PCM or Bitstream for a Soundbar: Which Setting Should You Use?

Choose PCM or bitstream for a soundbar according to which device should decode the audio. PCM means the source or TV decodes the soundtrack before sending it. Bitstream sends an encoded Dolby or DTS signal for the soundbar to decode. Start with Auto or Passthrough for a compatible HDMI ARC/eARC system; use PCM when you need the most reliable basic audio.

The practical answer

• Use PCM for universal stereo compatibility, older soundbars, or troubleshooting silence.
• Use Bitstream/Auto/Passthrough when the soundbar supports the program’s encoded surround format.
• Use eARC when you need compatible higher-bandwidth multichannel formats.
• Check the source too: a console, disc player, or streamer may have a separate audio-output setting.

What PCM changes

PCM is decoded audio. Over a basic optical or standard ARC path, TVs frequently limit PCM output to two channels even if the original program is multichannel. That makes PCM an excellent diagnostic setting: if it restores sound, an encoded-format compatibility problem is likely. PCM is not inherently lower quality; the channel count and connection limits are what matter.

What bitstream changes

Bitstream preserves an encoded format so the soundbar can decode it. This can enable compatible Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, or immersive formats. Names vary: Bitstream, Auto, Passthrough, and RAW can describe related behavior, but they are not guaranteed to work identically on every TV.

Set and test the option

1. Choose the correct TV output: HDMI ARC/eARC or Optical.
2. Open Digital Audio Output, HDMI Audio Format, or a similarly named menu.
3. Select Auto or Passthrough and play known 5.1 or Atmos content.
4. Check the soundbar’s information display or app for the received format.
5. If there is silence, noise, or dropouts, switch to PCM.
6. If PCM works but only produces stereo, confirm the connection and every device support the desired encoded format.

Follow our HDMI ARC instructions or compare HDMI ARC and optical when the connection itself may be limiting the result.

Troubleshoot by symptom

• No sound: use PCM, restart both devices, and retest a built-in TV app.
• Stereo only: change from PCM to Auto/Bitstream and verify the content actually offers surround.
• Delay: try Passthrough to reduce TV processing, then adjust AV Sync conservatively.
• Harsh noise: stop playback and select PCM; the receiver may not recognize the encoded stream.

For interactive help, use the Soundbar & Audio Gadget Wiz.

Useful accessories

If the link is unreliable, compare a certified eARC-capable HDMI cable. For optical equipment, compare a digital optical audio cable.

Frequently asked questions

Is bitstream better quality than PCM?

Not automatically. If both carry the same decoded result, the key differences are format support, channel count, and where decoding occurs.

Does PCM support surround sound?

Multichannel PCM exists, but whether it reaches the soundbar depends on the devices and connection. Optical and standard ARC commonly limit TV-output PCM to stereo.

Which setting should I use for Dolby Atmos?

Use Auto, Bitstream, or Passthrough with compatible equipment, preferably through eARC or a direct HDMI input. Confirm the soundbar reports Atmos.

AAHE may earn as an Amazon affiliate.