How to Control Your TV and Soundbar with a Single Remote

Difficulty
Beginner
Tested on
Samsung QN90D - Sonos Arc - HDMI 2.1 cable
You will need
HDMI cable, soundbar with HDMI ARC/eARC support, TV with HDMI ARC/eARC port

Step by step

  1. 1 min

    Connect via the HDMI ARC or eARC port

    Locate the HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC on both your TV and soundbar. Connect a high-speed HDMI cable between these specific ports to allow for two-way communication between the devices.

    Note: Standard HDMI ports will not carry the control signal required for unified remote functionality.
  2. 1 min

    Enable HDMI-CEC in TV settings

    Navigate to the TV Settings menu and select General or External Device Manager. Find the HDMI-CEC setting and toggle it to On; this feature may be labeled as Anynet+, Bravia Sync, or SimpLink depending on your TV manufacturer.

  3. 1 min

    Enable audio output control

    Within your TV's Sound or Audio output menu, set the Speaker selection to HDMI ARC or External Speaker. Ensure the Digital Output Audio Format is set to Auto or Pass-through to maintain high-quality signal synchronization.

  4. 1 min

    Activate soundbar auto-power settings

    Using your soundbar's dedicated app or physical buttons, ensure HDMI-CEC control is enabled on the audio device itself. This allows the soundbar to automatically power on and off in tandem with the television.

    Note: Some soundbars require this setting to be manually toggled in their respective mobile companion apps.
  5. 30 sec

    Verify functionality

    Power off both devices using the TV remote. If configured correctly, both the TV and the soundbar will shut down simultaneously. Power the TV back on to confirm the soundbar initiates immediately.

    Note: If the volume control does not work, power cycle both devices by unplugging them for 30 seconds.