Connection options for TV speakers

Connecting TV speakers to a television is a horror for many people. Depending on the TV, speaker type and individual requirements, there are numerous connection options, from HDMI and Bluetooth to classic analog interfaces. The right choice and setup ensures that the audio system can unfold its full potential. But this is often not so easy. This article provides a detailed overview of the various connection options, practical tips and common sources of error.

Connection types at a glance

Modern televisions and TV speakers offer a variety of connections that have different advantages and limitations depending on the device and application. Choosing the right connection depends on the specific requirements of the system and the desired sound quality.

HDMI (ARC/eARC)

HDMI is a very good choice for digital sound transmission, especially for modern home theater systems. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) allows the sound from the TV to be output through speakers, so only one cable is needed for both audio and video transmission. For even better performance, eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) offers a higher bandwidth so that high-end audio signals such as Dolby Atmos and uncompressed 7.1 or 5.1 audio signals are also supported. This connection is particularly beneficial for devices that require high audio quality and easy integration.

TOSLINK (optical)

The optical TOSLINK connection is another digital connection that offers high sound quality. Particularly useful when HDMI is not available or the TV does not offer an ARC connection. This connection uses light pulses to transmit audio data and is therefore less susceptible to electromagnetic interference. However, the TOSLINK connection does not support multi-channel audio formats like HDMI, which means it is less suitable for surround sound systems or Dolby Atmos.

AUX and 3.5 mm jack

These classic analog connections are simple and universally applicable, but are only suitable for stereo sound. They offer an uncomplicated way to connect speakers or headphones, but are limited to the transmission of two channels. These connections are particularly useful for portable speakers or older devices that do not offer digital connection options.

Chinch

Chinch connections are classic analog connections that are often used for stereo audio. They are particularly common in older home theater systems or hi-fi systems. Although they are less relevant for modern devices, they can still be useful in certain setups, especially when older devices or specialized audio sources need to be integrated. For modern applications, however, digital connections are preferable.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is the wireless connection that is particularly suitable for modern soundbars or portable speakers. This option offers a simple and flexible solution for connecting speakers without cables. However, there are some potential drawbacks, such as latency, which can lead to delayed audio output, and variable sound quality, which can vary depending on the Bluetooth version and range. For simple setups or mobile applications, however, Bluetooth is a practical choice.

Wireless with base station

Some TV speakers do not rely on Bluetooth, but on their own wireless transmission via a base station. This is connected directly to the TV via an optical cable (TOSLINK) or 3.5 mm jack and transmits the audio signal to the speaker wirelessly. This technology offers a particularly stable connection without latency and eliminates the need for pairing, as is usual with Bluetooth. Another advantage is the greater range compared to Bluetooth, allowing the speaker to be positioned flexibly in the room - right next to the sofa, for example.

HDMI connections

HDMI is one of the most common standards for connecting TV speakers and offers outstanding sound quality. The HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) functions in particular have proven to be extremely practical and powerful.

HDMI ARC

This function enables the bidirectional transmission of audio signals so that both the sound from the TV to the speakers and video signals to other devices can be transmitted via the same cable. This significantly reduces cable clutter and is ideal for most modern TVs and soundbars. Nevertheless, HDMI also means a wired connection, which offers less flexibility in speaker placement compared to wireless alternatives.

HDMI eARC

eARC is a further development of the ARC standard and offers higher audio quality, especially for home cinema enthusiasts. eARC supports high-resolution audio signals such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which makes the sound even more immersive and detailed. Similar to ARC, eARC also relies on a wired connection, which further limits flexibility in terms of speaker placement in the room.

HDMI advantages and disadvantages: HDMI not only offers excellent sound quality, but also ease of use. Many devices can be controlled via HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), which allows convenient adjustment of volume and other settings directly from the TV remote control. So while HDMI offers excellent audio quality and user-friendly control, it is limited in terms of speaker placement flexibility compared to wireless systems.

Optical and coaxial connections

Optical and coaxial connections are tried and tested methods of connecting televisions and speakers, especially with older devices or when HDMI is not available. These digital connections offer reliable and accurate audio transmission, but are technically somewhat limited in performance compared to modern HDMI connections and, unlike wireless options, still rely on cables.

Optical output (Toslink): The optical output via Toslink is an excellent alternative to HDMI as it transmits digital audio signals with high precision. This connection is particularly popular with soundbars and receivers as it enables stable and interference-free transmission. A major advantage of Toslink is its immunity to electromagnetic interference, as the optical connection uses light pulses instead of electrical signals. However, one disadvantage of this connection is that it does not support high-resolution multi-channel formats such as Dolby Atmos, which makes it less suitable for more sophisticated home theater systems than HDMI. In addition, like HDMI, this connection is wired, which limits the flexibility of speaker placement in the room, unlike wireless connections.

Coaxial output: The coaxial output is a less common but equally powerful digital connection. Similar to Toslink, coaxial cable transmits digital audio signals, but via an electrical signal transmitted through a copper cable. This connection offers robust and interference-free signal transmission, but has the disadvantage that it is becoming less and less common in modern devices. Coaxial connections are often still found in older TV models, where they offer a solid solution for audio transmission. As with Toslink, the coaxial connection is also a wired solution, which is less ideal than wireless connections in terms of flexibility and freedom of movement.

Both options - optical and coaxial - offer solid sound quality and are capable of reliably transmitting digital audio signals. Compared to HDMI, however, they offer less flexibility, especially when it comes to supporting high-resolution multi-channel audio formats. Also, like HDMI, both are wired, which limits the flexibility of speaker placement in the room. They are particularly useful for older devices or in cases where HDMI is not available or necessary, but for users seeking the best sound experience with state-of-the-art audio formats, they are technically limited and offer less flexibility than wireless solutions.

Bluetooth: Wireless freedom for TV speakers

Bluetooth has established itself as a practical solution, especially for users who want to do without cables. This wireless technology enables a simple connection between the TV and speakers without the need for additional hardware. Many modern TVs and speakers offer Bluetooth interfaces that allow for easy setup. Once the devices are paired, the sound can be transmitted wirelessly, which is particularly beneficial in minimalist setups or with mobile speakers.

Advantages of Bluetooth connections: The biggest advantage of Bluetooth is its ease of use. The connection can be established quickly and without complicated cabling. This makes Bluetooth particularly practical for users who are looking for a quick solution without having to worry about laying cables. The flexibility in positioning the speakers is another plus point, as no cables are required to connect them to the TV. Bluetooth is ideal for smaller rooms where a quick and uncomplicated installation is required. Portable speakers also benefit from Bluetooth as they can be easily switched between different devices.

Aspects to note: As with any wireless connection, Bluetooth connections can occasionally experience latency, especially when synchronizing picture and sound. These delays are usually slight, but can be noticeable with some applications such as movies or games. The sound quality is also influenced by the Bluetooth version used and the codecs supported. Newer versions such as Bluetooth 5.0 offer better range and more stable connections, while older versions or standard codecs (such as SBC) can affect the sound quality somewhat in some cases. For everyday applications and smaller rooms, however, Bluetooth offers very good sound quality and is a very practical solution. However, for users with particularly high audio quality requirements, a wired solution could be considered to ensure the best possible sound fidelity.

Step-by-step instructions

Setting up TV speakers is easier than it seems at first glance. With clear step-by-step instructions, you can easily connect speakers and optimize the sound experience.

1. Select connection type:
   Select the appropriate connection type based on the available interfaces of the TV and the speakers. Common options are HDMI ARC/eARC, TOSLINK (optical) or Bluetooth. Check which connections both the TV and the speakers offer and select the best connection for your needs.
2. Prepare the devices:
   Switch on the TV and the speakers. Locate the appropriate connections on both devices to ensure that the correct cables are used. All devices should be properly connected and switched on.
3. Establish a connection:

• HDMI: Plug an HDMI cable into the HDMI ARC/eARC connection on the TV and the corresponding HDMI connection on the speakers or soundbar. Ensure that the HDMI ARC/eARC connection is used correctly to enable bidirectional audio transmission.
• TOSLINK: Connect the optical cable to the TOSLINK connection on both the TV and the speaker. Make sure that the cable is oriented correctly as it has a special shape and only fits in one direction.
• Bluetooth: Set the speakers to pairing mode and search for the Bluetooth settings in the TV menu. Select the speaker from the list of available devices and confirm the connection.

4. Adjust the audio settings:
   In the TV menu, select the corresponding audio output that matches the connection made (e.g. HDMI or Bluetooth). If available, activate the "external speakers" mode to ensure that the sound is output via the connected speakers and not via the built-in TV speakers.
5. Test and optimize sound:
   Start a movie or music source to check the sound quality. Pay attention to the volume and clarity of the sound. If necessary, adjust the volume and sound settings in the TV menu or on the speakers to achieve the best sound. Test different audio formats to ensure that the speakers are working optimally.
6. Speaker positioning:
   The positioning of the speakers has a significant influence on the sound experience. Ensure that the speakers are positioned at a suitable distance from the listening position and at the correct height. Avoid obstacles that could block the sound and take the room acoustics into account in order to achieve optimum sound distribution.
7. Cable management:
   Ensure that all cables are neatly routed to avoid tripping hazards and maintain the aesthetics of the room. Use cable ducts or clips to run the cables along the walls or under the carpet.
8. Regular maintenance:
   Regularly check the connections and cables for wear or damage. Clean the speakers carefully to avoid dust accumulation that could impair the sound quality.

Troubleshooting - common problems and solutions

Various problems can occur when connecting speakers and televisions. Here are typical errors and their solutions to rectify common faults:

No sound despite correct connection

• Ensure that the speakers are switched on and set to the correct source (e.g. HDMI, Bluetooth or TOSLINK).
• Check in the TV menu whether the correct audio output has been selected, as this can sometimes still be set to the built-in TV speakers.
• Check that the volume on both the TV and the speakers is set sufficiently high.

Bluetooth connection problems

• Unpair and reconnect the Bluetooth devices. Re-pairing can often help to re-establish the connection.
• Ensure that there are no other Bluetooth devices in the vicinity that could interfere with the connection. If necessary, remove or switch off other devices.
• Check whether the Bluetooth range has been exceeded and ensure that the devices are not too far apart.

Latency with wireless connections

• If the sound is not synchronized with the picture, a Bluetooth adapter with aptX Low Latency can help to reduce the delay and improve synchronization.
• Alternatively, switch to wired connections to avoid latency, as these do not cause delays.

Disconnections

• For optical cables: Check that the cable is correctly and firmly plugged into the connection. A loose connection can interrupt the connection.
• For HDMI connections: Check the HDMI cable for visible damage or wear. If necessary, test another cable to ensure that it does not cause any interference.
• Ensure that the HDMI connections on the TV and speakers are clean and free of dust or dirt, as this can also lead to connection problems.

These common problems can be quickly resolved with the right measures, so that the TV experience can be enjoyed without major disruptions.