Sound bar

[sparky1624]

What is the best way to connect a sound bar, optical or HDMI through arc ..... Or both? I have a new Sony tv but am waiting for the sound bar to arrive from Currys, they sold me an optical cable but maybe I would have been better with an HDMI, I am a little confused over this now. 

[Anonymous]

Hi there

If both the soundbar and TV supports HDMI-ARC functionality, them HDMI is always best.  All else optical is the fall-back solution.  But I cant advise further as I do not know what brand/model soundbar and TV you have.

Cheers

[sparky1624]

I have a Sony 49XD8305 TV and a Sony HT-CT390 sound bar of which both have HDMI ARC points, I was sold an optical cable when I bought them at the time. 

[Anonymous]

Hi there

My advice is to return the optical cable for a refund.

The benefits of using HDMI over Optical are:

• Ability to use HDMI-CEC functions such as TV remote to control the volume and functions
• HD Audio formats - only on devices that support it such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HDMA (sadly the CT-390 doesnt though)

Cheers