Connecting Xiaomi soundbar to TV via SPDIF: full-length instruction

Connecting Xiaomi soundbar to the same brand TV via a digital interface SPDIF (TOSLINK) — The best way to get quality multi-channel audio without loss, the optical cable transmits audio digitally, which eliminates interference and provides support for Dolby Digital formats or DTS. However, even owners of equipment of one ecosystem often have difficulties: the TV does not see the soundbar, the sound goes only through the TV speakers or there are delays.

In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step connection, taking into account the features of the Mi firmware TV redmi TV, Consider typical errors (for example, the wrong source of sound in the settings) and give recommendations for choosing a cable. HDMI ARC — Why is it sometimes better to use it? SPDIF, not ARC, despite the current state of the.

If you've tried to connect devices before, but the sound never came up -- at the end of this article, there's a section on solutions to 90 percent of the problems. And for those who are just planning to buy, we've compared the key characteristics of an optical connection to other interfaces (HDMI, Bluetooth, AUX) table.

Than. SPDIF Better than other ways to connect soundbar

Interface. SPDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface is a digital audio transmission standard that has been used in technology for more time. 20 In the case of Xiaomi, it's implemented through an optical connector. TOSLINK (It's a rectangular port with a red LED. That's why it beats the alternatives:

• 🔊 No loss of quality: unlike Bluetooth or AUX, SPDIF It's a digital sound transmission that's not compressed, and it's critical for surround sound movies, like Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital.+).
• 🎬 Multi-channel sound support: through SPDIF Up to 5.1 channels can be transmitted (as long as the AUX limited to stereo, and Bluetooth - compressed codecs like SBC).
• ⚡ Low latency: lag between video and sound is minimal (less than 20 ms), whereas Bluetooth can reach 100–200 ms.
• 🛡️ Impediment resistance: optical cable is not subject to electromagnetic tips, which is important if a power cable or Wi-Fi router passes near the TV.

But SPDIF There are limitations, for example, it doesn't support Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio – This is what you need. HDMI ARC/eARC. In addition, not all Xiaomi soundbar models are equipped with optical input: in budget versions (for example, Mi Soundbar). 3.1) maybe only HDMI Bluetooth.

What Xiaomi models support SPDIF

Not all Xiaomi TVs and soundbars are optically output/input. Below is the compatibility table for popular models. If your device is not on the list, check for a connector. TOSLINK (It is usually located on the back of a TV or soundbar and is signed as Optical or SPDIF OUT/IN).

Important: Xiaomi TVs 2023-2026 years of release (for example, Mi) TV Q3 or Redmi Smart Fire TV) often lacking optical output - instead used HDMI ARC. Before buying a cable, check the specifications of your model on the official website.

If your soundbar doesn't have SPDIF-entrance, but there is HDMI ARC, It is a modern standard with support for audio return channel (Audio Return Channel), however, for older TV models (until 2019) SPDIF It may be the only option for multi-channel sound.

Step-by-step: Connecting through SPDIF

To connect the TV and the Xiaomi soundbar via an optical cable, you will need:

• 🔌 Cable TOSLINK (plug-in EIAJ/JIS — square tips. Length — 1–3 Meter (longer is not recommended due to signal attenuation).
• ⚙️ Television remote control (to adjust the sound source).
• 📱 Smartphone with Mi Home app (optional, to update the soundbar firmware).

Now let's get to the connection:

1. Connect the Optical connector with cable OUT on an Optical TV IN Make sure the tips are inserted before the click - they should sit tightly, without backlash.

Removed protective caps from connectors TOSLINK|

The cable will not bend (bending radius) > 5cm)|

TV and soundbar connected to the same outlet (preferably through a network filter)|

Updated firmware of both devices-->

If the sound does not appear after the connection:

1. Check if the red LED is on the optical output of the TV (if not, the cable is not connected or the port is turned off in the settings).
2. Make sure the soundbar has the right source (usually a button) SOURCE or INPUT remote).
3. Try restarting both devices (remove the plugs from the socket for 30 seconds).

💡

If you're connected SPDIF The sound is delayed, try in the settings of the TV to turn on Game Mode or turn off sound processing (Sound Processing). → Off. This will reduce the lag to 10-15 ms.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even with the right cable connection, the sound may be missing or not working properly, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

⚠️ Attention: If after connection SPDIF TV stopped giving out sound at all (even through speakers), check the setting Output sound → SPDIF: Off, in some of the Mi firmware. TV optical output is disabled by default.

1.No sound through the soundbar

Causes and solutions:

• 🔇 Not selected source SPDIF: On the soundbar remote, press SOURCE and choose Optical.
• 🔌 The cable is faulty: try connecting it to another device (e.g., a device that is not connected, DVD-Player) or replace it with a known worker.
• 📺 TV does not transmit a signal: in the TV sound settings set Out SPDIF: Including and format PCM (If Dolby doesn't work).

2.The sound is coming with a delay.

The lag between video and sound is most often due to:

• 🎮 Sound processing mode: disable all effects in the TV settings (Surround Sound, Virtual X).
• 📶 Incorrect format: If the soundbar does not support Dolby Digital, choose PCM.
• 🔄 Synchronization by HDMI-CEC: If the TV is connected to the console or player through HDMI, try to turn off HDMI-CEC customized.

3.The soundbar makes noise or crackle

Interferences in sound are usually associated with:

• 🌐 Bad Cable: Use a Certified Cable TOSLINK with ferrite rings (they suppress tips).
• ⚡ Power: Connect TV and soundbar to one outlet through a network filter.
• 🔧 Incompatibility of formats: in the settings of TV select PCM Dolby Digital instead of Dolby Digital.

Customization of sound in the Xiaomi TV

After the cable is physically connected, you need to adjust the sound settings in the TV menu (MIUI TV Google TV), But the general algorithm is:

1. Open the settings (cog on the remote or the Menu button).
2. Go to the Sound section. → Sound output.
3. Choose. SPDIF/Optical main exit.
4. In the submenu, set: Auto - for automatic format determination (recommended). PCM — If the soundbar does not support Dolby, Dolby Digital for multi-channel sound (5.1).

Equalizer

Surround

Dialog Clarity

For Google models TV (Like Mi. TV Q2 2023: The path may be different:

Settings → Display and sound → Sound. → Sound output → SPDIF

If there is no item in the exit list SPDIF, signifier:

• 🔌 Optical port disabled in the service menu (you need to reset the TV settings).
• 📱 Firmware update required (check in Settings) → On TV. → Updating the system).
• 🚫 Your TV model doesn't support your TV. SPDIF (See the compatibility table above).

💡

If, after setting up, SPDIF The sound is only going through the TV's speakers, check if Dual Audio is activated in the settings. Turn it off so that all the sound is only going to the soundbar.

Update the firmware to fix problems with SPDIF

In some of the Mi firmware TV (Especially the 2020-2021 versions, there are some optical output bugs, like when you plug in a soundbar, the sound may disappear when you switch channels or play content from Netflix, and the solution is to update the TV and soundbar software.

Updating the TV

1. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, install it (the TV will restart automatically).

Soundbar update

For models with support for updates (e.g. Mi) TV Soundbar):

1. Connect the soundbar to the Mi Home app on your smartphone.
2. Go to the device section and check for updates.
3. If the update is available, follow the instructions on the screen (don’t turn the soundbar off power during the process!).

⚠️ Note: If after updating the firmware of the TV, the sound disappeared through the SPDIF, Reset the sound settings to factory (Settings) → Sound. → Resetting audio settings: This often helps in conflicts between new versions of software and old configurations.

For manual firmware installation (if automatic update does not work):

1. Download the latest version of the software for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Unpack the archive and copy the.zip file to the flash drive (FAT32 format).
3. Put the flash drive in. USB-port of the TV and go to Settings → On TV. → Update with USB.

Comparison SPDIF other means of connection

To understand whether to use an optical cable or better choose an alternative, compare SPDIF with other interfaces on key parameters:

The table shows that SPDIF yield HDMI ARC/eARC It is supported by Bluetooth formats, but it also benefits from Bluetooth and AUX Optical cables are worth choosing if you want to:

• 🎥 Your TV doesn't support you. HDMI ARC (models until 2018).
• 🔊 You need a multi-channel (5.1) sound, but no Dolby Atmos.
• 📶 There are many sources of interference in your room (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, etc).

If you have a modern TV (2022 and later) and soundbar with HDMI eARC, better use it – this will allow you to transmit sound in Dolby TrueHD format and DTS:X lossless.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connection SPDIF