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
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.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.
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.
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.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.