This wikiHow teaches you how to set up a Vizio soundbar and connect it to a television. You can use a variety of cable types, including digital optical cable, coaxial cable, or RCA cable. However, an HDMI cable is usually recommended as the best option. Some soundbars come with a Bluetooth pairing feature so you can connect them to your television wirelessly.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using a SPDIF Cable
Step 1. Unpack the contents of the Vizio soundbar purchase package
Remove the device from the box, and make sure you have all cables, bolts, mounts, and manuals from the product package.
Step 2. Remove the protective plastic covers from both ends of the SPDIF cable
This way, you can safely connect the cable to your television and soundbar.
SPDIF cable is also known as Toslink cable or fiber optic. Make sure you have the right cable for the type of connection you want
Step 3. Connect one end of the cable to the " OPTICAL " port on the back of the television
Usually, you can see a "door" or plastic cover on the optical port to prevent dust from entering the port. Make sure the cable can be inserted and firmly attached.
Step 4. Connect the other end of the cable to the "OPTICAL" port on the soundbar
This port is the same as the port on the back of the television.
Step 5. Make sure the soundbar is turned on
Connect the device to a wall outlet using the power cord, then press the power button (“Power”) to turn it on.
Step 6. Select the appropriate input method/channel using the soundbar remote control
Press the Input button on the soundbar controller, then use the arrow keys to select the option “ Optical ”, “ toslink ", or " SPDIF ”.
Step 7. Press the menu button on the soundbar controller
The “VIZIO” menu will be displayed on the television screen.
Step 8. Select Audio on the menu
The soundbar audio settings will be displayed.
Step 9. Slide the TV Speakers setting switch to the off or “Off” position
Select the television speaker option using the controller, then use the arrow keys on the controller to turn off the switch.
Thus, the echo sound effect will not be heard from some sound sources
Step 10. Change the Digital Audio Out setting to “Bitstream” or “Dolby Digital”
Select this option on the “Audio” menu, then use the arrow keys on the controller to switch to another setting.
Method 2 of 4: Using an RCA. Cable
Step 1. Unpack the contents of the Vizio soundbar purchase package
Remove the device from the box, and make sure you have all cables, bolts, mounts, and manuals from the product package.
Step 2. Look for the red and white RCA audio cables
You can use this cable to set up an analog sound connection.
Step 3. Locate the "AUDIO OUT" port on the back of the television
This port has two red and white connectors labeled “Audio Out” on the television.
Step 4. Connect the red and white wires to the appropriate ports on the television
Make sure the red end of the RCA cable is connected to the red port, and the white end of the cable is connected to the white port.
Step 5. Connect the other end of the cable to the red and white "AUDIO IN"/"AUX" connections or ports on the soundbar
An analog sound connection between the television and the soundbar will be established.
Step 6. Make sure the soundbar is turned on
Connect the device to a wall outlet using the power cord, and press the power button (“Power”) to turn it on.
Step 7. Select "AUX" as the input method using the soundbar remote control
Press the Input button on the soundbar controller, then use the arrow buttons to select “AUX”.
Step 8. Press the menu button on the controller
After that, the “VIZIO” menu will be displayed on the television screen.
Step 9. Select Audio on the menu
The soundbar audio settings will be displayed.
Step 10. Slide the TV Speakers setting switch to the off or “Off” position
Select the television speaker option using the controller, then use the arrow keys on the controller to turn off the switch.
Thus, the echo sound effect will not be heard from some sound sources
Step 11. Change the Analog Audio Out setting to “Fixed” or “Variable”
You can choose one of these two settings according to personal preference.
- If you choose " Variable ”, the soundbar volume will automatically change when you adjust the television volume.
- If you choose " Fixed ”, soundbar volume needs to be controlled via soundbar separately.
Method 3 of 4: Using HDMI ARC Connection
Step 1. Unpack the contents of the Vizio soundbar purchase package
Remove the device from the box, and make sure you have all cables, bolts, mounts, and manuals from the product package.
Step 2. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the “HDMI OUT (ARC)” port on the soundbar
With this option, you can adjust the sound flow via HDMI connection.
Step 3. Connect the other end of the cable to the “HDMI 1 (ARC)” port on the back of the television
Thus, the television can transmit audio signals to the soundbar via an HDMI cable.
Step 4. Connect the soundbar to a power source
Plug the power cord into the power (“Power”) port on the back of the soundbar, then plug the cord into a wall outlet.
Step 5. Select "HDMI" as the input method using the soundbar remote control
Press the Input button on the controller, then use the arrow buttons to select “HDMI”.
Method 4 of 4: Using Bluetooth
Step 1. Unpack the contents of the Vizio soundbar purchase package
Remove the device from the box, and make sure you have all cables, bolts, mounts, and manuals from the product package.
Step 2. Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the side of the soundbar
The device will enter Bluetooth pairing mode.
- Alternatively, you can press the “Bluetooth” button on the remote control.
- If you are using a VIZIO controller with an LED display, press the “ MENU ”, then look for the option “ BT Pair ” in the settings menu.
Step 3. Make sure that the Bluetooth connection of the television is turned on and can be detected by other devices
Use the Bluetooth menu on the television to pair the television with the soundbar.
Step 4. Select the soundbar from the Bluetooth pairing menu of the television
While the pairing menu may look slightly different for each television, you usually only need to select the soundbar in the list of found Bluetooth devices.
