Question:

How can I connect a soundbar, a cable box, a PS4, and an Xbox to an older TV that lacks an optical port and an HDMI ARC port?

I have a soundbar that supports HDMI input and output, and a cable box that connects to the soundbar via HDMI. I also have a PS4 and an Xbox that I want to connect to the soundbar and the TV. However, my TV is an older model that does not have an optical port or an HDMI ARC port. What are my options for connecting all these devices and getting the best sound quality? Would an optical to coaxial adapter work for this setup?

Answer:

If you have a soundbar, a cable box, a PS4, and an Xbox, and you want to enjoy the best sound and video quality from all of them, you might face some challenges if your TV is an older model that does not have an optical port or an HDMI ARC port. These ports are essential for sending audio signals from the TV to the soundbar, and for allowing the soundbar to act as a hub for switching between different HDMI sources. Without them, you will need to find alternative ways to connect your devices and make them work together.

One option is to use an

HDMI switch

. This is a device that allows you to connect multiple HDMI sources to a single HDMI output. You can plug your cable box, PS4, and Xbox into the HDMI switch, and then connect the HDMI switch to the HDMI input of your soundbar. Then, you can connect the HDMI output of your soundbar to the HDMI input of your TV. This way, you can use the HDMI switch to select which device you want to watch or play, and the soundbar will receive both the audio and video signals from that device. The soundbar will also pass the video signal to the TV, so you can see the picture on the screen.

However, this option has some drawbacks. First, you will need to buy an HDMI switch, which can cost anywhere from $10 to $100, depending on the quality and features. Second, you will need to use a separate remote control to operate the HDMI switch, which can be inconvenient and confusing. Third, some HDMI switches may not support the latest video formats and resolutions, such as 4K, HDR, or Dolby Vision, which can affect the picture quality of your devices.

Another option is to use an

optical to coaxial adapter

. This is a device that converts an optical audio signal to a coaxial audio signal, or vice versa. You can plug your cable box, PS4, and Xbox into the HDMI inputs of your TV, and then connect the optical output of your TV to the optical to coaxial adapter. Then, you can connect the coaxial output of the adapter to the coaxial input of your soundbar. This way, you can use the TV remote to select which device you want to watch or play, and the TV will send the audio signal to the soundbar via the adapter.

However, this option also has some drawbacks. First, you will need to buy an optical to coaxial adapter, which can cost anywhere from $5 to $50, depending on the quality and features. Second, you will need to use an extra cable to connect the adapter to the soundbar, which can add to the clutter and complexity of your setup. Third, some optical to coaxial adapters may not support the latest audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, or Dolby Digital Plus, which can affect the sound quality of your devices.

In conclusion, there is no perfect solution for connecting a soundbar, a cable box, a PS4, and an Xbox to an older TV that lacks an optical port and an HDMI ARC port. You will need to weigh the pros and cons of each option, and decide which one suits your needs and budget better. Alternatively, you can consider upgrading your TV to a newer model that has an optical port and an HDMI ARC port, which will make your connection much easier and more reliable.