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Question

Basic TV Soundbar Question

Mar 25, 2018 8:06PM PDT

This may seem like a dumb question, but I am looking into soundbars for a new TV, and I was wondering if all soundbars work with all TVs or if since I have an LG TV I need an LG soundbar, with proper cables and connectors (of course). Recommendations are appreciated, but I mainly want to know tips about compatibility. I am using the LG 49UJ300. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
That model has digital optical output only
Mar 26, 2018 6:48AM PDT

For this reason you are limited to soundbars with digital optical input only. Avoid LG soundbars if possible since my experience has been lackluster.

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Avoid LG Speakers
Mar 26, 2018 7:31PM PDT

So, avoid LG speakers? You say your experiences have been lackluster, may I ask why?

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Answer
There's a saying.
Mar 26, 2018 8:06PM PDT
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Suggestions
Mar 26, 2018 8:25PM PDT

You don't seem to like soundbars, I don't know if you can tell this, but I'm really new in the realm of TV audio and home theater-y stuff. I'm open to a suggestion other than a soundbar, I just figured it would be fairly easy and decently cheap with decent performance, but if you have suggestions for other solutions, I am open.

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You can guess more than that.
Mar 26, 2018 8:33PM PDT

Mostly the forum gets folk that have a soundbar and their devices need a real receiver setup.
Or complain when the volume control is on the soundbar remote. This is the reason I tend to stick to the maker of the TV. Pick a bar and then ask here if they are unclear how volume control works.

Big hint. If only by Optical then volume control moves to the bar.

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Maybe they're not so bad?
Mar 26, 2018 8:51PM PDT

Okay, well, maybe you don't mind them. You say if optical, volume control is moved to the TV, so if it's HDMI, then it can be through the TV, but only if its the same manufacturer? As I said, I have the LG 49UJ6300 4K TV, on the product page on LG's they have three recommended soundbars, the SJ7, SJ6B, and SJ5Y-S, if i get a soundbar in the near future it will more than likely be one of those three (probably the SJ5Y-S because I don't have a lot of money). I haven't really looked into them beyond making sure they're compatible with the TV, and they are, everybody has an optical input. I'm not so lazy I am unable to use multiple remotes, but I also want to know what i'm getting myself into.
HDMI is the only way to adjust the volume through the TV, optical can't, but if HDMI, it will only work if by the same manufacturer (LG)? I ask because I think CNET recommends the VIZIO SB3621.

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Where did I write that?
Mar 26, 2018 8:59PM PDT
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My bad
Mar 26, 2018 9:13PM PDT

I think I see what you’re saying now, I apologize, but I think with the TV I have, I’m gonna be stuck with optical, but as long as nothing is gonna be too different between HDMI and Optical besides having an extra remote, I’ll be fine. Also, that is a very good point as to why to get stay in a manufacturer, so if I need support I can call them and hopefully have an easier time. I’m not getting passed back and forth between LG and Vizio, for example.