Modern thin TVs, including popular Xiaomi Mi TVs and Redmi Smart TVs, often feature built-in speakers that are physically unable to provide volume and depth. The compact body limits the size of the speakers, which causes low frequencies to be lost and dialogue in movies can sound indistinct. It is in these situations that external acoustics come to the rescue, such as the soundbar Xiaomi Redmi TV Soundbar, which can radically change the perception of multimedia content.
The process of integrating an external audio device into a home entertainment system requires no special technical skills, but requires attention to the details of the connection. There are several main ways of connecting, each of which has its advantages depending on the model of your TV and the available interfaces. In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible options, from wireless technologies to wired connections that ensure maximum quality of audio streaming.
Before you start physical connection, you need to make sure that you have the right acoustic model compatible with your TV. Xiaomi offers various solutions, including models with and without a subwoofer, supporting different audio compression codecs. The right method of connection directly affects the final result, so it is worthwhile to evaluate the technical equipment of your TV in advance.
Preparation of equipment and choice of interface
The first step in the installation process is to thoroughly review the existing equipment, and you need to inspect the back and side panels of the TV, as well as the back of the soundbar, to identify the available connectors. TV usually equipped with ports HDMI (frequently ARC), optically (Optical/Toslink), plug-in 3.5 mm AUX and Bluetooth module.
It is important to choose the appropriate cables, as the soundbar may not include all the necessary wires, especially optical or HDMI high speed. Using poor-quality cables can lead to interference, cracking or complete absence of sound, even if the settings are done correctly. For digital interfaces such as HDMI and optics, it is recommended to use certified cables that can transmit multi-channel sound without loss.
Also worth paying attention to is the location of the devices in space: the soundbar should be directly under or in front of the TV so that the sound wave is directed directly at the viewer. If you plan to use a wireless connection, make sure there are no obstacles between the soundbar control panel and the TV IR receiver, or use volume synchronization mode via Bluetooth.
⚠️ Warning: Before connecting any cables, be sure to de-energize both devices. inserting or retrieving live wires, especially optical and HDMI, It can cause surges in current and damage to ports.
For a more convenient comparison of the capabilities of different interfaces, we will look at their main characteristics in the table below, which will help you choose the best option for your particular situation.
| Interface. | Signal type | Maximum quality | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI ARC | Digital. | Up to 5.1 / Dolby Digital Plus | Control of one remote, auto-inclusion |
| Optical (Toslink) | Digital. | Up to 5.1 / Dolby Digital | No support for the latest codecs, but stable |
| Bluetooth | Wireless. | SBC / AAC | No wires, possible delay of sound |
| AUX (3.5 mm) | Analog | stereo | Universality but lower sound quality |
Connecting via HDMI ARC: the best quality option
The most preferred way to connect the Xiaomi Redmi TV Soundbar to your TV is to use the HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) interface, which allows you to transmit high-quality multi-channel audio and, most importantly, synchronize device control. Using this method, you can adjust the soundbar volume with the remote control, and also turn on and off the acoustics along with the screen.
To implement the connection, look at the back of the TV for an HDMI port that has an ARC or eARC sign next to it. Usually, this is one particular connector, often marked with a color or special icon. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to this port on TV and the other end to the HDMI OUT port (ARC) on the soundbar. Once power is turned on, the system must automatically identify the new device.
☑️ Checklist settings HDMI ARC
There are several important settings to activate in the settings of the TV. Go to Settings → Sound → Output and select HDMI ARC. It is also critical to enable HDMI CEC (in Xiaomi TVs it may be called MI Remote Control or simply CEC), which is the protocol responsible for transmitting control commands between devices.
⚠️ Note: If, after connecting through HDMI No sound appears, try settings in the TV in the "Digital Sound Format" section to select the option "Pass-through" or "Auto" so that the signal is transmitted in its original form without processing the TV.
Using HDMI ARC provides the best user experience by eliminating the need for multiple remote controls, and it also supports high-resolution audio transmission, which is especially important for watching 4K movies with surround sound.
Optical cable (Optical/Toslink)
If your TV does not support ARC technology or the corresponding port is occupied by another device (for example, a console or a game console), an optical connection is an excellent alternative.
Connecting is very simple: remove the security plugs from the ends of the cable and paste them into the Optical Out ports on the TV and Optical In on the soundbar until the characteristic click. The cable should be inserted until the end, but without undue effort, so as not to damage the fragile glass core. After connecting, turn on the devices and go to the software setting.
In the menu of the Xiaomi TV, you need to force the audio output to the external system. To do this, go to Settings → Sound → Digital Output and select the PCM or Dolby Digital format if the soundbar supports decoding these formats. In some cases, automatic format determination may not work correctly, so manual selection can solve the problem of lack of sound.
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Optical cables are sensitive to strong curves. Do not bend the cable at an angle of less than 90 degrees, as this can lead to a fracture of the light guide and loss of signal.
The main advantage of this method is the stability of the connection. Unlike Bluetooth, optics are not affected by wireless interference from Wi-Fi routers or microwave ovens, and there is almost no sound latency, which is important when viewing dynamic scenes.
Wireless connection via Bluetooth
For those who value minimalism and do not want to lay extra wires, Xiaomi Redmi TV Soundbar offers the ability to connect via Bluetooth. This method is ideal for listening to music from a smartphone or connecting TVs that do not have digital outputs. However, it is worth considering that the sound quality can be lower than with a wired connection, due to compression of the audio stream.
To mate devices, put the soundbar in (pairing) mode. Usually, you need to press and hold the Bluetooth or Pair button on the case or remote control until the indicator flashes quickly. On your TV, go to Settings → Remote and Accessories → Device Search (or similar section depending on the version of Android TV).
When your soundbar name appears on the list of available devices (e.g. Redmi TV Soundbar), choose to connect it. Once successfully paired, the acoustic indicator will stop flashing and will burn with a steady light. Remember to select audio output to a Bluetooth device in the TV sound settings.
⚠️ Note: When connected via Bluetooth, you can de-synchronize sound and image (lip-sync error).If you notice that the sound is behind the movement of the actors' lips, use the "Late Sound" function in the TV settings to adjust the timing.
It is worth noting that when using Bluetooth, controlling the soundbar volume with the TV remote may not work in all models, in which case you will have to use a separate remote from the speaker system or buttons on its body.
Analog connection via AUX 3.5 mm
The most versatile, but least-quality way to connect is to use an analog AUX 3.5 mm connector, which is suitable for older TV models or as a temporary solution when other interfaces are not available. Sound is transmitted in a stereo format, and you should not expect deep bass or surround sound from it.
To connect, you will need a 3.5mm to 3.5mm (AUX) cable, one end inserted into the Headphone or Audio Out connector on your TV, and the other end into the AUX IN port on the soundbar, and then switch the soundbar to AUX using the Mode button or remote control.
An important feature of analog connection is the dependence of volume on the settings of both devices. You will have to adjust the volume separately on the TV (as a signal source) and on the soundbar (as an amplifier), it is recommended to set the volume of the TV at 70-80% and then adjust the final sound only with the soundbar to avoid distortion.
Why is there a quiet sound when connecting via AUX?
Despite the limitations of quality, AUX-connection is highly reliable and lack of delays, which makes it quite suitable for watching news channels or TV programs, where the intelligibility of speech is more important than the cinematic soundtrack.
Set up sound profiles and equalizer
After physical connection and selection of the signal source, it is recommended to fine-tune the audio profile. Xiaomi Redmi TV Soundbar often has several pre-set modes, such as "Movie", "Music", "News" or "Game", switching between them is carried out by the EQ button or through the settings menu, allowing you to adapt the sound to current content.
For users who prefer more advanced settings, individual frequency adjustment may be available. If the soundbar is connected to Android TV, you can use third-party applications to calibrate the sound, although the built-in tools are usually enough for most use cases. A properly configured equalizer can emphasize the dialogue in movies or add power to bass in music.
Remember to check the soundbar software updates periodically.Manufacturers often release patches that improve the stability of Bluetooth connections or add support for new audio codecs. USB-port or automatically when connected to a Wi-Fi network (if supported).
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Properly configuring your sound profile (EQ) can improve your sound perception as much as replacing an expensive cable. Experiment with modes for different types of content.
Solving problems and malfunctions
In the process of operation, users can face a number of typical problems, the most common of which is the lack of sound after connection. In this case, you should check the chain: cable → port → settings for output to TV. Often the problem is that the TV continues to deliver sound to the built-in speakers, ignoring the external device.
Another common difficulty is intermittent sound or interference, which is typical for Bluetooth connections when there are many wireless networks nearby, or for low-quality analog cables, replacing the cable with a shielded version or moving the Wi-Fi router can dramatically improve the situation.
If the soundbar doesn't respond to the TV's remote commands when connected via HDMI, make sure the CEC function is activated on both devices. Sometimes you need to restart the system: completely disconnect the TV and soundbar from the power grid for 1-2 minutes, then turn them on again. This will reset errors in the data buffer.