Establishing my soundbar was comparatively easy: I merely related it to the TV through Bluetooth, and it labored immediately. Nonetheless, to attain the perfect sound, I discovered that it wanted to be optimized to swimsuit my TV—and one setting is particularly essential.
The One Setting That is Affecting Your Soundbar Audio High quality
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Soundbars usually assist numerous audio codecs, so in case your TV sends a sign that the soundbar does not deal with properly, it will probably trigger points akin to latency (a lag in sound and dialogue), lacking sound results, or poor audio high quality. It could possibly additionally trigger improper decoding of audio codecs, akin to DTS or Dolby Digital, leading to muffled dialogue or poor bass response, all as a result of the right swap must be toggled!
To get the perfect audio efficiency out of your soundbar, the primary setting to regulate is the audio output format in your TV’s audio settings menu. The commonest audio codecs are PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) and Bitstream. Each these codecs transmit a digital audio sign to your soundbar, however they work in several methods.
PCM vs. Bitstream: What is the Distinction?
To place it merely, PCM and Bitstream every check with the tactic by which digital audio is transmitted out of your TV or media participant. The distinction lies in the place the decoding takes place.
- PCM signifies that your TV decodes the audio earlier than sending it to your soundbar.
- Bitstream sends compressed audio to your soundbar, which decodes it internally.
So with a PCM setup, your TV does all of the laborious work. That is often wonderful, offered it has a powerful audio processor (which my midrange Samsung mannequin does not). Soundbars, alternatively, are constructed purely for audio, so by deciding on Bitstream—or in my case, “Auto”—you’re prone to get higher decoding, particularly if you’re utilizing superior audio codecs.
When Bitstream May Be the Higher Selection
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For many residence theater setups, together with my very own, Bitstream (or Auto) is often the most suitable choice, significantly in case your soundbar helps the most recent encompass sound codecs.
- Bitstream usually performs true 5.1 and seven.1 encompass sound extra successfully from streaming apps and media gamers.
- Bitstream affords higher audio decoding, as even some Dolby and DTS-ready TVs downmix encompass sound (convert it to fewer channels) earlier than passing it to the soundbar. In distinction, Bitstream sends the uncooked sign for the soundbar to course of.
- Bitstream is required for spatial audio codecs, akin to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, to supply a full complement of object-based audio results.
Moreover, in case your soundbar helps HDMI-ARC or eARC connectivity, Bitstream allows higher processing of high-bitrate audio codecs. Conversely, PCM would possibly wrestle to deal with uncompressed knowledge resulting from bandwidth constraints.
When PCM Truly Makes Extra Sense
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Bitstream would possibly often be the popular alternative, however PCM has its place. Listed below are just a few situations the place PCM is likely to be the higher possibility:
- For easier setups that do not assist superior audio codecs like Dolby Atmos, PCM ensures compatibility.
- Some TVs might have limitations when processing Bitstream, leading to latency. In these instances, having PCM decode the audio on the TV is likely to be the higher possibility.
- Avid gamers might discover that PCM is more practical when utilizing their Xbox or PlayStation. In some cases, utilizing pre-decoded audio can scale back lag and protect high quality.
As a normal rule, should you’re not utilizing your soundbar for encompass sound codecs or in case your soundbar has points whereas the TV is in Bitstream mode, attempt switching to PCM to see if that is more practical.
Different Settings to Think about for Optimum Sound High quality
Switching your TV’s audio output format from PCM to Bitstream (or vice versa) can resolve many efficiency points. Nonetheless, a number of different components additionally have an effect on sound high quality, together with the form of your residing house. Think about tweaking the next choices for optimum soundbar efficiency.
- Many soundbars have EQ presets for motion pictures, music, sports activities, and customized profiles. It is price experimenting to attain the perfect outcomes.
- If speech sounds muffled or is getting drowned within the combine, attempt switching on dialog enhancement in your audio settings.
- Some soundbars have guide EQ controls for decrease and better frequencies. Strive adjusting these in case your general sound tends to be boomy or tinny.
- Some soundbars simulate encompass sound with digital encompass or 3D sound modes. Even when your soundbar does not assist true encompass sound, it is price activating these for a extra immersive expertise.
I now know it is important to verify a TV’s audio format settings when organising a soundbar or channeling audio from a distinct gadget, akin to a video games console. In case your present soundbar sounds underwhelming or experiences efficiency points, attempt switching between PCM and Bitstream (or Auto) to see if it improves the sound high quality. Merely toggling this one swap would possibly unlock clearer dialog, repair any latency points, or ship extra dynamic sound results, all inside your present audiovisual setup.
