Soundbar Help

[JRGPDX]

Hello!

I recently purchased a Samsung Soundbar and am having difficulty connecting it. I tried connecting it via HDMI & RCA cables to the TV but got no sound either way. After contacting customer service, I was told I must connect it directly to the device I'm using at the time and not the TV. So if I want to watch regular TV, I have to connect it to the cable box and then switch it to the BD player if I want to watch a movie. I was also told that if I didn't want to switch the connection each time, I'd need a receiver. I also have to use the RCA cables this way, which I know doesn't give me the best sound quality.

I really don't want the hassle of switching the connection constantly (especially since I can't hook it up to the XBox at all) but also don't want to spend money on a receiver when I just bought the soundbar & a new tv.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[markw]

Take it back.

Sometimes, what we want and what is possible are two different things.

Firat, make sure your TV passes audio out and through it. This is generally done with red/white RCA jacks (which pass two-channel analog audio), and the requisite cables. Check your TV and it's manual. This is NOT a given for TV's anymore. Many don't offer it.

IF your TV DOES offer this, then look for a sound bar that will accept these analog RCA audio inputs.

If your TV doesn't, then look for a sound bar with multiple inputs, if there is such a thing. Either that, or look for a TV that DOES have those red/white analog RCA outputs.

FWIW, no TV "passes through" multi-channel audio from external sources. The best you'll get is two channels, even via Toslink, so the RCA cable objection is somewhat moot. Plus, it's only a soundbar to begin with.