How to Hook up Soundbar to TV with Cable Box [Step-by-Step]

Connecting the soundbar to TV is a pretty straightforward task, and we have already posted several different methods of connecting the soundbar to TV either by using HDMI, TOSLINK, Bluetooth, or WIFI connection.

However, there are times, when we want to hook up the soundbar to the TV using the cable box, which can be quite tricky, especially, when you have not done it before.

If you are one of those people who are confused about connecting the soundbar to TV, then this guide is for you, in which we have provided complete steps for hooking the soundbar to cable TV.

Enough Bluffing, let’s jump right into the matter.

How to Hook up Soundbar to TV with Cable Box?

Unlike the regular soundbar to TV connection which requires you to connect a single cable with the TV and the soundbar, the connection between the soundbar and the cable box is very tricky and involves several different steps.

So, in order to follow the procedure correctly, you need to follow the below-given procedure step-by-step, so you do not mess-up things.

Step 1: Getting the Right Cables

First of all, you need to get three HDMI cables that you will interconnect with all of these devices. You will need to have at least three different cables, and we highly recommend you to get the HDMI cables.

Another important thing that people neglect while getting themselves an HDMI cable is the quality of the cable. They get a poor quality cable, which downgrades the sound quality. You cannot enjoy good quality sound despite having a fantastic quality sound if you are using a poor quality cable.

Hence, we highly recommend getting a quality cable, which not only maintains the sound quality but also lasts you for a longer period of time, unlike the normal cable which requires replacement after every few weeks.

Step 2: Plugging the Cables Into the TV

First of all, you will need to plug the cables into the TV. But before plugging the cables into the soundbar, you will first have to switch off your TV and unplug it from the power socket. Unplugging the TV from the power socket saves you from any potential electric shock, that you encounter while touching the powered TV, thus we recommend switching off your TV.

After you have unplugged the TV from the power socket, you will now have to insert both of your HDMI cables into the HDMI ports on your TV. One crucial thing here is that you will insert one cable into the HDMI ARC port (different from the HDMI port), the HDMI ARC port cable should go into the soundbar, as this cable supports both audio, and video formats.

After inserting the cables into both of the ports, you will now have to switch on the TV back again.

Step 3: Plugging the Cables Into the Soundbar

Similarly, you will have to power off the soundbar and unplug it from the power. After unplugging, you will have to plug the HDMI cable (that you have plugged into the HDMI ARC port) into the soundbar. Ensure you have properly inserted the HDMI cable into the HDMI-IN port.

Also, you will have to connect the third cable to the soundbar. Make sure, you are connecting the cable with the HDMI out port (we will later connect this cable with the cable box). Afterward, you will have to turn the soundbar back again.

Step 4: Plugging the Cables into the Cable Box

Likewise, we will also turn off the cable box, and unplug it from the power to avoid any potential electric shock. Now plug both the HDMI cables one by one into the HDMI ports on the cable box, and ensure you are properly connecting these cables with the cable box.

Finally, you will have to turn the cable box back again.

Step 5: Changing the Source Settings Through the Soundbar

We are not done yet, as you will have to change the source settings from the soundbar. For this, firstly, you will have to first get the remote of the source, if there is an HDMI button, simply select it, otherwise, you will have to toggle the source button a few times to get it into the HDMI mode.

If your soundbar has no remote, then you will have to press the HDMI button on your soundbar or press the source button a few times until it starts showing you the HDMI written.

Step 6: Changing the TV Audio Preference

If there is no sound coming out of the soundbar, don’t get worried, there is another step involved, which is often missed by people, and they wonder why is there no sound coming off the soundbar.

You will now have to go into the TV Settings>Audio/Sound. From the Audio settings, you will now have to select HDMI as your preferred output method. 

Now, you should be able to enjoy the sound from your soundbar speakers, which is absolutely amazing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can We Hook-Up Soundbar Directly to Cable Box, and Enjoy the TV Sound?

Yes, you can hook up the soundbar to the cable box, but not directly, in this blog post, we have compiled the complete step-by-step process that you need to follow for connecting the soundbar to the cable box.

Is There Any Advantage to Connect Cable Box to Soundbar?

Well, by connecting the cable box to the soundbar, you can enjoy the top-notch sound, which is not possible with the native TV speakers, which offer very low-quality sound, as compared to the premium quality sound offered by the soundbar.

Can We Connect Soundbar to Cable TV With Digital Optical Cable?

Yes, you can connect the soundbar to cable TV using the digital optical cable. The steps involved in this procedure are almost identical to the steps involved in connecting the soundbar to the TV via the HDMI cable.

Conclusion

Unlike the regular soundbar to TV connection, connecting the soundbar to the TV with a cable TV box is a very complicated task.

To make the process simple, and efficient, we have compiled a step-by-step guide, that you can follow to easily connect your soundbar to the TV and cable box.

If you are still having a hard time connecting the soundbar to the cable TV box, shoot us a message, and we will be more than happy to help you out.