Soundbars and TVs go together so well that it’s almost like magic. If you’re going to buy a super-sized 98 inch TV screen, it’s also worth grabbing an equally super-sounding soundbar to go with it.
A good soundbar can help to massively improve the TV experience. These amazing pieces of kit are designed to deliver more impactful audio, with improved bass and treble, to really sell a sense of immersion.
The trouble is that because soundbars and TVs are so closely intertwined, many people often wonder whether they have to be part of the same brand. Can you mix TV and soundbar brands? Or do you have to ensure they closely align?
Join us down below, because in this definitive guide, the Reliant tech experts are going to take you through everything there is to know about mixing soundbars and TVs!
Can You Mix TV & Soundbar Brands?
Luckily, if you’re planning on grabbing a soundbar to go with your new TV, you won’t be limited in terms of options. There are no limits when it comes to mixing soundbar and TV brands. For instance, you could have a Samsung TV, and pair it with an LG soundbar. It would still work perfectly fine!
There are no limits when it comes to mixing soundbar and TV brands. The brands do not have to match, as the TV and soundbar will simply connect via more basic means like HDMI, or Bluetooth!
Soundbars make use of HDMI or Bluetooth to connect to compatible TVs and do not require any proprietary connection methods. This means that you can theoretically connect a soundbar to just about anything without a problem.
Is It Worth Matching TV And Soundbar Brands?
Although it is not essential to match soundbar and TV brands, there are some benefits to doing so with some brands. For instance, it’s worth matching a Samsung soundbar to a Samsung TV. This is because Samsung devices can connect to the SmartThings platform. SmartThings is a smart home platform that allows you to control all of your various devices remotely, using just your smartphone.
When your Samsung soundbar and Samsung TV are both connected to the SmartThings app, it’s much easier to simultaneously control the two. This allows you a much more seamless and enjoyable user experience.
How Do You Connect A Soundbar To A TV?
As we mentioned earlier, there are actually multiple ways to connect soundbars and TVs together. This is part of what makes soundbars such a popular sound solution.
The most popular method for connecting a soundbar and TV is through an HDMI cable. Using HDMI allows for a fantastic sound experience. This is because HDMI is able to transmit highly detailed audio signals, at much faster speeds.
Another popular method is to use Bluetooth. Many top soundbar models are designed with Bluetooth support in mind. Using Bluetooth allows you to connect your soundbar to your TV entirely wirelessly. This allows you to create a stunning seamless look in your entertainment centre. However, you will need to make sure that your TV supports Bluetooth!
You can also connect a soundbar and TV through the use of an optical cable. Optical cables are incredibly durable and can transmit high-quality audio back and forth between the soundbar and TV.
There are all manner of ways to connect soundbars to TVs, so you can truly take a look at numerous different models, to find a soundbar that suits you and your TV.
Should The Size Of A Soundbar Match The Size Of A TV?
The size of your soundbar does not need to totally match the size of your TV. In fact, you might find it quite difficult to find a soundbar that exactly matches the precise dimensions of your TV. However, it is worth striking a good balance. Your soundbar should not be too big or too small. Otherwise, this results in an unbalanced audio-visual experience that’s ultimately disappointing.
For instance, if you were to match a tiny 3-channel soundbar to a massive 98 inch TV, it would result in a very odd experience. The image would appear large and epic, but the sound would be diminished and would seem totally separate from the on-screen action! On the other hand, a smaller TV screen with a massive 7-channel soundbar would deliver an unsatisfying experience that feels unbalanced!
The size of a soundbar does not need to totally match the size of its paired TV. However, you should try to match them to some degree. A tiny soundbar with a massive TV would result in an unbalanced experience!
Either way, just make sure your soundbar is properly installed near your TV. Ensure it is aligned with the centre of the TV, to get a balanced audio-visual experience. If your soundbar is too far to the left or right, it creates a mental disconnect between audio and visuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Mix TV & Soundbar Brands?
Yes. The brand of your soundbar does not need to totally match the brand of your TV. So, you can freely pair a Samsung TV with a soundbar from LG, or TCL! However, if you have a Samsung TV, it’s worth pairing it with a Samsung soundbar. This allows you to link both devices to a single SmartThings account, for easier control.
Can You Connect 2 Different Soundbars Together?
Yes. It is possible to connect two different soundbars together. However, there’s largely no need to do this. Soundbars are designed to create directional audio. Thus, you truly only need one. Pairing soundbars also is not easy and can result in a slight audio delay between the two. If you’re considering pairing two soundbars, you’re simply better off grabbing a single larger model!
