An HDMI connection for the TV is the most convenient solution for good sound. However, how you connect your TV, sound system and games console depends on the configuration and version of your HDMI connection. We present different variants.
You can find more information in our blog:
- What is HDMI (e)ARC? Everything you need to know!
- HDMI, ARC, CEC - what is it?
- What goes where? Audio cables explained
How do I know if I can use an HDMI-ARC cable?
First, check whether your TV supports HDMI ARC. Please refer to the operating manual for your TV or playback device (e.g. video game console). A little tip: More and more manufacturers are publishing technical data and operating instructions online. Also take a look at the HDMI input on your TV set. At first glance, there is no difference between normal and HDMI-ARC connections, but audio return channels are usually labeled ARC or HDMI-ARC.
HDMI passthrough is a way of routing HDMI signals, i.e. audio and/or images, through an AV receiver in standby mode. It is nothing more than a physical interface between an HDMI input and an HDMI output. This allows the signal to be forwarded directly without the device with the HDMI ports, such as the AV receiver, having to be switched on. You can connect playback devices such as Blu-ray players or games consoles either directly to the TV or to the Teufel system using an HDMI cable.
Option 1: Set up TV with HDMI ARC and pass-through connection
In this setup, the Teufel system (e.g. Teufel soundbar or an AV receiver) serves as the control center. Playback devices such as Blu-ray players or game consoles are connected via HDMI cable. The sound system takes over the sound signal and transmits the picture signal to the TV. The HDMI ARC cable conveniently transmits the TV sound back to the audio system. This saves an additional cable and means less effort.
Advantages:
- Only 1 HDMI cable required between sound system and TV
- No need for extra cables to TV, which can be difficult
- Sound system and TV switch off simultaneously
- Volume of the audio system can be adjusted using the TV remote control
- Automatic source change when switching on playback device
Option 2: TV with HDMI ARC without passthrough connection
With this setup, you connect all playback devices to the TV via HDMI. The TV acts as the central interface. Thanks to the ARC connection, the TV forwards all sound signals to the audio system so that it can output the sound in high quality. You only have to make small compromises when connecting: It's a little more complicated.
Advantages:
- Only 1 HDMI cable required between audio device and TV
- Sound system switches on and off with the TV
- Convenient volume control of the sound system using the TV remote control
- Automatic source change when switching on playback device
Disadvantages:
- Connection to TV is somewhat more complicated than option 1
Option 3: TV without HDMI ARC connection and with pass-through
Your TV does not allow audio return channel with ARC? Then this option is the best solution. First, check whether a regular HDMI connection is configured as an input or output. You will also need an additional audio cable to connect the TV and Teufel system. As the TV sound is transmitted via the separate cable, the TV also functions as a player. Three types of cable can be used for the connection:
- RCA plugs, which transmit the analog signal electrically using two connectors.
- Toslink cables, which transmit the sound optically as a light signal.
- Coaxial cables, which consist of separate inner and outer conductors.
Advantages:
- Sound system switches on and off with TV
Disadvantages:
- Additional wired connection required
- TV remote control cannot be used to change volume on sound system
If the HDMI connection to the TV can only be made without ARC, there is another option. Although this has many disadvantages, it is presented here for the sake of completeness. In this case, all playback devices are connected directly to the TV using the regular HDMI cable. Pass-through is therefore not used. For this option, you also need a separate RCA, Toslink or coaxial cable. The audio cable forwards the TV audio to the sound system.
Disadvantages:
- Additional audio cable required
- Sound system and TV do not switch on and off at the same time
- Volume of the audio device cannot be controlled using the TV remote control