In most systems, you should turn off TV speakers when using a soundbar. Select External Speakers, Audio System, Receiver, or HDMI ARC/eARC so the soundbar becomes the primary output. Leaving both active can cause echo, thin sound, mismatched volume, or confusing remote behavior.

When both speakers should not play

The TV and soundbar process sound at different speeds. Even a small delay creates an audible echo. Two sets of speakers also have different frequency response and volume curves, so combining them rarely improves clarity.

Turn off the TV speakers

  1. Open the TV Sound or Audio menu.
  2. Select Sound Output, Speakers, or Speaker Selection.
  3. Choose HDMI Receiver, Audio System, Optical, External Speaker, or the soundbar name.
  4. Disable Simultaneous Output or TV Speaker + Audio Out unless you intentionally need it.
  5. Play dialogue and confirm sound comes only from the soundbar.
Muted television speakers with audio playing through an HDMI-connected soundbar
External-audio mode prevents the TV speakers from competing with the soundbar.

If the TV speakers will not turn off

Confirm the soundbar is detected, select the matching input, enable HDMI-CEC for ARC/eARC, and restart both devices. With optical or AUX, some TVs use a separate Fixed/Variable output control. If the menu offers no speaker switch, lowering TV volume to zero can work, but disable any on-screen volume warning if the model permits.

Exceptions and accessibility

Some TVs offer a deliberate simultaneous-output or Bluetooth-plus-TV-speaker mode for accessibility. Use it only if the listener benefits and the menu provides delay adjustment. For ordinary viewing, one primary audio system is cleaner.

Review our TV audio-output settings guide or use the Soundbar & Audio Gadget Wiz. If the setup needs a replacement link, compare a certified HDMI cable for ARC or a TOSLINK optical cable.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I hear an echo?

The TV speakers and soundbar are playing the same program with different processing delays.

Can I use the TV speakers as a center channel?

Only on models specifically designed to integrate the TV speaker with a compatible audio system.

Should TV volume be zero with optical?

If the TV cannot disable its speakers separately, zero is a practical workaround while the soundbar controls listening volume.

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