How to Connect Vizio Soundbar to TV? Top 3 Ways (2023)

The VIZIO TV series comes with high-quality built-in speakers that are easy to use. Despite the outstanding sound quality of the internal speakers, you may find yourself wishing for deeper bass and a louder volume than is provided. When you connect an additional speaker or soundbar to your PC, you can enjoy immersive surround sound.

A home theater system is not required, although you can connect your Vizio TV to one if you like. When it comes to connecting a soundbar to a Vizio television, you have a few different alternatives to choose from.

This post will show you how to connect a soundbar to a Vizio television using the instructions provided.

1. Connecting a Bluetooth Soundbar to Vizio TV

Bluetooth LE is built into the Vizio televisions that are now available on the market. This is a Bluetooth device that consumes extremely little electricity. As a result, it is unable to establish a successful connection with a Bluetooth soundbar.

Your smartphone, on the other hand, has the capability of being connected to your Vizio TV via Bluetooth. In order for Vizio TV to function properly, it must be paired with the VIZIO SmartCast application on a mobile device or tablet. You may use this software to operate your Vizio TV straight from your smartphone, eliminating the need for a separate remote. As a result, you will be able to connect a soundbar to a Vizio television via a wired connection as previously described. When it comes to wired connections, you have two choices: S/PDIF or analog cable.

2. Connecting a Soundbar to Vizio TV using S/PDIF Cable

S/PDIF cable is a digital audio transmission cable that has two digital audio transmission channels. It is used for digital audio transfer. In one case, you get compressed 5.1/7.1 surround sound, whereas, in the other, you get uncompressed PCM audio.

This link has the capability of transmitting high-definition audio. It significantly minimizes the amount of unwanted noise produced to the bare minimum. A good equilibrium is achieved as a result of this.

To link a soundbar to your Vizio TV using a S/PDIF cable, follow the procedures outlined below: 

  • Before you connect your Vizio TV and soundbar, be sure they are both turned off and not in use.
  • Look for the “S/PDIF or Optical port” on the back of your television set. On the back of a Vizio television, you’ll typically find these ports and connections.
  • One end of the S/PDIF cable should be plugged into the audio port on your television set.
  • To connect your soundbar’s S/PDIF port, locate it on the back panel of the device and use the appropriate connection to connect the other end of the cable to this port.
  • When you want to turn on the soundbar, plug the power cable into an electrical socket on the wall. Also, make sure your Vizio television is turned on.
  • Selecting S/PDIF input can be accomplished by pushing the appropriate button on the soundbar or on the remote.

Before connecting the external soundbar to the television, you must first turn off the internal TV speakers on the television. If you want to finish this task, follow the instructions below:

  • To access the menu on your Vizio TV, press the “Menu” button on the remote control. There will be a menu of options displayed on the television screen.
  • To find the “Audio” option, use the right arrow button to scroll down the page and select it.
  • Following that, select “Speakers” by using the down arrow button.
  • The state of the speaker will be indicated by the word “ON.” By pressing the right arrow button, the status of the speaker is changed to “Off.”
  • Currently, the internal speakers have been turned off for the time being. The audio will be transferred to the soundbar in order to be played back.
Sony TV Soundbars

3. Connecting a Soundbar to Vizio TV using Analog Cable

Using an Analog cable, you may connect your television to your speakers or soundbar and transfer analog signals between them. An analog cable can be used to connect a soundbar to your Vizio TV, and it is recommended. Keep the following rules in mind when making your decision:

  • First, make sure that both your Vizio TV and your soundbar are turned off before connecting the two devices together.
  • On the back of your Vizio television, look for the “Analog” port to connect to your computer.
  • One end of the RCA/Analog cable should be inserted into this port on your television.
  • The input 1 and 2 ports of your soundbar may be found on the back panel, respectively, of the device.
  • At this point, the other end of the RCA cable should be inserted into one of the input ports on the computer.
  • It is necessary to have both the soundbar and the television switched on.
  • Press the “Input” button on the remote control for your soundbar or on the soundbar itself.
  • Making the television your input device is a simple process.

Remove the internal TV speakers in the same manner as you did before to make a place for the external soundbar to be connected. To carry out this activity, you must follow the same procedures as those outlined in the preceding subsection.

You will switch off the internal speakers on your television and navigate through the choices on the screen. The audio from your Vizio TV will be transmitted directly to the speaker in real-time.

Our three different techniques for connecting your soundbar to your Vizio television are discussed in detail in this post. It is possible to employ any of the approaches listed above, depending on how feasible they are for you.

Best Seller List of Vizio Soundbars:

SaleBestseller No. 1
VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar with Dolby Audio, Bluetooth, Wireless Subwoofer, Voice...
  • Low-Profile Modern Design - Clean silhouettes, subtle textures, and matte finishes seamlessly blend into any environment.
  • Powerful Performance - Brilliant clarity, thunderous bass, and Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround support combine for performance beyond its size.
  • Simple Setup, Streaming & Control - Get setup and listening in minutes with HDMI ARC and Bluetooth connectivity for unparalleled ease of use, control, and access to your content.
  • 5.1-Channel Sound - Experience a powerful room-filling, surround sound experience.
  • 6 Total Speakers - Full-range drivers deliver coherent sound and brilliant clarity.
Bestseller No. 2
VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar with 6 High-Performance Speakers, Dolby Atmos,...
  • America's #1 Sound Bar* VIZIO has been filling homes with truly immersive audio for over 10 years, and our sound bars just keep getting better. We are proud to provide our customers with top-tier audio products that bring movies, shows, podcasts, music, and more to life like never before. (*#1 Sound Bar Brand in 1H 2022 Source: The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service, U.S., based on units, Jan. - June 2022 combined.).Mounting Type:Wall Mount.Waterproof : No
  • Immersive sound, brought to you by people who love sound. - Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio technologies captivate your senses with realistic sounds above and behind you for performance that completely immerses you in the world of your entertainment.
  • It’s psychoacoustics, but you can call it magic. - An optical illusion for your ears, DTS Virtual:X technology delivers the sensation of speakers placed throughout your room, above and behind you, for a sonic landscape that’s remarkably lifelike.
  • Your favorites, the way they were meant to be heard. - Lean in and get lost in your favorite content with 98dB of premium audio powered by 6 high-performance speakers. With integrated tweeters and woofers, this sound bar delivers clarity, spaciousness, and impact down to an impressive 50Hz.
  • Minimalist design. Maximum impact. - Thanks to built-in dual subwoofers and a fully integrated design, the M-Series All-In-One sound bar needs no external components to sound its best. And at just 36 inches in width, it’ll fit just about anywhere.
Bestseller No. 3
3,769 Reviews
VIZIO 2.0 Home Theater Sound Bar with DTS Virtual:X, Bluetooth, Voice Assistant Compatible, Includes...
  • America's #1 Sound Bar* - VIZIO has been filling homes with truly immersive audio for over 10 years, and our sound bars just keep getting better. We are proud to provide our customers with top-tier audio products that bring movies, shows, podcasts, music, and more to life like never before. (*#1 Sound Bar Brand in 1H 2022 Source: The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service, U.S., based on units, Jan. - June 2022 combined.)
  • Ultra-Compact 2.0 Design - Experience the performance of larger, more complex home theater systems in a simple, ultra-compact solution designed fit anywhere and blend seamlessly into any environment.
  • Bold Performance - Experience rich, clear sound with up to 91dB of total SPL output for performance that belies its size.
  • Essential Connectivity & Control - Get setup and listening in seconds with the included cables plus Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming of your favorite music and podcasts.
  • 2.0-Channel Sound - Experience a powerful room-filling, true stereo experience ideal for movies, music, and gaming.
SaleBestseller No. 4
VIZIO M-Series 2.1 Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, Wireless Subwoofer, M215a-J6 (HDMI)-Black
  • Immersive Performance - Experience immersive, cinematic 3D surround sound powered by Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.Waterproof : No
  • Low-Profile Modern Design - Seamlessly blends into any environment and ingeniously attaches to select VIZIO M-Series TV stands for quick, clean tabletop or wall-mount installation
  • Latest Connectivity & Control - The latest HDMI eARC connectivity enables state-of-the-art 4K Dolby Vision pass-through to the TV and lets you control the sound bar using your TV remote
  • Dolby Atmos and DTS:X - Cinematic, life-like 3D surround sound around and above you.
  • 2.1-Channel Sound - Experience powerful, room-filling sound from a surprisingly compact system.
SaleBestseller No. 5
VIZIO 5.1.2 Elevate Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos, 13 Speakers, Wireless Subwoofer, Alexa - 2023 Model,...
  • America's #1 Sound Bar* - VIZIO has been filling homes with truly immersive audio for over 10 years, and our sound bars just keep getting better. We are proud to provide our customers with top-tier audio products that bring movies, shows, podcasts, music, and more to life like never before. (*#1 Sound Bar Brand in 1H 2022 Source: The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service, U.S., based on units, Jan. - June 2022 combined.)
  • Evolved to revolve - Adaptive Height Speakers integrated into the sound bar automatically rotate up or forward to optimize the performance of the system. When rotated up, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks are strikingly immersive. When rotated forward, the height speakers are repurposed to deliver music with breathtaking power and dynamics.
  • Immersive sound, brought to you by people who love sound - Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio technologies captivate your senses with realistic sounds above and behind you for performance that completely immerses you in the world of your entertainment.
  • Your favorites, the way they were meant to be heard - Lean in and get lost in your favorite content with 103dB of premium audio powered by 13 high-performance speakers. With a newly designed wireless subwoofer and integrated tweeters and woofers, this sound bar delivers clarity, spaciousness, and impact down to an impressive 45Hz.
  • Multi-dimensional masterpiece - Experience the thrill of sound that moves throughout your room with 5.1.2 channels of immersive audio. Each channel plays a pivotal role in the creation of a soundscape that places you in the middle of your entertainment.
SaleBestseller No. 6
1,322 Reviews
VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Channel Soundbar System with 5-inch Wireless Subwoofer - Black (Renewed)
  • Turn your living room into a captivating home theater. DTS Virtual:X sound enhancement adds room-filling, floor-to-ceiling virtualized 3D sound.
  • 3 full-range speakers in the sound-bar create brilliant clarity. Place the 5" wireless subwoofer anywhere in the room to add deep booming bass.
  • With HDMI cable, use the highest-quality audio available and allows you to control the soundbar with your TV remote.
  • Connect Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant devices. Pair with any device via Bluetooth.
  • US Warranty. Package Includes: SoundBar, Subwoofer, HDMI Cable, Digital Optical Cable, 3.5mm to 3.5mm, Stereo RCA to 3.5mm, Power Cable, Subwoofer Power Cable, Remote Control, User Manual, Wall Mounting Screws, Wall Mounting Template.
Bestseller No. 7
605 Reviews
VIZIO SB2020n-J6 Home Theater Sound Bar (Renewed)
  • Ultra-Compact 2.0 Design Experience the performance of larger, more complex home theater systems in a simple, ultra-compact solution designed fit anywhere and blend seamlessly into any environment.
  • Bold Performance Experience rich, clear sound with up to 91dB of total SPL output for performance that belies its size.
  • Essential Connectivity & Control Get setup and listening in seconds with the included cables plus Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming of your favorite music and podcasts.
  • 2.0-Channel Sound Experience a powerful room-filling, true stereo experience ideal for movies, music, and gaming.
  • Full-Range Speakers 2 full-range speakers in the sound bar provide rich, clear sound.
SaleBestseller No. 8
Vizio V51x-J6 36-inch 5.1 Channel Home Theater Soundbar System (Renewed)
  • Low-Profile Design and Brilliant Clarity with 6 Full-range Speakers
  • Powerful 5" Wireless Subwoofer and Bluetooth Music Streaming
  • Complete Immersion with Discreet Volume Adjustable Surround Speakers
  • Optimized for 4K TVs with Dolby Audio 5.1 and HDMI (Cable Included)
  • Control with TV Remote using HDMI, Audio Cables Included for Easy Setup
SaleBestseller No. 9
113 Reviews
VIZIO V-Series All-in-One 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar (Renewed) Black
  • Minimal Modern Design A clean, angular, low-profile silhouette seamlessly blends into any environment.
  • VIZIO TV Stand Integration In addition to sliding neatly under TVs, V-Series sound bars ingeniously attach to select VIZIO TV stands in both tabletop and wall-mount installations.
  • 2.1-Channel Sound Experience a powerful room-filling, true stereo experience ideal for movies, music, and gaming.
  • Full-Range Speakers 2 full-range speakers in the sound bar provide coherent sound and brilliant clarity.
  • VIZIO Built-In Dual 3'' Subwoofers Enjoy shockingly deep bass down to 60Hz in an all-in-one design
Bestseller No. 10
VIZIO 36” 2.1 Channel Soundbar with Built-in Dual Subwoofers - SB362An-F6 (Renewed)
  • Award-winning audio performance
  • Two built-in subwoofers for bass you can feel
  • DTS Virtual:X delivers simulated overhead sound
  • Dolby Audio Technology built-in
  • Designed to fit with any TV setup

Last update on 2024-03-29

Lance Ulanoff is a renowned tech journalist, commentator, and on-air expert with over 36 years of experience. He has held esteemed positions including Editor in Chief of Lifewire and Mashable, where he delved into the impact of technology on daily life. Lance's expertise has been featured on major news programs globally, and he has made appearances on Fox News, CNBC, and the BBC.