If after connecting the speaker to the TV via HDMI ARC the sound continues to come from the built-in speakers, but the external device is not detected - the problem in 90% of cases lies in incorrect settings Sound Output or off mode HDMI-CEC. On Samsung QLED 2020-2023 and LG OLED CX/C1 This can be solved by switching the sound source to External Speaker (HDMI ARC) in the menu Settings → Sound → Sound Output. For older models with a connector RCA or 3.5mm AUX check the physical connection of the cable - often the contacts are oxidized or the plug is not inserted completely.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods of connecting speakers (from budget JBL Go to soundbars Sonos Beam), including wireless protocols, analog and digital interfaces. We will place special emphasis on typical mistakes: why the TV does not see the speaker Bluetoothhow to bypass audio delay when connecting via optical cable, and what to do if the message appears on the screen No Signal after connecting via HDMI. For convenience, we have added a table of connector compatibility with popular TV models and a checklist for diagnosing problems.

1. HDMI ARC/eARC Connection: The Best Option for Soundbars

Protocol HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) allows you to transmit audio from your TV to your speakers over the same cable that is used to transmit video. This is the best way to connect soundbars (Samsung HW-Q990C, Sony HT-A5000) or AV receivers, as it supports multi-channel audio Dolby Atmos and DTS:X without loss. For new TV models (2019 and newer) it is recommended to use eARC — an extended version of the protocol with support for high-bitrate audio.

To connect a speaker via HDMI ARC:

  • 🔌 Use cable High-Speed HDMI (version 1.4 or higher). Cheap cables may not support ARC.
  • 📺 Connect one end of the cable to the port HDMI ARC on the TV (usually marked with an inscription), the other - to the speaker.
  • ⚙️ In the TV menu, select Settings → Sound → Sound Output → HDMI ARC (names may vary).
  • 🔄 Activate the function HDMI-CEC (on Samsung — Anynet+, on LG — Simplink).

If there is no sound:

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Sony Bravia X90J and X95J After connecting via HDMI ARC, you must manually enable the mode Audio System in the sound settings. Also check if ARC is disabled in the speaker menu (for example on Bose Smart Soundbar 900 this is done through the application Bose Music).
How to check ARC support on your TV

1. Go to the menu Settings → Support → Device Information (for Samsung).

2. Find the line HDMI ARC or eARC - if it is, the protocol is supported.

3. On models LG check for the presence of a port labeled HDMI 2 (ARC) on the back panel.

2. Bluetooth wireless connection: fast but laggy

Connecting the speaker to the TV via Bluetooth convenient for portable models (JBL Charge 5, Marshall Emberton), but has two key disadvantages: sound delay (latency) up to 100-200 ms and audio compression (quality loss). On TVs Samsung 2022 and newer, the delay can be reduced by turning on the Game Mode in the sound settings.

Connection instructions:

  • 📱 Turn on pairing mode on the speaker (usually hold down the button Power or Bluetooth 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes).
  • 📺 On your TV, go to Settings → Sound → Sound Output → Bluetooth Speaker List.
  • 🔍 Select your column from the list. If it is not there, update the list of devices or restart the TV.
  • 🔊 Check the sound. If it is interrupted, reduce the distance between the devices (maximum 10 meters without obstacles).
TV model Bluetooth support Max. number of devices Audio Latency (ms)
Samsung QN90B (2022) Bluetooth 5.2 2 50-80
LG C2 OLED Bluetooth 5.0 2 60-100
Sony X90K Bluetooth 4.2 1 80-120
TCL 6-Series (2021) Bluetooth 5.0 2 70-90

If the TV does not see the speaker:

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Xiaomi Mi TV Before connecting, you need to reset the list of Bluetooth devices in the menu Settings → Bluetooth → Clear Paired Devices. Also check if the mode is enabled Energy Saving - it can disable the Bluetooth module.

HDMI ARC|Bluetooth|AUX/3.5mm|Optical cable-->

3. AUX connection (3.5mm): universal, but outdated

Connector 3.5mm AUX (mini-jack) is found on almost all TVs over 5 years old and most budget speakers (Sven PS-450, Microlab Solo 6C). The main advantage is the absence of sound delay and compatibility with any devices. Cons: Cable limits distance and analog signal is prone to interference.

How to connect:

  1. Buy a cable 3.5 mm - 3.5 mm (or 3.5 mm - RCA, if the speaker has tulip connectors).
  2. Connect one end to the port AUDIO OUT on the TV (usually on the back panel).
  3. Insert the other end into the connector AUX IN on the column.
  4. On your TV, select the audio source: Settings → Sound → Sound Output → Audio Out/Headphone.

If the sound is quiet or noisy:

  • 🔊 Check the volume level on the speaker and TV - they are adjusted independently.
  • 🔄 Try a different cable (cheap cables are often poorly shielded).
  • 📶 Make sure there are no sources of interference nearby (Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens).

The cable is firmly inserted into both connectors|The audio source on the TV is set to Audio Out|The volume on the speaker is not at minimum|The AUX port on the TV is not damaged (no rust or dirt)-->

Optical cable (TOSLINK) transmits digital audio without compression, making it ideal for home theaters. Supports formats Dolby Digital and DTS, but does not transmit video. The main disadvantage is the fragility of the cable (it breaks easily when bent). On TVs Samsung and LG the optical output is usually marked as Digital Audio Out (Optical).

Step by step instructions:

  • 🔌 Buy an optical cable (length up to 5 meters for minimal signal loss).
  • 📺 Connect one end to the port Optical Out on TV, the other - to Optical In on the column.
  • ⚙️ In the TV menu, select Settings → Sound → Sound Output → Digital Audio Out (Optical).
  • 🔊 Make sure the correct signal source is selected on the speaker (usually the Source or Input).

Frequent problems and solutions:

Problem Possible reason Solution
No sound Optical output disabled in TV settings Turn on Digital Audio Out in the sound menu
The sound is interrupted Damaged cable or connectors Try a different cable or clean the connectors
Sound comes only through the built-in speakers Optical output not selected as main In the TV menu, set Sound Output → Optical
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If the speaker does not have an optical input, but has AUX, use digital to analog converter (DAC) with optical input and output 3.5 mm. The cost of such a device is from 1000 rubles (for example, FiiO D3).

5. Connection via RCA ("tulips"): for older models

Connectors RCA (red and white “tulips”) are found on TVs produced before 2015 and budget speakers (Logitech Z313, Edifier R1280T). This method transmits stereo sound, but does not support multi-channel formats. The main problem is interference with a cable length of more than 3 meters.

How to connect:

  1. Buy a cable with two RCA plugs on one end and 3.5 mm or RCA on the other (depending on the connectors on the speaker).
  2. Connect the red and white plugs to the ports Audio Out (R-L) on TV.
  3. Connect the other end of the cable to the speaker (into the connector AUX IN or RCA).
  4. From the TV menu select Sound Output → Audio Out (RCA).

If the sound is distorted:

  • 🔄 Check the polarity: red plug - right channel, white - left channel. Mixed-up channels produce blurry sound.
  • 📶 Make sure that the cable does not pass near sources of electromagnetic interference (power supplies, routers).
  • 🔊 Adjust the sound balance on the speaker - sometimes one channel may be quieter due to factory settings.

6. Connect via Wi-Fi (Sonos, Bose, Apple AirPlay)

Speakers with support Wi-Fi (Sonos Beam, Bose Soundbar 700, Apple HomePod) allow you to transmit sound without delay and with high quality. To do this, the TV and speaker must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. On TVs Apple TV 4K and Samsung QN900C protocol supported AirPlay 2, which synchronizes audio with video without lag.

Instructions for Sonos:

  • 📱 Install the application Sonos to a smartphone.
  • 🔌 Connect the speaker to the Wi-Fi network via the application.
  • 📺 On your TV, select the audio source Sonos in the menu Sound Output (on Samsung this is done through Settings → Sound → Sound Output → Sonos Speaker).
  • 🔊 Check the sound. If the column is not displayed, reboot the router.

For Apple AirPlay:

  • 🍎 Make sure that the TV and speaker (HomePod) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • 📺 On TV Apple TV or LG with AirPlay 2 swipe down and select AirPlay.
  • 🔊 Select your speaker from the list of devices.
⚠️ Attention: On TVs Sony with Android TV for connecting speakers Sonos you need to disable the feature IP Control in the network settings. Otherwise, the devices will not see each other.

7. Connecting via USB: rare but possible option

Some TVs (Samsung TU7000, TCL 4-Series) allow you to connect speakers via USB port, but only if the device supports the mode USB Audio Class 1.0/2.0. This method is suitable for computer speakers (Creative Pebble) or USB sound card. The main disadvantage is that the TV must have a sufficiently powerful USB port to power the speaker.

How to connect:

  • 🔌 Connect the speaker to the USB port on your TV (usually marked USB 2.0).
  • ⚙️ In the TV menu, select Settings → Sound → Sound Output → USB.
  • 🔊 If there is no sound, check whether the speaker supports the mode USB Audio (this should be indicated in the instructions).

List of TVs that support USB Audio:

  • 📺 Samsung Q60B/Q70B (port only USB 3.0)
  • 📺 LG UN7300 (firmware update required)
  • 📺 Philips The One (2021)
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The USB connection is only suitable for speakers that support USB Audio Class. Regular USB speakers (for example, for PC) may not work or display an error message Unsupported Device.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if the speaker is connected to the TV correctly, problems may arise. Here are the most common of them and how to eliminate them:

Problem Possible reason Solution
Sound comes only from the built-in speakers External audio source not selected In the TV menu, set Sound Output → External Speaker
Sound is interrupted or distorted Bad cable or interference Try a different cable or shield it from sources of interference
The speaker is not detected via Bluetooth Outdated TV firmware Update your TV software via Settings → Support → Software Update
Sound delay (lag) when watching movies Out of sync audio and video Turn on Game Mode or adjust the delay in the audio settings
The inscription on the screen No Signal after connecting HDMI ARC HDMI-CEC mode is inactive Turn on HDMI-CEC in TV and speaker settings

If none of the methods help:

  • 🔄 Restart the TV and speaker (unplug for 1 minute).
  • 📋 Check device compatibility on the manufacturer’s website.
  • 🛠️ Contact the service center if the problem is a hardware malfunction (for example, the audio output on the TV burned out).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to connect a speaker to a TV without cables?

Yes, use it for this Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (if the column supports AirPlay, Sonos or Google Cast). However, wireless methods can cause audio delay (latency), which is critical for movies and games. For minimal lag, choose speakers with support aptX Low Latency (for example, Sony SRS-XB43).

Why can't my TV see my Bluetooth speaker?

The reasons may be the following:

  • 📱 The speaker is not in pairing mode (hold the button Bluetooth 5-10 seconds).
  • 📺Bluetooth is disabled on the TV (check in Settings → Network → Bluetooth).
  • 🔄 Outdated TV firmware (update via Settings → Support → Software Update).
  • 📶 The speaker is already connected to another device (disable it in the settings of your smartphone or laptop).

On TVs Samsung 2018 and older may need to reset the Bluetooth device list.

How to connect a soundbar to a TV without HDMI ARC?

If there is no TV HDMI ARC, use alternative methods:

  1. Optical cable — transmits lossless digital audio (supports Dolby Digital).
  2. AUX (3.5 mm) - suitable for analog audio, but without multi-channel formats.
  3. Bluetooth — convenient, but with a sound delay.
  4. RCA ("tulips") - for older TV models and soundbars.

For soundbars Samsung HW-S60A or Yamaha YAS-209 The best option without ARC is an optical cable.

What sound delay is acceptable for comfortable viewing?

For comfortable viewing of movies and TV series, audio delay (latency) should not exceed:

  • 🎬 40-60 ms - perfect (unnoticeable to most people).
  • 🎮 60-100 ms - acceptable, but can interfere with dynamic scenes (action, sports).
  • 🚫 More than 150 ms - critical, the sound noticeably lags behind the video.

To reduce latency:

  • 📺 Turn it on Game Mode on TV.
  • 🔊 Use speakers with support aptX Low Latency (for Bluetooth).
  • 🔌 Connect via HDMI ARC or optical cable instead of Bluetooth.
Is it possible to connect multiple speakers to one TV?

Yes, but the capabilities depend on the TV model:

  • 📺 Bluetooth: Most TVs only support one columns (exception - Samsung QN900C, up to 2 devices).
  • 🔊 Wi-Fi (Sonos, AirPlay): You can create a stereo pair or a 5.1 system (for example, Sonos Beam + Sub + Era 100).
  • 🎛️ AV receiver: Allows you to connect up to 7 speakers per system Dolby Atmos.

For synchronous playback on multiple Bluetooth speakers, use special applications (for example, Bose Connect or JBL PartyBoost).