Buying an external speaker system like the Xiaomi Redmi TV Soundbar is often the first step to improving home theater sound quality. The built-in speakers of today’s TVs, including popular LG models, often fail to convey the depth of bass and clarity of dialogue, which is especially noticeable when watching blockbusters. That’s why the question of how to properly combine the two devices becomes relevant for many users who want to get the most out of their equipment.
Xiaomi’s acoustics integration into the LG ecosystem is usually easy if you know the right algorithm. There are several ways to switch, each with its own advantages and customization features. In this article, we’ll take a look at all the connectivity options, from wired interfaces to wireless technologies, so you can choose the most suitable hardware configuration for you.
The quality of the final sound depends on the method of connection chosen. Using digital interfaces such as HDMI ARC, you can not only transmit high-resolution audio, but also control the soundbar volume using the remote control. We will look at the technical nuances of each method to eliminate common errors and ensure the stable operation of your audio system.
Review of interfaces of the Xiaomi Redmi soundbar and LG TVs
Before you start to physically connect devices, you need to carefully examine their back panels. Xiaomi Redmi TV Soundbar is equipped with a basic but functional set of ports, which includes optical output (Optical Out), a power connector and, depending on the specific modification, can support Bluetooth. However, to fully interact with the LG TV often requires the use of additional cables or adapters, as direct HDMI input in the classical sense in this model may not be available.
LG’s webOS TVs offer a wide range of external acoustic connectivity. On the back or side panel, you’ll find several HDMI ports, one of which is necessarily marked with the acronym ARC (Audio Return Channel), which is the key port for high-quality audio transmission.
⚠️ Note: Don't confuse ports HDMI In and HDMI ARC. To transmit sound from the TV to the soundbar, it is necessary to use the port with the marking. ARC, otherwise, the volume control from the remote TV will not work.
It is important to understand the difference between analog and digital signals when choosing a cable. Optical cable (Toslink) transmits a digital signal without loss, but does not support some modern compression formats, such as Dolby Atmos in its most advanced versions, although this is not a critical limitation for Redmi Soundbar. HDMI is a more modern standard that combines video and audio streams.
Connection via optical cable (Optical/Toslink)
The most common and reliable way to connect the Xiaomi Redmi soundbar to an LG TV is to use an optical cable.This method ensures stable digital audio transmission without delay, which is critical for synchronizing audio and video. You will need a Toslink-Toslink type cable, which often comes with the TV or is purchased separately.
The connection process begins with the physical connection of the cable, one end of the optical cable is inserted into the Digital Out (Optical) port on the back of the LG TV, and the other into the corresponding input on the soundbar, the characteristic click-like connection and the light glow at the end of the cable (when power is on) indicate the correct installation.
☑️ Verification of optical connection
After the physical connection, you need to prioritize the output of sound in the TV menu. Without this step, the sound can continue to play through the built-in TV speakers. To do this, go to the sound settings and select the option Optical output or External speakers.
- 🔌 Insert optical cable in port OPTICAL OUT on the Xiaomi soundbar.
- 📺 Connect the second end of the cable to the port DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) TV-wise LG.
- ⚙️ Turn on both devices and check for red glow inside the cable connector.
It’s worth noting that the optical connection has its own bandwidth limitations. While Xiaomi Redmi Soundbar works great with this type of connection, you may find it impossible to activate some advanced control features, such as changing the volume from the TV remote, unless the CEC function is activated (in this case, it is not transmitted through the optics, an IR blaster or setting up a universal remote is required).
Using HDMI ARC for maximum quality
If your Xiaomi soundbar model (or its version with a console) and LG TV support HDMI ARC technology, this is the preferred connection option. It allows you to transmit high-resolution sound and, most importantly, activates the CEC protocol, which allows you to control the soundbar using a remote control from the TV.
To implement this scheme, you will need an HDMI cable version 1.4 or higher. Connect one end of the cable to an HDMI port (ARC) on an LG TV. The second end connects to an HDMI soundbar output. If the base model of Redmi Soundbar does not have HDMI input, you may need to use an adapter or switch to an optical method, since direct HDMI-HDMI connection is only possible if the corresponding ports are available on both devices.