How To Connect Onn Soundbar To Vizio TV

Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to connect your Onn soundbar to a Vizio TV. If you’ve recently purchased a new soundbar and want to enjoy immersive audio while watching your favorite shows and movies, you’ve come to the right place. By following the steps outlined below, you’ll be able to effortlessly connect your Onn soundbar to your Vizio TV and elevate your entertainment experience to a whole new level.

Connecting a soundbar to your TV not only enhances the audio quality but also provides a more immersive and cinematic experience. With the right setup, you can enjoy rich sound, crystal-clear dialogue, and booming bass that will make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, it’s important to note that the following instructions are specifically for connecting an Onn soundbar to a Vizio TV. However, many of the concepts and techniques can be applied to other soundbars and TV brands as well. So, even if you don’t own an Onn soundbar or a Vizio TV, you can still find value in this guide.

Now, let’s kick things off by gathering the necessary equipment before we delve into the connecting process. By making sure you have everything you need right from the start, you can streamline the setup process and avoid any unnecessary hiccups along the way.

Step 1: Gather Necessary Equipment

Before you begin connecting your Onn soundbar to your Vizio TV, it’s important to gather all the necessary equipment to ensure a smooth and hassle-free setup. Here’s a list of items you’ll need:

• Onn Soundbar: Make sure you have your Onn soundbar handy. This is the main device that will be connected to your Vizio TV to enhance the audio quality.
• Vizio TV: Ensure that your Vizio TV is readily accessible. This will serve as the main source of video content.
• HDMI Cable: You’ll need an HDMI cable to establish the audio and video connection between the soundbar and the TV. Make sure you have a high-quality HDMI cable that supports audio return channel (ARC) for optimal performance.
• Optical Cable (optional): If your soundbar and TV do not have HDMI ARC capability or if you prefer to use an optical connection, you’ll need an optical cable. Check if your soundbar and TV have optical ports and ensure you have a compatible cable.
• RCA Cables (optional): In case your soundbar and TV do not support HDMI or optical connections, you can use RCA cables as an alternative. Verify if both devices have RCA ports and have the appropriate cables ready.
• Power Cables: Make sure you have the respective power cords for both the soundbar and the TV. These will be used to provide electricity to both devices.
• Remote Control (optional): Depending on the model of your soundbar and TV, you may have separate remote controls for each device. Ensure you have the remotes within reach for easier configuration and control.

By having all these items gathered and readily available, you’ll be well-prepared to proceed to the next steps of connecting your Onn soundbar to your Vizio TV. With the right equipment in hand, you can make the setup process smoother and more efficient.

Step 2: Check the Soundbar and TV Compatibility

Before proceeding with the connection process, it’s essential to ensure that your Onn soundbar and Vizio TV are compatible with each other. This compatibility check will help avoid any potential compatibility issues and ensure that the two devices work seamlessly together.

First, check the soundbar’s specifications to verify if it supports the type of audio and video connections that your Vizio TV offers. Look for features such as HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or optical input/output. These connection options will determine how you can link the soundbar to the TV.

Next, examine your Vizio TV for the available audio output options. Most modern TVs have an HDMI ARC port, which enables a two-way audio transfer between the TV and the soundbar. If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI ARC port, check if it has an optical audio output or RCA output. It’s important to identify the available ports so that you can choose the appropriate connection method for your specific setup.

Additionally, ensure that your Onn soundbar and Vizio TV have compatible audio formats. This includes checking support for common audio codecs like Dolby Digital, DTS, or PCM (Pulse Code Modulation). Matching audio formats will ensure that you get the best sound quality from your soundbar without any compatibility issues.

If you are unsure about the compatibility of your soundbar and TV, refer to the user manuals and specifications of both devices. These resources will provide detailed information on the supported connections, audio formats, and any specific instructions for connecting external audio devices.

By confirming the compatibility between your Onn soundbar and Vizio TV, you can proceed with confidence to the next steps and set up a seamless audio-visual experience. Keep in mind that ensuring compatibility is crucial in achieving optimal sound quality and avoiding any potential connectivity problems.

Step 3: Turn off the TV and Soundbar

Before you start connecting your Onn soundbar to your Vizio TV, it’s important to power off both devices. This ensures a safe and hassle-free setup process.

Begin by turning off your Vizio TV. Use the power button on the TV or the remote control to completely shut it down. Wait for a few seconds to ensure that the TV is powered off completely.

Next, locate the power button on your Onn soundbar. It is usually located on the front or top panel of the soundbar. Press and hold the power button until the soundbar turns off. Some soundbars may have an additional standby mode, so make sure it is fully powered off.

By turning off both the TV and the soundbar, you are preventing any potential electrical issues that may arise during the connection process. It also allows for a fresh start when setting up the audio configuration between the two devices.

Remember, safety is always a top priority when working with electronic devices. Ensure that both the TV and soundbar are completely powered off before moving on to the next steps.

With the TV and soundbar turned off, you’re now ready to proceed to the next step of identifying the available ports on both devices for connection.

Step 4: Identify the Available Ports

Now that you have turned off both your Vizio TV and Onn soundbar, it’s time to identify the available ports on each device. This step will help you determine which type of connection you can use to link the soundbar to the TV.

Start by examining the back or side panel of your Vizio TV. Look for audio output ports, such as HDMI ARC, optical out, or RCA outputs. The HDMI ARC port is usually labeled as “ARC” or “HDMI (ARC)” and allows for both audio and video signals to be transmitted through a single cable. The optical audio output is labeled as “OPTICAL” or “TOSLINK,” and RCA outputs are color-coded as red and white.

Next, take a look at your Onn soundbar and identify the input ports. Common input options include HDMI ARC, optical input, and RCA input. The HDMI ARC port on the soundbar is usually labeled as “ARC” or “HDMI (ARC),” while the optical input is labeled as “OPTICAL” or “TOSLINK.” The RCA inputs are color-coded as red and white, similar to the TV’s RCA outputs.

Make note of the available ports on both the TV and the soundbar, as you’ll need this information when selecting the appropriate connection method in the following steps.

It’s important to remember that the available ports may vary depending on the specific models of your Vizio TV and Onn soundbar. Refer to the user manuals of both devices for detailed diagrams and descriptions of the ports.

By identifying the available ports, you can proceed to the next step with a clear understanding of how to connect the soundbar to the TV using the most suitable connection method.

Step 5: Connect the Soundbar to the TV using HDMI ARC

If both your Vizio TV and Onn soundbar have HDMI ARC capability, using an HDMI ARC connection is the recommended method as it provides both audio and video transmission through a single cable. Follow the steps below to connect the soundbar to the TV using HDMI ARC:

1. Locate the HDMI ARC port on your TV and soundbar. The HDMI ARC port on the TV is usually labeled as “ARC” or “HDMI (ARC)” and can typically be found on the back or side panel of the TV. The HDMI ARC port on the soundbar is also labeled as “ARC” or “HDMI (ARC)”.
2. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI ARC port on the TV.
3. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI ARC port on the soundbar.
4. Ensure that the HDMI cable is securely plugged into both devices to establish a reliable connection.
5. Once the HDMI ARC connection is established, power on both the TV and the soundbar.

At this point, the soundbar should automatically detect the HDMI ARC connection and switch to the correct input source. The TV may also recognize the soundbar as the audio output device.

If the audio doesn’t automatically route to the soundbar, you may need to adjust the audio settings on your TV. Navigate to the TV’s settings menu, select the audio or sound settings, and choose the soundbar as the audio output device.

Finally, test the audio by playing a video or music on your TV. The sound should now be coming from the Onn soundbar, indicating a successful HDMI ARC connection.

Using HDMI ARC provides a convenient and streamlined connection method between the soundbar and the TV. It allows for seamless audio syncing, eliminating the need for separate audio cables.

Note that some TVs may have different names or labels for the HDMI ARC port. Refer to the TV’s user manual if you’re having trouble locating the correct port.

If your TV or soundbar doesn’t have HDMI ARC capability, don’t worry. You can still connect them using alternative methods, which will be covered in the next steps.

Step 6: Connect the Soundbar to the TV using an Optical Cable

If your Vizio TV and Onn soundbar don’t have HDMI ARC capability or if you prefer to use an optical connection, you can easily connect them using an optical cable. Follow the steps below to establish an optical connection between the soundbar and the TV:

1. Locate the optical audio output port on your TV. It is usually labeled as “OPTICAL” or “TOSLINK” and can be found on the back or side panel of the TV.
2. Take one end of the optical cable and insert it into the optical audio output port on the TV.
3. Now, locate the optical audio input port on your Onn soundbar. It is also labeled as “OPTICAL” or “TOSLINK” and can be found on the back or side panel of the soundbar.
4. Connect the other end of the optical cable to the optical audio input port on the soundbar.
5. Ensure that the optical cable is securely plugged into both devices to establish a stable connection.
6. Once the optical connection is established, power on both the TV and the soundbar.

After powering on, the soundbar should recognize the optical input and switch to the appropriate audio source automatically. However, if the sound is still not coming through the soundbar, you may need to manually select the optical input on the soundbar using its control panel or remote control.

Similarly, make sure the audio settings on your TV are configured to output audio through the optical connection. Access the TV’s settings menu, navigate to the audio or sound settings, and select the optical output as the audio source.

Test the audio by playing a video or music on your TV. If the sound is being played through the Onn soundbar, congratulations! The optical connection is successfully established.

Using an optical cable provides a reliable and high-quality audio connection between the TV and soundbar. It allows for the transmission of digital audio signals, ensuring clear and immersive sound.

If your TV or soundbar doesn’t have an optical audio port, don’t worry, there’s another alternative connection method that can be used, which will be covered in the next step.

Step 7: Connect the Soundbar to the TV using RCA Cables

In case your Vizio TV and Onn soundbar do not support HDMI ARC or optical connections, you can still establish a connection using RCA cables. Although RCA cables are analog, they can still provide a decent audio connection. Follow the steps below to connect your soundbar to the TV using RCA cables:

1. Locate the RCA output ports on your TV. These ports are typically color-coded as red and white, representing the right and left audio channels.
2. Take one end of the RCA cable and connect the red plug into the red RCA output port on the TV.
3. Next, connect the white plug of the RCA cable into the white RCA output port on the TV.
4. Now, locate the RCA input ports on your Onn soundbar. These will be color-coded as red and white, corresponding to the audio channels.
5. Connect the red plug of the RCA cable into the red RCA input port on the soundbar.
6. Connect the white plug of the RCA cable into the white RCA input port on the soundbar.
7. Ensure that the RCA cables are securely plugged into both devices to establish a stable connection.
8. Power on both the TV and the soundbar after connecting the cables.

Once you power on both devices, the soundbar should automatically detect the audio signals coming from the TV through the RCA connection. However, if the sound doesn’t play through the soundbar, you may need to manually select the RCA input on the soundbar using its control panel or remote control.

Similarly, check the audio settings on your TV and make sure the output is configured to use the RCA connection. Access the TV’s settings menu, navigate to the audio or sound settings, and select the RCA output as the audio source.

Test the audio by playing a video or music on your TV. If the sound is coming through the Onn soundbar, congratulations! You have successfully connected the soundbar to the TV using RCA cables.

Although RCA cables are not as advanced as HDMI ARC or optical connections, they can still provide satisfactory audio performance. They are a simple and accessible option for connecting devices that lack digital audio ports.

If your TV or soundbar doesn’t have RCA ports, there are alternative connection methods that can be explored, which will be covered in the subsequent steps.

Step 8: Power On the TV and Soundbar

Now that you have successfully connected your Onn soundbar to your Vizio TV using the appropriate cables or ports, it’s time to power on both devices. This step ensures that the TV and soundbar are ready for use and allows for seamless audio integration.

Starting with your Vizio TV, locate the power button either on the TV itself or on the TV’s remote control. Press the power button to turn on the TV. Wait for a few moments to allow the TV to boot up and display the home screen or any connected external devices.

Next, locate the power button on your Onn soundbar. The power button is typically located on the front or top panel of the soundbar. Press and hold the power button until the soundbar powers on. Some soundbars may also have a standby mode, so ensure it is fully powered on and not just in standby.

As the TV and soundbar power on, you may notice visual indicators such as LEDs or displays on both devices. These indicators will typically show that power is being supplied to the devices and that they are operational.

With both the TV and soundbar powered on, it’s important to give them a few moments to synchronize and establish a connection. Depending on the devices and their configurations, this process may be automatic or may require manual adjustments.

If the TV does not automatically recognize the soundbar, you may need to navigate through the TV’s settings menu and select the soundbar as the audio output device. Refer to your TV’s user manual for specific instructions on how to adjust the audio settings.

Once the TV and soundbar are both powered on and the audio settings are properly configured, you can move on to the final step of adjusting the audio settings on your TV to optimize the soundbar’s performance.

Congratulations! You have successfully powered on both your Vizio TV and Onn soundbar, and they are ready to deliver an enhanced audio experience.

Step 9: Adjust the Audio Settings on the TV

Now that your Onn soundbar is successfully connected to your Vizio TV, it’s important to adjust the audio settings on the TV to optimize the soundbar’s performance. Fine-tuning the audio settings ensures that you get the best sound quality and a truly immersive audio experience.

Here are some key adjustments you can make on your TV:

• Audio Output Selection: Access the TV’s settings menu and navigate to the audio or sound options. Select the soundbar as the preferred audio output device. This ensures that the TV directs the audio signal to the soundbar instead of its built-in speakers.
• Sound Modes: Many TVs offer various sound modes, such as Movie, Music, or Sports. Experiment with different modes to find the one that best suits your preference and enhances the audio quality.
• Equalizer Settings: Some TVs provide equalizer or audio preset options that allow you to adjust specific sound frequencies. If available, you can fine-tune the bass, treble, or balance levels to achieve the desired audio experience.
• Volume Leveling: Look for features like volume leveling or dynamic range control, which help in producing consistent audio levels across different content. This ensures that loud scenes aren’t too overpowering and quiet moments are still audible.

Take some time to explore the available audio settings on your TV and experiment with different configurations. Every TV model may have a slightly different interface and options, so refer to your TV’s user manual for specific instructions on adjusting the audio settings.

As you make changes to the audio settings, play some different types of content, such as movies, music, and TV shows, to see how the soundbar performs. Adjust the settings until you find the perfect balance that suits your personal preferences and delivers an immersive audio experience.

Remember to periodically check the audio settings on your TV, especially when connecting new devices or making changes to your home theater setup. This ensures that the TV continues to output audio to the soundbar, providing you with the best possible sound quality.

With the audio settings adjusted on your TV, you’re now ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite movies, shows, and music with the enhanced sound delivered by your Onn soundbar.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully connected your Onn soundbar to your Vizio TV, unlocking a whole new level of audio immersion for your entertainment experience. By following the step-by-step instructions in this guide, you have established a seamless connection between the soundbar and TV, allowing you to enjoy rich, high-quality sound.

Whether you used HDMI ARC, an optical cable, or RCA cables, each connection method provides its own benefits and can significantly enhance your audio experience. HDMI ARC offers a streamlined solution with both audio and video transmission in a single cable, while optical and RCA connections provide reliable analog options for older devices or those without HDMI ARC capability.

Remember to adjust the audio settings on your TV to tailor the soundbar’s performance to your preferences. Tweaking sound modes, equalizer settings, and volume leveling can further enhance your audio experience and ensure optimal sound quality for different types of content.

Should you encounter any difficulties during the setup process or have any specific questions related to your Onn soundbar or Vizio TV, consult the user manuals for detailed instructions or reach out to the respective manufacturer’s customer support.

Now that you have successfully connected your soundbar, sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in your favorite movies, TV shows, and music with enhanced audio quality. Enjoy the immersive sound experience that your Onn soundbar and Vizio TV combination brings to your home entertainment setup!