The best connection is HDMI ARC. Plug an HDMI cable into the “ARC” port on both the TV and soundbar. Alternatively, use an optical cable or pair them using Bluetooth in your TV’s audio settings. Ensure your TV’s audio output is set to the soundbar.
The final scene was building. The hero, cornered and out of options, delivered a line that was supposed to be a whisper, a breath of defiance that would echo through the entire story. But on my TV, it was just a mumble.
The swelling orchestral score, meant to stir the soul, sounded like it was coming from a tin can. It was a moment of deep frustration. I had the big screen and the perfect movie night snack, but the sound, the very heart of the experience, was flat and lifeless.
This is a quiet disappointment many of us know well. We invest in beautiful televisions with vibrant pictures, but we are let down by their weak, built-in speakers. That’s where a soundbar comes in.
It’s a promise of a better audio world. This guide is about keeping that promise. Here, we will walk through exactly how to connect an Onn soundbar to your TV, turning those muffled whispers into crystal-clear dialogue and those tinny soundtracks into immersive soundscapes.
We will explore the best methods, from the simplest one-cable solution to reliable alternatives, ensuring you finally get the audio your favorite movies and shows deserve.
First Steps: What’s in the Box and on Your TV?
Before a single cable is plugged in, a moment of preparation can make all the difference. Think of it as a chef arranging their ingredients before cooking. Open your Onn soundbar box and lay everything out.
You should find the soundbar itself, a power cord, a remote control with batteries, and at least one or two audio cables. Typically, this includes an HDMI cable and an optical audio cable. Check your manual to confirm you have everything.
Now, turn your attention to the television. Gently swing it away from the wall to get a clear look at the connection panel on the back or side. This is where the magic happens.
You are looking for specific ports, which are like doorways for sound. Scan the labels carefully. Do you see a port labeled HDMI (ARC) or HDMI (eARC)?
This is your golden ticket, the best and most convenient option. You might also see a port labeled Digital Audio Out (Optical). It’s a small, squarish port, often covered by a tiny plastic flap.
Knowing which of these ports you have is the most important step, as it will determine which connection method you use.
The Champion Connection: Using HDMI ARC
If you want simplicity and performance, the HDMI ARC connection is the undisputed champion. ARC stands for Audio Return Channel, a clever technology that lets a single HDMI cable handle both video and audio, sending sound from your TV back to the soundbar. This means you only need one cable for a clean setup and, best of all, you can control the soundbar’s volume with your regular TV remote.
No more fumbling for a second remote in the dark.
To get started, find the port on your TV labeled HDMI (ARC). It is essential to use this specific HDMI port; others will not work for this purpose. Take your HDMI cable and plug one end firmly into this ARC port on your TV.
Next, find the corresponding HDMI (ARC) Out port on your Onn soundbar and plug the other end of the cable in. Once connected, plug the soundbar’s power cord into an outlet and turn it on. You will also need to make a quick adjustment in your TV’s settings.
Navigate to the audio or sound menu and find an option to change the audio output. Select HDMI ARC or a similar setting (sometimes called “External Speakers”). Your TV speakers will go silent, and the rich sound will now flow through your soundbar.
For a deeper dive into the technology, the official HDMI Licensing Administrator website offers detailed explanations of ARC and its newer counterpart, eARC.
The Reliable Runner-Up: Connecting with an Optical Cable
What if your TV is a bit older and doesn’t have an HDMI ARC port? Do not worry. The optical connection is an excellent and widely available alternative that delivers high-quality digital sound.
Many audiophiles even prefer it for its dedicated audio-only signal. The cable itself is unique, with a square-like connector that often glows with a faint red light when active.
First, locate the Digital Audio Out (Optical) port on the back of your TV. Carefully remove the small plastic cap that might be protecting the end of your optical cable. Align the connector with the port and push it in gently until you feel a distinct click.
It only fits one way, so don’t force it.
Take the other end of the cable and connect it to the Optical In port on your Onn soundbar, again listening for that satisfying click. With the physical connection made, power on your soundbar. Just like with the HDMI method, you will need to tell your TV where to send the sound.
Go into your TV’s audio settings menu. Look for the audio output option and change it from “TV Speakers” to Optical or Digital Audio Out. You should now hear your TV’s audio coming through the soundbar.
The only minor drawback is that you will likely need to use the soundbar’s remote to control the volume.
The Wireless Way: Pairing with Bluetooth
For those who dream of a setup with no visible wires, connecting via Bluetooth is an attractive option. It offers a clean, minimalist look and is surprisingly easy to set up. It’s perfect for streaming music from your phone to the soundbar, but it also works for connecting to many modern smart TVs.
Keep in mind that a wired connection like HDMI or optical will always provide a more stable and slightly higher-quality audio signal, but Bluetooth is incredibly convenient.
To begin, you need to put your Onn soundbar into pairing mode. You can usually do this by pressing the Bluetooth button on the soundbar itself or on its remote. The soundbar will likely make a sound or show a blinking light to indicate it’s searching for a device.
Now, go to your TV’s settings menu and find the Bluetooth section. Turn on Bluetooth and tell your TV to search for new devices. A list of available devices should appear on the screen.
Select your Onn soundbar from the list. Your TV may ask you to confirm the connection. Once you do, the devices will pair, and the soundbar’s blinking light should turn solid.
Your TV audio will now play wirelessly through the soundbar.
FAQ
Why is there no sound coming from my soundbar after connecting it?
First, double-check that your cables are securely plugged into the correct ports on both the TV and the soundbar. For HDMI, ensure you are using the designated ARC port. The most common issue is the TV’s audio output setting.
You must go into your TV’s sound menu and manually change the output from “TV Speakers” to the connection you are using, such as HDMI ARC or Optical. Also, make sure the soundbar is set to the correct input source (HDMI, OPT, BT).
How can I control the soundbar volume with my TV remote?
This convenient feature is primarily available when you connect your soundbar using HDMI ARC. This technology allows your TV remote’s commands to pass through the HDMI cable to the soundbar. If you are using an optical cable or Bluetooth, you will almost always need to use the dedicated Onn soundbar remote to adjust the volume.
Some newer TVs may offer limited control over other connection types through their settings, but HDMI ARC is the most reliable method for single-remote control.
Can I connect my phone to the Onn soundbar?
Absolutely. This is one of the best features of having a Bluetooth-enabled soundbar. Simply put your soundbar into Bluetooth pairing mode, usually by pressing a button on the remote or the unit itself.
Then, open the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone, find the Onn soundbar in the list of available devices, and tap to connect. Now you can stream your favorite music, podcasts, or any other audio from your phone directly to your soundbar, enjoying a much bigger and richer sound.
What if my TV has no HDMI ARC or optical port?
If you have an older TV without these digital ports, you may still have an analog option. Look for a 3.5mm headphone jack or red and white RCA audio output ports on your TV. Your Onn soundbar may have a corresponding AUX or RCA input.
You would then use a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cable or a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable to make the connection. While this analog method works, it will not provide the same level of audio quality as a digital connection like HDMI or optical.
Why is the sound from the soundbar not matching the picture on the TV?
This is known as an audio sync or lip-sync issue, and it can be distracting. It sometimes happens with Bluetooth connections due to wireless latency, but it can occur with wired connections too. Most modern TVs and soundbars have a setting to correct this.
Look for an “Audio Delay,” “AV Sync,” or “Lip Sync” option in your TV’s or soundbar’s audio settings menu. This will allow you to manually adjust the timing of the audio forward or backward in small increments until it perfectly matches the video.
Conclusion
Bringing great sound into your living room doesn’t require a technical degree or a complicated setup. By identifying the ports on your TV and soundbar, you can choose the best path forward. The HDMI ARC connection offers a seamless experience with excellent quality and the convenience of using a single remote.
The optical cable provides a rock-solid, high-quality digital alternative for nearly any TV. And for ultimate simplicity and a wire-free look, Bluetooth stands ready. Each method transforms your viewing experience, uncovering the layers of sound design in movies and the subtle nuances in music that your TV’s speakers simply cannot reproduce.
The cables are connected, the settings are adjusted, and the weak, tinny sound is gone. Now comes the real test. Pick a movie you love, one with an iconic score or explosive action sequences.
Cue up your favorite scene, sit back, and just listen. Can you finally hear what you’ve been missing?
