Your viewing experience should not be ruined by a difficult setup process which can take up a lot of your time. Looking for one manual for all connection methods can be hard, but our experts have put together a Sony soundbar setup list to get your soundbar working in no time.
Setting Up Your Sony Soundbar
Connection Methods
For the best audio quality for your Sony soundbar setup, our experts recommend using the HDMI ARC. In order to support this, your TV must have the ARC (audio return channel) port. The ARC is a one-cable connection that supports video and audio signals.
You should connect one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI IN port on the back of your TV and the other end into the TV OUT ARC port on your soundbar.
Digital optical is another option that can work on its own for audio or work alongside HDMI for video and audio relays. To connect your soundbar to your TV with the digital optical cable, insert one end into your TV’s “digital optical out” port and the other into the “optical in” port on your soundbar.
There are also analog connections available on TVs and many preferred soundbars but this method will not support digital high-resolution content that most movies and music are produced in nowadays.
To connect via analog cables, insert the one end into your TV’s audio output jack and the other end into the “analog in” jack on your soundbar.
After you are connected through any of the methods above, go into the settings on your TV and switch the output source from “TV” to “Audio System”.
Connecting your Sony Soundbar to Subwoofer
Depending on the model of your soundbar subwoofer combo, the connection method may be different. Our experts have found the most common one for Sony soundbars.
You should press the AMP button on the soundbar remote then select WS and press ENTER. Then, choose either LINK or S. ON depending on the display, and press ENTER again. Wait for START to appear on the screen. When you see it, press the ENTER button again to prompt the soundbar to search for the sub.
The word SEARCH will appear on the display screen until the soundbar has located the subwoofer. After a successful connection, the word OK or SUCCEED will appear. If you see the word FAILED, then repeat the above steps.
Bluetooth Pairing
Another simple Sony soundbar setup method is with wireless Bluetooth [1]. On your Sony soundbar control panel, press down and hold the Bluetooth button until the indicator light starts to flash quickly, signaling it’s ready for pairing. You can then locate the soundbar on your list of device list on your computer, tablet, or phone to complete the process.
The device could request a pairing passkey, in which case you should enter 0000. Once the Bluetooth connection is successfully established, the blinking LED light should turn a solid blue.
Connecting to a Sony Bravia TV
Connecting your Sony soundbar to a Sony Bravia TV follows the steps we mentioned above for the HDMI ARC, digital optical, and analog connections. You should check to see which compatible connections are shared by both the TV and the soundbar.
Remote Instructions
If your soundbar comes with its own remote, it should be automatically preset to be recognized by your soundbar.
Depending on the Sony soundbar model you have, the remote may look different. Most Sony soundbar remotes have a power button, volume controls, and arrows to navigate the screen and audio setting inputs.
(Looking for a remote? Well, here are some ways to turn on your Sony soundbar without using a remote)
How to Sync with TV Remote
Once your Sony soundbar is properly connected via one of the methods we mentioned above, remember to select “Audio System”. You should be able to control the soundbar and input settings with your TV remote.
Changing Audio Output Settings
To change the audio output settings on your TV, turn on your device and press either the “Home” or “Settings” button. Search for the category labeled “TV” and select “Sound” or “Display and Sound”. Then, select audio output and choose the right settings.
Sony Soundbar Volume Problems
If you are experiencing any volume problems on your Sony soundbar, you should check first if all the cables are securely and tightly inserted. Are they in the correct ports?
The cables could be the culprits as faulty cables won’t properly relay sound or produce anything at all. Test the connection with other cables or try the cables with other devices to determine if they are the source of the problem.
Sony Soundbar Troubleshooting
If your soundbar isn’t working, double-check if the source of the audio is coming from the right place. Go into the audio output settings to make sure you have switched the output source from “TV” to “audio device”.
If you are attempting to process digital signals but are using an analog connection, your soundbar will not be able to support the high-quality resolution. You should switch your connection to either digital optical or HDMI. We also recommend setting it up with affordable AV receivers made by Denon and Yamaha as they interpret and amplify signals more effectively.
Also, check if your TV is due for a software upgrade. Some versions may be incompatible with your soundbar but the issue can be resolved after a simple update.
When nothing else works, sometimes a hard reset could be what you need to get your soundbar working again. For a hard reset, press and hold down the power and volume buttons for about 5 seconds. Unplug the power cord from the wall and wait for about 10 seconds before plugging it back in, then turn the soundbar on again.
Remember that if you reset your soundbar to its default settings, all your previously entered sound customizations and adjustments will be erased and the subwoofer and other wireless devices will be disconnected.
FAQ
How do I reset my Sony sound bar?
You can reset your Sony sound bar by pressing and holding the power and volume buttons for 5 seconds. Unplug the power cord and plug it back in again after 10 seconds.
Why is my Sony soundbar not working?
Your Sony soundbar is not working due to connection issues or audio output settings. Check to see if the connections are inserted tightly and go into the audio output settings to make sure the source is from “Audio Device” and not “TV”.
How do I update my Sony sound bar?
You can update your Sony sound bar by turning it on and pressing the ‘’Home” button on the remote. Then, go to “Setup”, select “Software Update” and press “Enter”.
How do I connect my Bluetooth Soundbar to my Sony TV?
To connect your Bluetooth soundbar to your Sony TV, you should first enable the Bluetooth on both devices and open the Bluetooth settings on your TV. Click “Add a Device” and wait for your TV to find it. Once located, click on your external device and pairing will begin.
Conclusion
Your Sony soundbar setup shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. Our experts have determined the HDMI ARC as the optimal method of connection with digital optical as a close second. To make sure there are no connection problems, always keep your TV up to date and secure the cable connections tightly.
Own a soundbar from a different brand? We have more of these guides, such as our article on setting up Sanyo soundbars.
