Tips and tricks for setting up TV speakers

The sound quality of a television is just as important as the picture when it comes to creating a truly immersive entertainment experience. However, the sound from the built-in speakers in modern TVs is often disappointing, as they frequently produce a flat, muffled sound. This is where external TV speakers, soundbars or home cinema systems come into play. With the right setup and a few simple tricks, the sound can be significantly improved, whether you’re watching films, TV series, listening to music or catching up on the news.

Choosing the right speakers and positioning them correctly are crucial to unlocking the full sound potential. Room acoustics and selecting the right connection technology also play a key role in achieving the best sound. This section presents some valuable tips and tricks on how to optimise a TV’s sound using simple methods. Whether you’re using a soundbar, a TV speaker or a complex home cinema system, the right settings will significantly enhance your viewing experience.

The perfect speaker setup in the living room

Optimal sound quality starts with the correct placement of your TV speakers. Often, even a small change to the setup is enough to achieve significant improvements in the sound. Correct speaker positioning helps ensure that the sound is reproduced clearly, balanced and with the right dynamics.

Speaker positioning

The front speakers should be positioned at ear level where possible to ensure the best sound. This ensures that the treble and mid-range frequencies are optimally audible. In addition, the speakers should be positioned evenly to the left and right of the TV to achieve a balanced soundstage. The distance from the wall is also crucial. If speakers are placed too close to the wall, the sound can be distorted by reflections, which can lead to a boomy or unclear sound. A certain distance from the wall helps to minimise these reflections and ensures better sound clarity.

Subwoofer positioning

The position of the subwoofer plays a key role in bass reproduction. The subwoofer should not be placed in corners, as this can lead to boomy bass that distorts the sound. A helpful trick for finding the best position is known as ‘subwoofer crawling’: this involves placing the subwoofer at the listening position and then testing where in the room the bass sounds best. Once the optimal spot has been found, the subwoofer can be permanently positioned there to deliver bass evenly and precisely.

Consider room size

Room size has a significant influence on speaker placement. In larger rooms, the speakers often require more power or additional subwoofers to ensure an even sound. In larger living rooms, it may be advisable to expand the speaker system to ensure that sound is distributed evenly even to the furthest corners of the room. In such cases, additional speakers or a further subwoofer can help to improve the listening experience and make better use of the room’s acoustics.

With the right speaker setup and a few simple adjustments, the sound of a TV system can be significantly improved, leading to an even better viewing experience.

Connections - HDMI, Bluetooth and more

Connecting the speakers to the TV is a crucial step for lossless audio transmission. Modern technologies offer various options here, which can be chosen depending on your needs and preferred flexibility.

HDMI ARC and eARC

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is one of the preferred connection methods, as it enables high-quality transmission of audio signals whilst also allowing control via the TV remote. With HDMI ARC, both audio and video can be transmitted via the same cable, which reduces cable clutter and simplifies setup. eARC, the next-generation version of ARC, even supports lossless audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, making it the preferred choice for high-end audio.

Bluetooth connections

Bluetooth is an excellent choice for wireless flexibility. It allows speakers to be connected without cables and ensures easy setup. However, latency can be an issue, particularly when synchronising picture and sound, which can be distracting when watching films and TV series. Models with aptX Low Latency, however, offer lower latency and can minimise this problem, ensuring the sound is better synchronised with the picture.

Optical cables and AUX

For older devices that do not support modern digital interfaces such as HDMI or Bluetooth, optical cables or AUX connections offer a solid alternative. These connections are easy to use and offer good sound quality, though not at the same high level as HDMI, particularly when it comes to supporting multi-channel audio systems or high-resolution formats such as Dolby Atmos.

Wireless alternatives with a base station

In addition to Bluetooth, there are other wireless options where the signal is transmitted from a base station to the TV speaker. These systems offer a reliable and often more stable connection than Bluetooth, as they are specifically designed for audio transmission. Such wireless systems typically use radio technologies such as 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz to transmit the audio signal without the typical latency issues associated with Bluetooth. A major advantage of these systems is the stable connection even over longer distances or when placing speakers in larger rooms. The wireless nature offers additional flexibility during setup and allows for a clean and flexible room layout.

Soundbars: Practical solutions for better TV sound

Soundbars are an ideal solution for anyone looking to improve their TV’s sound with minimal effort. They combine multiple speakers in a compact housing, making them particularly space-saving and easy to install. Soundbars offer an excellent way to enhance a TV’s sound without taking up much space or requiring a complicated installation.

Advantages of soundbars

A major advantage of soundbars is that they take up very little space and fit particularly well in small living rooms or rooms with limited space. Many models also come with wireless subwoofers, which boost bass reproduction and deliver deeper, more powerful bass. These subwoofers can be placed anywhere in the room without any visible cables, meaning they do not restrict the flexibility or design of the room.

Expansion options

Another advantage of soundbars is the ability to expand the sound system. Some soundbar models support the integration of rear speakers, which can be placed behind the seating area. These additional speakers create a true surround sound experience and enhance the spatial quality of the sound. This makes film or TV sound more immersive and realistic, taking home entertainment to a whole new level.

Adjusting sound modes

Many soundbars offer the option to activate different sound modes that adapt the sound to the specific use. Modes such as ‘Film’, ‘Music’ or ‘News’ allow you to optimise the sound for different types of content. The Film mode, for example, emphasises surround effects and dialogue, whilst the Music mode offers clearer reproduction of treble and bass. The News mode ensures that voices are reproduced particularly clearly and intelligibly, which is particularly advantageous for conversations and news reporting. With these sound modes, the soundbar can be optimally adjusted for any type of content.

Room acoustics

The sound produced by a speaker is determined not only by the hardware itself, but also by the characteristics of the room. Room acoustics have a significant influence on how sound is perceived. Even the best speakers cannot perform to their full potential in a room with poor acoustic conditions.

The room’s influence on sound

A room with bare walls and hard surfaces such as glass, concrete or tiles can have a negative effect on sound. These surfaces reflect sound and create echoes that distort the sound and make it unclear. These reflections can cause high frequencies to be overemphasised or make the sound seem muddy and unclear overall. A room that is not optimised for audio can therefore significantly degrade the sound from a speaker, even if the speaker itself is of high quality.

Optimising acoustics

Various measures can be taken to optimise room acoustics and improve sound quality. Carpets, curtains and upholstered furniture absorb sound, thereby reducing disruptive reflections. These materials are particularly helpful in rooms with many hard surfaces, making the sound clearer and more pleasant. Acoustic panels are another way to specifically control frequencies and improve the room’s sound. These panels help to dampen certain disruptive frequencies and balance the overall sound, ensuring a balanced and precise reproduction.

Avoid asymmetrical placement

The positioning of the speakers plays a key role in sound quality. To create a harmonious soundstage, speakers should be placed as symmetrically as possible within the room. An asymmetrical setup can result in the sound becoming one-sided and a loss of spatiality. Particularly with surround sound systems or soundbars, where the speakers are distributed throughout the room, it is important to ensure an even distribution to guarantee a balanced and realistic listening experience.

Restart, updates and check connections

The correct settings and connections are essential for getting the best out of your TV speakers. However, minor issues can sometimes be the cause of poor sound quality or connection problems. Such problems can often be quickly resolved with simple measures.

Perform a restart

A simple restart is one of the most common and effective solutions for resolving technical difficulties. If the speaker is not recognised or the connection suddenly seems unstable, a restart can solve many problems. Unplug the TV and speakers for a few minutes and then restart them. This step is often enough to resolve connection issues and restore optimal sound, as it may reset faulty connections or software problems.

Install updates

Firmware updates are an important way to optimise the performance of speakers and TVs. Manufacturers regularly offer updates that not only fix bugs but can also unlock new features or improved audio settings. It is advisable to check regularly for updates to ensure that your devices are running the latest version. This can be done via the manufacturer’s apps or the device’s settings. Installing the latest firmware ensures that all functions run smoothly and that the device remains state-of-the-art.

Check connections

A stable connection between the speaker and the TV is essential for flawless sound reproduction. You should therefore regularly check that all cables are securely and correctly connected. If a wired system is being used, ensure that the cables are not damaged and are properly seated in the sockets. With wireless systems, particularly Bluetooth connections, it may be helpful to re-pair the devices if the connection has been lost or is unstable. Re-pairing ensures that the connection remains stable and sound is reproduced without interruptions.

Surround sound and Dolby Atmos

For anyone who wants to experience a true home cinema atmosphere in their living room, surround sound systems and Dolby Atmos are essential. They ensure that the sound does not just come from the front, but completely envelops the room, significantly enhancing the TV viewing experience.

Configuring surround sound systems

The placement of the speakers is crucial for an optimal surround sound experience. To create a full and balanced soundscape, the front speakers should be positioned evenly to the left and right of the TV, whilst the centre speaker should be placed centrally below or above the screen to reproduce dialogue clearly and precisely. The rear speakers should be positioned behind the seating area or at the sides of the room to deliver sound from behind and create a truly immersive atmosphere. In more complex systems, such as a 7.1 system, a subwoofer is added to support the low frequencies. Correct placement of these speakers ensures that sound comes from all directions, making the home cinema experience realistic and immersive.

Setting up Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos extends the sound into the third dimension by simulating sounds from above, creating a deeper sense of immersion, particularly in action-packed films or music videos. To use Dolby Atmos, you need Atmos-enabled speakers or soundbars, as well as a Dolby Atmos-compatible TV and content available in this format. Atmos-enabled speakers that are integrated into the ceiling or project sound downwards from above ensure that sound sources are positioned vertically within the room, making the surround sound even more realistic. For the best experience, an HDMI eARC connection should also be used to transmit high-resolution audio formats.

Fine-tuning: Equaliser and sound modes

Even after the initial setup, it is important to fine-tune the system regularly to adapt the sound to personal preferences or specific room acoustics. This is where equalizers and sound modes play a key role.

Using the equaliser

An equaliser allows you to individually adjust treble, midrange and bass to optimise the sound exactly to your own preferences. If, for example, you want to make dialogue stand out more clearly or reduce distracting frequencies, the equaliser can specifically ensure that the sound remains clear and balanced. In a room with many hard surfaces or reflective walls, the equaliser can also help improve the sound by attenuating certain frequencies that are amplified by the room acoustics.

Enable dialogue enhancement

Many speakers and soundbars offer a dialogue enhancement feature, which is particularly helpful when quiet conversations in films or louder background noise impair intelligibility. This feature ensures that voices stand out clearly and distinctly without the need to increase the overall volume. This keeps the sound balanced whilst improving speech intelligibility in every scene.

Test sound modes

Modern speakers and soundbars often offer various sound modes, providing preset profiles for different types of content such as films, music or games. Each mode is optimised for the specific acoustic requirements of the content. It’s worth trying out these modes and selecting the best one for your own viewing and listening habits. This allows the sound to be tailored as needed for clear dialogue, intense action or balanced music.

With these fine-tuning options, surround sound and Dolby Atmos can be further optimised to achieve the best possible sound experience and make your home cinema experience even more realistic and impressive.

Troubleshooting speaker setup

Even with the best setup, problems can still arise from time to time. Fortunately, these can often be quickly resolved by checking the basic settings and connections and adjusting them if necessary.

No sound

If no sound is coming from the speakers, you should first check that all connections are correct. Make sure that all cables are secure and properly connected. If wireless speakers are being used, ensure that the Bluetooth connection or other wireless connections are stable. Also check that the speakers are switched on and that the correct audio source has been selected in the TV or soundbar menu. Sometimes it can also help to restart the system or to unplug the TV and speakers from the mains and switch them back on after a short while.

Poor sound quality

If the sound is unclear or distorted, this may be due to the equaliser settings or the room acoustics. Check the equaliser settings to ensure that the treble, midrange and bass are well balanced. If the sound is still unsatisfactory, it may be because the room acoustics are affecting the sound quality. Hard surfaces in the room can reflect sound and distort the audio. In this case, it helps to reconsider the placement of the speakers or use acoustic measures such as carpets, curtains or acoustic panels to improve sound reproduction.

Out-of-sync sound

Another common problem is that the sound is out of sync with the picture. This often happens when using wireless speakers or when connecting to older televisions. To correct the synchronisation, go to the TV or receiver menu and look for the audio delay setting. Here you can adjust the delay so that the sound is once again in sync with the picture. Even with modern Dolby Atmos systems, minor delays can occur, which can be resolved using this setting.