How do I connect a soundbar to a TV with no HDMI ARC?
Use an optical (Toslink) cable from the TV's socket marked Optical or Digital Audio Out to the soundbar's optical input, then set the TV's sound output to optical or external speakers.
Checked 10th November 2026.
How to connect it
- Pull the small protective caps off both ends of the cable.
- Plug it into the TV's Optical or Digital Audio Out socket and the soundbar's optical in.
- In the TV's sound settings, choose optical or external speakers, and set the soundbar to its optical input.
Worth knowing
- With optical, the TV remote may not control the soundbar's volume, though many soundbars can learn the TV remote's volume buttons.
- Optical carries Dolby Digital surround, but not Dolby Atmos.
Optical (Toslink) cable, 2m£5.04 at TV Cables
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Answer checked by Tely. Prices and stock from TV Cables’ product feed, last updated 10th November 2026. Shop links earn Tely a small commission; it never decides what we recommend. How we check.