the full potential of lossless Dolby Atmos 5.1-channel audio. Compared to standard ARC, eARC delivers richer surround effects and greater detail. CEC integration allows the TV and soundbar to work together with unified control.
Samsung Philippines gives a separate eARC recipe: HDMI e-ARC Mode > Auto, Digital Output Audio Format > Auto or Pass-Through, and Dolby Atmos Compatibility on. If the connection does not establish, check that Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) is enabled (Samsung Philippines). Menu availability can vary by model year, so use the path that matches your TV’s manual rather than combining every Samsung instruction into one universal recipe.
LG TVs
LG’s US guide gives these paths by webOS generation:
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- Crystal clear dialogue – A dedicated center dialogue channel sharpens conversations so you can catch every moment of your favorite shows.
- Sound in another dimension – Dolby Atmos features 3D sound that moves around you and clear dialogue. DTS:X delivers multi-dimensional audio for lifelike sound.
- Easy setup – Connect the included HDMI cable to your TV's HDMI eARC/ARC port and instantly enjoy audio that’s always in sync.
- webOS 24 or 23: Settings > Sound > Advanced Settings > Dolby Atmos.
- webOS 22 or 21: All Settings > Sound > Advanced Settings > Dolby Atmos.
- webOS 5.0 or older: All Settings > Sound > Dolby Atmos.
LG notes that the exact option depends on the TV model and that the connected device and content must also support Atmos (LG US Support; LG US Support).
Sony TVs
Sony’s eARC help guide lists Dolby Atmos among the pass-through formats supported by the TV line covered by that guide. That is not a guarantee for every Sony TV or every connection arrangement; check the exact model’s help guide and the soundbar manual for its supported input formats (Sony Help Guide).
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ARC versus eARC: why the port and format matter
ARC and eARC are not interchangeable capability labels. eARC supports higher-bitrate audio formats, including Atmos formats that may not pass through a standard ARC setup. Actual support depends on both connected devices and the format being played. Samsung’s eARC explanation describes the distinction for its supported TVs and soundbars, while Sony’s listed Atmos pass-through support applies to the TV line covered by its own guide (Samsung Australia; Sony Help Guide).
If the TV or soundbar only supports ARC, Atmos availability depends on the specific devices, source, and audio format. Do not assume that any ARC connection will carry every Atmos format. Check the manuals’ supported audio-format lists; an eARC cable or setting cannot upgrade hardware that lacks eARC support.
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- 360° SurroundX Audio: SurroundX technology combines two rear surround speakers and dual up-firing Atmos drivers to build a true 360° sound field. Powered by intelligent spatial algorithms, the system precisely positions audio around and above you—enhancing Dolby Atmos with a more natural, three-dimensional soundstage. Note: Not compatible with DTS.
- Lossless Audio Transmission: Unlock full Dolby Atmos performance with HDMI eARC, supporting up to 37Mbps bandwidth for lossless 5.1.2-channel audio. Compared to regular ARC, eARC delivers richer detail and better surround effects with no compression. With CEC, your TV and soundbar work as one—power, volume, and input sync automatically for effortless control.
- Advanced App Control: Customize every detail of your audio experience with the Ultimea App. Fine-tune your surround sound with 13-step level adjustment (-6 to +6), optimize with a 10-band graphic EQ, and choose from 121 preset sound settings. Enjoy seamless OTA updates that unlock new features and keep your system performing at its peak.
If Atmos does not appear or there is no sound
- Recheck the HDMI ports. Confirm the cable runs from the TV’s ARC/eARC port to the soundbar’s matching TV/ARC/eARC port.
- Verify eARC support at both ends. Turn eARC on in the TV menu if both devices support it. Enable HDMI-CEC if the manufacturer requires it for connection setup; on Samsung this is Anynet+.
- Check the output format. Try Auto or Pass-Through where supported. If there is no sound, Samsung advises testing PCM, Auto, or Pass-Through according to the connected device’s capabilities; PCM may restore audio but does not necessarily preserve an Atmos bitstream.
- Confirm Atmos is present at the source. Check the title’s audio details and the playback device’s output settings. For an external player, select bitstream or unprocessed output and disable secondary audio if required by the device.
- Isolate the connection. Temporarily remove other devices or intermediaries connected to the TV and test the TV-to-soundbar link again. Samsung recommends this when eARC operation is problematic.
- Use model-specific manuals. If the setting names, supported formats, or connection status still do not match, consult the TV, soundbar, and source-device manuals; exact compatibility varies by model and software.
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