TV sound bar query
Discussion
I have a Panasonic 32" (TX-32CS600) TV in an alcove in my kitchen, it is a great TV with all bells and whistles but the sound is abysmal! So can I add an optical sound bar to sit in the alcove and then not have to touch it to change volume??
What I mean is will the sound bar be controlled by the sound output on the tv or will I have to use a separate remote for that and alter it directly on the sound bar, this is something I'm struggling to clarify on the net and a trip to Currys was even more frustrating!
Ultimately I want to hook it up plug it in and forget about it.
What I mean is will the sound bar be controlled by the sound output on the tv or will I have to use a separate remote for that and alter it directly on the sound bar, this is something I'm struggling to clarify on the net and a trip to Currys was even more frustrating!
Ultimately I want to hook it up plug it in and forget about it.
If the Panasonic TV has Viera, then a Viera soundbar or home cinema would be easiest solution. But that limits choice.
The Sky remote (if you have Sky) can be programmed to control the TV volume & once the Viera link is active, the sound system also. The Viera link must usually be activated via the TV remote.
That's how ours works but the the kit is 8 years old so things may have moved on.
The Sky remote (if you have Sky) can be programmed to control the TV volume & once the Viera link is active, the sound system also. The Viera link must usually be activated via the TV remote.
That's how ours works but the the kit is 8 years old so things may have moved on.
Its in an alcove, so I cant fit a sub in there as well, so good systems are out.
I'm struggling to find a single bar with HDMI input which seems to be the cable to use if you want the TV to be the master control. The TV has the ARC notification next to the HDMI2 slot, or have I got this the wrong way round and that is sound coming back to the TV from another source, ie DVD player???
I'm struggling to find a single bar with HDMI input which seems to be the cable to use if you want the TV to be the master control. The TV has the ARC notification next to the HDMI2 slot, or have I got this the wrong way round and that is sound coming back to the TV from another source, ie DVD player???
Something to do with the ARC on the HDMI socket. It's audio return, so the sound travels back to the sound bar : http://www.cnet.com/uk/news/what-is-audio-return-c...
I wish there was shops where experts still existed!
I wish there was shops where experts still existed!
We use the ARC on both our downstairs TVs - one is connected to a 5.1 amplifier & speakers, the other to a soundbar.
As well as controlling the volume from the one [Sky] remote, using ARC means the audio from anything played via the Smart features on the TV (or a movie on a USB stick plugged into the TV itself) will come through the amp or the soundbar.
To set up ARC, make sure you use the correct HDMI port on the back of the TV, and you may need to check the TV settings to ensure that ARC is activated.
As well as controlling the volume from the one [Sky] remote, using ARC means the audio from anything played via the Smart features on the TV (or a movie on a USB stick plugged into the TV itself) will come through the amp or the soundbar.
To set up ARC, make sure you use the correct HDMI port on the back of the TV, and you may need to check the TV settings to ensure that ARC is activated.
Luckily it looks like your TV is new enough that you can disable the internal speakers, unlike my old Panasonic which I gave to my parents.
They got a Cambridge Audio TV2 soundbar from Richer Sounds which sounds great, and uses an optical connection. This has a learning IR receiver and so you can use the Panasonic remote. It automatically switches on when an output is received from the TV, so with your TV you shouldn't need to use the soundbar remote at all. Unfortunately the older Panasonic TVs don't have the option to disable the internal speakers and so it's a bit clunky having to use two remotes.
They got a Cambridge Audio TV2 soundbar from Richer Sounds which sounds great, and uses an optical connection. This has a learning IR receiver and so you can use the Panasonic remote. It automatically switches on when an output is received from the TV, so with your TV you shouldn't need to use the soundbar remote at all. Unfortunately the older Panasonic TVs don't have the option to disable the internal speakers and so it's a bit clunky having to use two remotes.
Sorry to hijack the thread but I have a related problem. I have a Samsung TV with an arc hdmi that is connected to an LG soundbar. It works fine, the TV remote adjusts the soundbar volume. When I turn the TV off the soundbar turns off, then when I turn the TV on, the soundbar comes on, the TV connects, I get sound for about 2 seconds then nothing. I have to go into the TV menu, change the sound to TV speakers, OK that then change the TV back to output to the soundbar and everything is again fine until you turn the TV off again!
Any ideas how to solve this?
Any ideas how to solve this?
Not an issue I have with my soundbar, although it's a Samsung bar connected to a Samsung TV.
Just noticed that LG has gone to the trouble of putting the note below in their user manuals. In doing so, I wonder if they acknowledge there's a problem with ARC re-connectivity with their bars.
Just noticed that LG has gone to the trouble of putting the note below in their user manuals. In doing so, I wonder if they acknowledge there's a problem with ARC re-connectivity with their bars.
LG said:
You can also enjoy extra functions such as USB / Bluetooth with FUNC on remote control or F on this unit. When you go back to live TV channel after using the extra functions (USB / Bluetooth) of this audio system, you should choose your preferred speaker on TV to enjoy the sound from this audio system again.
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