Getting sound out of a TV means matching its audio output to the input on a soundbar, receiver or amplifier, and the connector options are not all equal. The right TV audio cable depends on what both devices support and what format you want to carry. Here is how to choose.
TV Audio Cable: Choosing the Right Output for Your Sound
Quick Answer / Summary: The best TV audio cable depends on the ports: optical (TOSLINK) for digital audio to a soundbar or receiver, RCA or 3.5 mm for analog audio to an amplifier, or HDMI ARC to carry audio and control on one cable. Match the TV output to the input on the receiving device.
The TV Audio Outputs
Modern TVs offer a few audio outputs. Optical (TOSLINK) is the most common digital output, sending audio as light to a soundbar or receiver. HDMI ARC or eARC sends audio back over the HDMI cable and adds remote control.
Optical, HDMI and analog
Some TVs still have analog outputs: a 3.5 mm headphone jack or a pair of red and white RCA jacks. These carry a plain analog stereo signal that any amplifier or powered speaker can accept.
The choice of cable follows the output that is available and the input the receiving device has. Digital outputs are preferred when both ends support them; analog outputs cover older equipment.
Optical: The Clean Digital Path
An optical TV audio cable carries digital audio as light, so it is immune to electrical noise and ground loops. It handles stereo PCM and compressed 5.1, which covers broadcast, DVD and most streaming audio.
Audio as light from the TV
To use it, run a TOSLINK cable from the TV’s optical out to the soundbar or receiver’s optical in, then set the TV audio output to PCM for a stereo device or bitstream for surround.
Optical’s limit is bandwidth: it cannot carry Dolby Atmos or lossless surround. For those formats, HDMI eARC is the modern replacement.
RCA and 3.5 mm: The Analog Path
For an older TV or a simple stereo amplifier, the analog outputs are the path. A 3.5 mm to dual RCA cable connects the TV’s headphone output to an amplifier’s RCA inputs, carrying left and right on the red and white plugs.
The 3.5 mm output is often controlled by the TV volume and may disable the internal speakers when plugged in, which is usually what you want for an external system. The RCA output is a fixed line level in some sets.
Analog carries stereo only, with no surround channels, and is more prone to hum on long runs. Keep the cable reasonably short and away from power cords.
HDMI ARC and Choosing a Cable
HDMI ARC carries TV audio to a soundbar or receiver over the same HDMI cable that connects them, and it adds CEC control so the TV remote adjusts the soundbar. eARC adds the bandwidth for Dolby Atmos and lossless formats.
Match the cable to the ports: if both devices have ARC, use HDMI; if the receiver has only optical, use a TOSLINK cable; if it has only analog, use RCA or 3.5 mm. Pick the highest-quality connection both ends support.
After connecting, set the TV’s audio output correctly, and confirm the soundbar or receiver is on the right input. A mismatch in the audio format setting is the most common reason a TV audio cable seems not to work.
TV Audio Cable Options
| Connection | Signal | Formats | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optical (TOSLINK) | Digital | PCM, 5.1 compressed | Soundbar, receiver |
| HDMI ARC/eARC | Digital + control | PCM, Atmos (eARC) | Modern soundbar |
| RCA (red/white) | Analog | Stereo | Older amplifier |
| 3.5 mm | Analog | Stereo | Powered speakers |
Real-World Application Scenarios
A user runs an optical cable from the TV to a soundbar and sets the output to PCM; another connects an older TV’s headphone jack to a stereo amplifier with a 3.5 mm to RCA cable; a third uses HDMI eARC to a Dolby Atmos soundbar and controls the volume with the TV remote.
Recommended Internal Resources
- optical audio carried as light
- optical, coaxial and the DAC in between
- the HDMI cable classes, reach and spec lines
See fiber optic sound cable for the optical path and HDMI cable for the ARC/eARC connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cable do I use to connect a TV to a soundbar?
Use HDMI ARC if both support it, or an optical TOSLINK cable as the most common alternative. Match the cable to the ports on both the TV and the soundbar.
Is optical or HDMI better for TV audio?
HDMI eARC is better because it carries Dolby Atmos and adds remote control. Optical is the best simple alternative and is immune to noise, but it is limited to 5.1 compressed or stereo PCM.
Can I use an RCA cable for TV audio?
Yes, if the TV has RCA or 3.5 mm analog outputs. It carries stereo only and is the path for older amplifiers without digital inputs.
Why is there no sound from my TV audio cable?
Check that the TV audio output format matches the device (PCM for stereo, bitstream for surround), the soundbar is on the right input, and the cable is seated fully.