KD-49XG9005 I'm adding a Soundbar, should I connect via optical or HDMI

[Pebbleridge]

Hi Guys,

I have a KD-49XG9005 and I'm adding a Soundbar, should I connect via optical or HDMI and what are the advantages/disadvantages of each method ?

[LightFoot · Accepted solution]

Hi @Pebbleridge   Optical is legacy and limited to DD 5.1 and should only be used if it is not possible to use HDMI ARC/eARC. HDMI carries all the latest audio formats like Dolby Atmos etc. and should always be your first choice. You can also use HDMI Control (Bravia Sync) to enable features like switching the soundbar off and on with the TV plus use the TV remote to control the soundbar. 

[Pebbleridge]

Hi @LightFoot 

Many thanks for your detailed explanation, I think I'll definitely go for HDMI (even though I'm not sure about the different audio formats involved).

I think I read somewhere that the HDMI ports on my KD-49XG9005 are not all the same. Is there one that I should use for a sound bar? I've looked on the "hints and tips" page for the KD-49XG9005 and it just says connect to HDMI port.

[LightFoot · Accepted solution]

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@Pebbleridge wrote:

I think I read somewhere that the HDMI ports on my KD-49XG9005 are not all the same. Is there one that I should use for a sound bar?

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Hi @Pebbleridge   Yes, you must use HDMI 3 (ARC). ARC = Audio Return Channel so any sound received by the TV, even from other HDMI ports, live TV or from TV Apps can play on the Soundbar.

[Pebbleridge]

Brilliant, I'll connect it to the one marked ARC.

Thanks for your help.

[Pebbleridge]

All connected and working well.

But for some reason when I press the Input button on the remote to switch between my HDMI inputs I get six options, when I only have three boxes connected.

All three show up twice but with different descriptions.

I assume it's due to me turning on Bravia Sync, so my Soundbar works automatically, but I don't understand why it should change the input list.