Organising my soundbar was comparatively simple: I merely related it to the TV by way of Bluetooth, and it labored instantly. Nevertheless, to realize the very best sound, I discovered that it wanted to be optimized to go well with my TV—and one setting is particularly essential.

​​The One Setting That is Affecting Your Soundbar Audio High quality

The Audio Format settings on a Samsung TV.
Jack Mitchell/MakeUseOf

Soundbars usually assist numerous audio codecs, so in case your TV sends a sign that the soundbar would not deal with nicely, it may trigger points corresponding to latency (a lag in sound and dialogue), lacking sound results, or poor audio high quality. It will probably additionally trigger improper decoding of audio codecs, corresponding to DTS or Dolby Digital, leading to muffled dialogue or poor bass response, all as a result of the proper change must be toggled!

To get the very best audio efficiency out of your soundbar, the primary setting to regulate is the audio output format in your TV’s audio settings menu. The commonest audio codecs are PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) and Bitstream. Each these codecs transmit a digital audio sign to your soundbar, however they work in numerous methods.

PCM vs. Bitstream: What is the Distinction?

To place it merely, PCM and Bitstream every discuss with the tactic by which digital audio is transmitted out of your TV or media participant. The distinction lies in the place the decoding takes place.

  • PCM implies that your TV decodes the audio earlier than sending it to your soundbar.
  • Bitstream sends compressed audio to your soundbar, which decodes it internally.

So with a PCM setup, your TV does all of the exhausting work. That is often positive, supplied it has a robust audio processor (which my midrange Samsung mannequin would not). Soundbars, however, are constructed purely for audio, so by choosing Bitstream—or in my case, “Auto”—you might be more likely to get higher decoding, particularly in case you are utilizing superior audio codecs.

When Bitstream May Be the Higher Alternative

A TV on the wall with a soundbar on the shelf.
Dima Moroz / Shutterstock

For many house theater setups, together with my very own, Bitstream (or Auto) is often the most suitable choice, significantly in case your soundbar helps the newest encompass sound codecs.

  • Bitstream usually performs true 5.1 and seven.1 encompass sound extra successfully from streaming apps and media gamers.
  • Bitstream gives higher audio decoding, as even some Dolby and DTS-ready TVs downmix encompass sound (convert it to fewer channels) earlier than passing it to the soundbar. In distinction, Bitstream sends the uncooked sign for the soundbar to course of.
  • Bitstream is required for spatial audio formats, corresponding to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, to offer a full complement of object-based audio results.

Moreover, in case your soundbar helps HDMI-ARC or eARC connectivity, Bitstream allows higher processing of high-bitrate audio codecs. Conversely, PCM may wrestle to deal with uncompressed information as a result of bandwidth constraints.

When PCM Really Makes Extra Sense

an xbox controller with xbox game pass on a screen in the background
vfhnb12 / Shutterstock

Bitstream may often be the popular alternative, however PCM has its place. Listed below are just a few eventualities the place PCM could be the higher possibility:

  • For easier setups that do not assist superior audio codecs like Dolby Atmos, PCM ensures compatibility.
  • Some TVs could have limitations when processing Bitstream, leading to latency. In these instances, having PCM decode the audio on the TV could be the higher possibility.
  • Avid gamers could discover that PCM is more practical when utilizing their Xbox or PlayStation. In some situations, utilizing pre-decoded audio can cut back lag and protect high quality.

As a normal rule, should you’re not utilizing your soundbar for encompass sound codecs or in case your soundbar has points whereas the TV is in Bitstream mode, strive switching to PCM to see if that is more practical.

Different Settings to Think about for Optimum Sound High quality

Switching your TV’s audio output format from PCM to Bitstream (or vice versa) can resolve many efficiency points. Nonetheless, a number of different components additionally have an effect on sound high quality, including the shape of your living space. Think about tweaking the next choices for optimum soundbar efficiency.

  • Many soundbars have EQ presets for motion pictures, music, sports activities, and customized profiles. It is value experimenting to realize the very best outcomes.
  • If speech sounds muffled or is getting drowned within the combine, strive switching on dialog enhancement in your audio settings.
  • Some soundbars have guide EQ controls for decrease and better frequencies. Strive adjusting these in case your general sound tends to be boomy or tinny.
  • Some soundbars simulate encompass sound with digital encompass or 3D sound modes. Even when your soundbar would not assist true encompass sound, it is value activating these for a extra immersive expertise.

I now know it is important to examine a TV’s audio format settings when setting up a soundbar or channeling audio from a distinct gadget, corresponding to a video games console. In case your present soundbar sounds underwhelming or experiences efficiency points, strive switching between PCM and Bitstream (or Auto) to see if it improves the sound high quality. Merely toggling this one change may unlock clearer dialog, repair any latency points, or ship extra dynamic sound results, all inside your present audiovisual setup.


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