How Do I Choose A Sound Bar For My Tv?

[Stargazer]

I have a slimline modern Panasonic tv and always have subtitles turned on as the volume is not always loud enough especially on films and many of the Sky channels like PBS which do not allow subtitles. I miss huge amounts of dialogue especially when watching films. I need to buy a sound bar but only to increase the volume for speech. I never listen to music and do not want to unnecessarily buy one with all bells and whistles. Do I need one with Bluetooth - I don't even know what that is? I am 76 and not even deaf athough my kids say I have the tv on too loud.

[pauln90]

See if this helps

https://www.google.com/search?q=connect+soundbar+to+panasonic+tv&rlz=1C1CHBF_en-GBGB842GB842&oq=install+sounbar+on+panasonic+tv&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0.13080j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_7F6TXei7CY-agQbrtLeIBQ20

[davebro]

I got hearing aids a couple of years ago but TBH they are a bit of a faff & I only use them if I'm going down the pub for a natter. Slimline TVs usually have the speakers at the back which isn't ideal so I got a cheap soundbar for the TV but it seems to pick up an annoying hum. Anyway I eventually went for headphones which are good for sound quality & keeping the neighbours happy but if they cut out the TV speakers you need to be watching on your own.

[Barsel]

https://www.goodmans.co.uk/download/download/linkDirect/link_id/419/
Just in case you need this info.

[Stargazer]

At the back of my tv there is only an Audio "IN" row of sockets red, white and yellow all of which have already got things plugged in. Next to these is another row of three, red, blue and green but these have nothing plugged in. Any suggestions?

[bhg481]

You might have an optical connector for your soundbar - look at your TV manual. That will require a special cable and your soundbar must have an optical connection as well.

[gingejbee]

bhg beat me to it...soundbars are usually connected to a TV with one single optical cable. If both the TV and soundbar have an "optical" socket, this is your best bet. Optical cables easily available.

[Barsel]

Stargazer my soundbar came with an optical cable and that plugs into the headphone socket on the TV which is down the side on mine. Did your soundbar come with a cable?

[gingejbee]

^^from under a fiver on Amazon. Does the word "TOSLINK" appear on the back of either unit or in the manuals...this indicates an optical connection.

[Stargazer]

There is a small square "digital audio out" thingy but it looks like it is blocked up. (ie no visible hole) Goodmans link says it has a
Trojan or malware and my Kaspersky would not let me link to it. There does not seem to be an optical connecting cable included with this soundbar.

[sunny-dave]

One other thought - have you checked whether your TV has different settings available for the sound through its internal speakers?

My (otherwise brilliant) LG TV came with a very 'dull' and indistinct sound setting as default - a quick look allowed me to change to a setting specifically designed to make spoken word clearer than background sounds - it's heaps better now and I only go back to the original setting if watching music programmes.

[Stargazer]

is an optical cable different to look at?

[bhg481]

There is usually a bung in the square optical socket - it needs to be kept clean.

[Barsel]

Stargazer have a look at the link I put on for the Goodman soundbar at 15.31pm it has diagrams that show where the optical cable goes. I take it the soundbar came with a remote control?

[Stargazer]

Barsel my Kaspersky blocked me getting into that link saying it has malware or Trojan, I have now connected my tv and soundbar with an optical cable but still no sound!!

[gingejbee]

You may have to go into your TV's menu....settings....sound, and make some changes.

[gingejbee]

....and I hope this is not too silly a question but....the soundbar is powered up with lights on and volume turned up (usually done with a remote control)?

[Barsel]

About 1 minute in on this YouTube video it explains how to connect using a Panasonic TV with a different make of Soundbar. You have to go into the settings of your TV using your remote and it explains how to do it. Hope this helps.

[Barsel]

gingejbee I did ask at 16.04 if it came with a remote but Stargazer didn't say.

[Stargazer]

Sorry Barsel that I did not reply to your earlier post. I have found the answer finally. Simple to most people - plus it into the power supply!!

[scorpiojo]

An excellent idea... :-))