During a recent conversation about home theater setups, I discussed with someone whether the brand of a soundbar should match the brand of the television. “Should a soundbar match the TV brand?” he asked. My initial response was, “No, it shouldn’t matter as long as they can connect.” However, upon further reflection, I realized that I needed to conduct some research to provide a more definitive answer.
Is it necessary for a soundbar to be the same brand as the TV? The answer is no. While it’s not a requirement, there are advantages to matching the brands. For instance, syncing with a single remote, matching sound features, and design compatibility are some benefits of doing so. Additionally, there may be other special features that come with using the same brand.
Information on this topic is limited online. I delved deeper and eventually decided to reach out to Samsung and Sony for more information. I found their answers to be informative and intriguing.
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What Brands are Saying?
It is important to keep in mind that brands often encourage customers to purchase more of their products. While the information I obtained is valuable, it is worth noting that some of the best soundbars are not associated with TV brands.
While the representatives from Samsung and Sony provided me with useful insights, the question remains whether restricting your choices to a single brand is justified.
What was Sony’s response regarding the matching of a soundbar and TV?
Let’s start with what I learned from a Sony representative. They highlighted some features, particularly related to their top-of-the-line HT-ST5000 soundbar.
The representative first mentioned that the soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, which is also compatible with many of their latest television models. While this is a useful feature, it’s worth noting that other brands have Dolby Atmos-enabled products.
Another feature they discussed was Bravia Sync, a single-remote syncing feature between some Sony devices that enables easy control of your entire home theater. The representative’s final point was that compatible soundbars and televisions, like those in our top 7 soundbars with eARC list, can have matching eARC ports.
However, this feature is not unique to Sony’s brand lineup. To sum up, the only aspect specific to Sony is Bravia Sync. Otherwise, the primary advantage seems to be compatibility. If you purchase a new Sony soundbar, it is more likely to integrate effortlessly with one of their new televisions.
What Did Samsung Have to Say About Matching a Soundbar and TV?
Let’s now look at the information provided by the Samsung representative. They also mentioned a single-remote syncing option called OneRemote. Another intriguing feature they brought up was the Autopower Link, which automatically turns the soundbar on when you turn on the TV.
Similarly to Sony’s Dolby Atmos, they discussed a matching DTS sound experience that can be found in other brand products.
The representative also mentioned that the interfacing of their soundbars and TVs is seamless and won’t encounter any connection issues. Overall, their stated benefits seem very similar to Sony’s, as many of the advantages can be found with other brands except for the ease of syncing features.
So Is it mandatory for soundbars to be of the same brand as the TV?
In summary, if easy syncing features are important to you, it might be worth considering matching your soundbar and TV brands. Many companies have features built-in to make syncing between their products effortless.
On the other hand, using a universal remote is another option, albeit requiring setup and potential trial and error. The other advantage is ease of compatibility. Representatives can assist in finding two compatible pieces of hardware in terms of sound features, design, and ports.
However, there are few downsides to purchasing soundbars and televisions from different brands. Don’t let these few bonuses limit your options when searching for high-quality or cost-effective options.
For a quick glance at highly recommended and extensively tested units, check out our list of best soundbars for the money! We’ve spent countless hours researching and compiling this list to assist anyone in the market for a soundbar.
Regarding curved televisions and curved soundbars, what can be said?
I stand firmly behind the information shared above, but there is a small caveat for curved televisions and soundbars. Some brands have created soundbars that match the curvature of their televisions, such as the Samsung HW-MS6500 (on Amazon). Currently, Samsung is the main brand offering these specially curved soundbars that can also act as a stand for curved televisions.
The curved design of these soundbars is intended to provide added immersion for the viewer, similar to the curvature of the television. However, it is important to note that these soundbars only match the curve of specific televisions. If this is a feature you are interested in, you will need to research the brands that support these sets.
While aesthetically appealing, the lack of diversity in products is a downside. Nonetheless, this is a great example of how technology is evolving to provide a better viewing experience for consumers.
How to Choose Connection?
When choosing a soundbar for your television, it’s essential to consider the type of connection you want between them. One critical factor is HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC. ARC refers to Audio Return Channel.
Modern televisions usually have an HDMI port labeled as ARC or eARC HDMI port. These ports allow HDMI to output audio, which is an improvement over optical and coaxial options as it reduces audio lag time.
The latest version of this technology is eARC, with the ‘e’ standing for enhanced. eARC enables devices to use higher-end audio features such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. However, finding compatible hardware for eARC can be challenging and more expensive since it is a relatively new technology.
To ensure that both ARC and eARC HDMI work seamlessly, it is crucial to verify that all hardware is compatible. You can check if your television is compatible by looking for a labeled HDMI port and reviewing the specification information. Additionally, you should ensure that your soundbar and HDMI cable are also capable of using ARC or eARC.
If you want to learn more about why HDMI ARC is preferable over digital optical, we have an in-depth article covering the pros and cons of HDMI ARC and digital optical connections for soundbars. This resource will help you make an informed decision when choosing a soundbar that meets your audio needs.
What are Dolby Atmos and DTS:X?
To enhance your understanding of sound features, it is essential to comprehend channels. A channel refers to a speaker or set of speakers within a soundbar that cover a specific zone, such as left, right, or middle. To improve sound quality, it is necessary to have more channels. However, having only two or three channels, which is standard for most soundbars, may not deliver an outstanding listening experience.
If you want to create a high-quality home theater or entertainment setup, it is not recommended to use a 2-channel or 3-channel soundbar. Instead, I suggest opting for a “5-channel soundbar.” To learn more about the differences between 2.1 and 5.1 soundbars, check out our comprehensive post. It is highly recommended to give it a read.
You may be wondering, what is the top-of-the-line soundbar? The latest and greatest soundbars are 7-channel bars. If you are looking for the highest quality, this is the level you should start your search with.
For the ultimate listening experience, make sure the soundbar is Dolby Atmos or DTS:X compatible. On the market, the best-priced DTS:X compatible soundbar is the Nakamichi Shockwave Pro 7.1 channel soundbar (on Amazon)!
While both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are extremely popular, the better of the two is a subject of hot debate. However, some systems are compatible with both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Therefore, you do not have to choose between the two.
Related Q&A
Is it necessary to buy a soundbar from the same brand as my TV?
No, it is not necessary to buy a soundbar from the same brand as your TV.
Will a soundbar from a different brand than my TV work properly?
Yes, a soundbar from a different brand than your TV can work properly.
What are some benefits of buying a soundbar from the same brand as my TV?
Some benefits include easier setup, compatibility, and potentially better integration with the TV’s features.
Can I use a soundbar from a different brand than my TV without any issues?
Yes, you can use a soundbar from a different brand than your TV without any issues.
Do soundbars from the same brand as the TV offer better sound quality?
Not necessarily, as sound quality depends on various factors such as the soundbar’s features and specifications.
Will a soundbar from a different brand than my TV affect the TV’s performance?
No, a soundbar from a different brand than your TV will not affect the TV’s performance.
Should I consider buying a soundbar from the same brand as my TV for aesthetic reasons?
It’s a matter of personal preference, but matching brands can create a cohesive look and feel.
Can I mix and match different soundbars and TVs?
Yes, you can mix and match different soundbars and TVs without any issues.
Are there any disadvantages to buying a soundbar from a different brand than my TV?
Some potential disadvantages include compatibility issues and a potentially more complicated setup process.
How important is it to choose a soundbar that is compatible with my TV?
It’s essential to choose a soundbar that is compatible with your TV to ensure proper setup and optimal performance.
