Sometimes, the in-built voice quality of a project is not enough to entertain a gathering and in that case; we need to connect our projector to soundbar. Though this seems a regular task, it can be problematic depending on the versions or models you have for both devices. This is why you need to learn how to connect your projector to soundbar without creating a mess or wasting time when standing in front of your corporate peers or family and friends.   

Although connecting a projector to soundbar should be straightforward since all devices have compatible connectors, these can pose several restrictions in terms of providing different sound options. Typically, audio and visual issues are the most general for video game players or professional workers when dealing with projectors. 

Here, I can offer some valuable suggestions for each of the common audio connectors you might use to connect these two peers. Though there are plenty of options including HDMI cable, Analog Connections like RCA and Auxiliary, Digital Optical or SPDIF, and Wireless connections including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, knowing what can best work for you is a skill. Here’s what you need to know to master this skill! 

How To Connect Your Projector to Soundbar – Alternative Resources

For audio transmission to a soundbar, your projector might be compatible with any of the following formats:

• HDMI or HDMI ARC
• Analog Connections like RCA and Auxiliary
• Digital Optical or SPDIF
• Wireless (Bluetooth and WiFi)

 

Connecting Along HDMI

The ideal method for syncing audiovisual equipment is HDMI. HDMI will provide you with the most alternatives in terms of digital sound. When used with the appropriate connections and sources, HDMI cables may transmit cutting-edge digital formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X in addition to providing surround sound.

HDMI Connection Along the Projector as Mean

Nowadays, many projectors can download and use apps like Youtube, Hulu, Netflix, etc. Adding more, the Also soundbar is a simplified audio alternative because the majority of projectors either don’t have a speaker or have a poor one. Soundbars are often portable and small in size.

It is simple to link a soundbar to a projector as a mean, by simply inserting an HDMI cable into the projector’s HDMI connection. To enable better audio quality, the projector may or may not include an HDMI ARC or eARC port. Sadly, HDMI ARC ports are uncommon with projectors. Here’s how you ought to connect them:

• Connect your HDMI cable to the projector’s HDMI/HDMI ARC connector while both devices are off.
• Using the soundbar’s HDMI/HDMI ARC port, connect  the HDMI cable’s other end to it

• Switch on both devices.
• Verify that the HDMI channels to which you connected both devices are selected.

This method will still provide the functionality to connect the projector to soundbar even if it lacks an HDMI ARC port, but it might not incorporate all of the high-quality audio streams like Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. However, there are some excellent choices available, such as the “XGIMI MOGO Pro” and the “LG HF65LA Ultra Short Throw LED Projector”, both of which include ARC connections. The Dolby Atmos should be delivered through an ARC or eARC connection without any issues if you’re utilizing a streaming service. When using a Blu-ray player as a source, the HDMI connection (including ARC) will only be able to deliver a basic 5.1 channel of audio. Additionally, the 5.1 channel sound will still be present if you only use a “regular” HDMI connection.

Operating HDMI to Connect to an Auxiliary Source

Things could become a little more challenging if you are using an external media source, like a DVD player, laptop, or TV box. In order to accomplish this, your soundbar must have an HDMI output as well as an audiovisual input channel that corresponds to an output unit on your auxiliary source. Follow these steps for this setup:

• Connect a soundbar’s input channel to an external device’s corresponding output channel using a suitable connection when all other devices are off.
• Use an HDMI cable to connect your soundbar’s HDMI output to your projector’s HDMI input.
• All of your devices should be turned on, and your soundbar’s source should be set to the one that your connected external device is hooked up to.

Change the projector’s source to the HDMI port that the soundbar is connected to. Even though these broad guidelines are typically sufficient, consult your handbook if you have trouble getting your soundbar or projector to play audio or video.

Using Consumer Electronic Control

The user can also use “Consumer Electronic Control”, or CEC  to connect the projector to the soundbar. If all of your devices are connected via HDMI ARC or eARC. Your HDMI-connected devices can use this function to control the audio levels and quality as well as send and receive media.

Additionally, thanks to this capability, you may use one remote control for each of your gadgets. Plus, you may use a master volume control instead of having options to adjust the volume on both devices separately. The HDMI usually has a label, the connector will often say whether your devices support HDMI ARC or eARC. Finding HDMI ARC and CEC is typically as easy as accessing the audio controls of the devices. The features might be automatically enabled if your devices are HDMI eARC compatible.

Connecting by Analog Connections

To connect the projector to soundbar, analog connections require more cords to manage, but in some respects, they can be easier to understand than digital connections. This is the case since each cable links a certain component. Each audio channel has its own connection, and there is a separate cable for video. Don’t be Fred of compatibility difficulties with analog, which is a definite advantage over digital. The ports must be compatible for the devices to be interoperable.

There are also two ways to connect Analog connections such as;

• Using RCA 
• Using Auxiliary

A live analog port, in contrast to digital connections, broadcasts sound regardless of whether the devices are connected or not. Connecting your gadgets while they are on could harm your speakers as a result. Therefore, turning off the devices before initiating an analog connection is crucial.

Connecting with RCA

The procedure of linking a projector to a soundbar using RCA connections requires several wires. Even though it can appear complicated, connecting RCA ports only need matching-colored cables.

With an RCA connection, you may even be able to obtain certain sound combinations. For instance, the red and white ports must be connected in order to create a left and right stream for 2. x sound, which is the most basic. Also, connect the green ports to add the center channel for 3.x sound. Some soundbars simulate 5. x stereo speakers by having the surround channels reflect off your room’s walls. For this,  you must join the left and right audio channels, which are often blue and grey, in order to achieve this connection.

It’s possible that the soundbar seems to have a subwoofer input, which is often purple if it does. Often, if the subwoofer channel is unplugged, the soundbar will isolate the bass from the various channels so that it may be boosted by the sub.

Connecting with Aux

Auxilary also known as “Mini-jacks”, 3.5mm jacks, and 1/8 inch jacks, commonly referred to as auxiliaries, are analog connections that support 2. x sound. In terms of connection to a soundbar, this should be your final resort.

Connect your projector’s aux output to the soundbar’s aux input using the appropriate cable. The only additional configuration you might need to make is your audio settings.

Connecting Through Digital Optical

Before HDMI’s widespread adoption, the audiovisual format known as digital optical was a much more well-liked digital choice. Finding a projector that supports digital optical is rare, especially for a brand-new model. However, some portable models are still compatible. However, setting up a digital optical link involves the following steps:

• Connect the digital optical cable’s one end to the soundbar while the devices are off.
• Connect the cable’s opposite end to your projector.
• Turn the equipment on, then select the digital optical channel on the projector.
• The soundbar is typically best placed in the middle if you are using an HDMI connection to connect to an auxiliary device. In this instance, the projector would require a digital optical in and the soundbar would require a digital optical out.

 

Connecting Through Bluetooth

Wireless connections, in contrast to wired connections, need your devices to be turned on in order to establish them. Your devices must pair rather than be configured to a specific source or output channel. Bluetooth and WiFi are the two types of wireless connections. You can connect wirelessly as long as WiFi or Bluetooth is enabled on both of your devices. Turn on both devices and configure your soundbar for Bluetooth pairing in accordance with the manual. Turn on both devices and configure your soundbar for Bluetooth pairing in accordance with the manual.

• Find the Bluetooth connection option in the projector’s device settings.
• From the list of devices that are shown, select your soundbar.
• Wait for the soundbar to pair after choosing it.
• Before transmitting audio, the soundbar often makes a chime to confirm that the device is paired.

Summing Up

So, It can be concluded that there are many different yet straightforward ways to connect the projector to soundbar such as using HDMI cable, Analog Connections like RCA and Auxiliary, Digital Optical or SPDIF, and wireless connection including Bluetooth and WiFi. Moreover, using HDMI for connection provides a clear-crisp audio quality. Whereas, portable projectors become even more versatile thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, which gives them a completely new edge. Simply put, a projector to sound transforms the less appealing audio video quality into a wide-imaged to clear crisp audio.