How to play back in Dolby Atmos format audio with your amplifier or Soundbar?

IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

• My TV has eARC/ARC HDMI inputs
• My TV doesn't have ARC/eARC HDMI inputs

Tip: The input label on the back of the TV will help to confirm if your TV (HDMI IN terminal) supports an eARC connection.


 

Connecting to a TV compatible with HDMI (eARC)

When the Sound Bar is connected to the HDMI (eARC/ARC) port, you can playback the following content:

• Dolby Atmos content played from the TV
• Dolby Atmos  content played from a playback device, such as a Blu-ray Disc Player

Tip: Before following these steps, update the Sound Bar software to the latest version.
To get the latest update, visit the Sony Support website, search for your Sound Bar by entering the model number, and then go to the Downloads section.

How to connect

1. Connect the Sound Bar HDMI OUT eARC/ARC port and the TV HDMI IN eARC/ARC port using an HDMI cable.
2. Connect the playback device HDMI OUT port and the TV or Sound Bar HDMI IN port using an HDMI cable.
   For this step, use whichever HDMI IN port of the TV or Sound Bar is not in use.
   
   
   A → Sound Bar
   B → TV
   C → Blu-ray Disc Player
   D → High-Speed HDMI cable
    
3. Enable the eARC function for the Sound Bar.
   Tip: The procedure for enabling the eARC function will differ depending on the Sound Bar model. For details, refer to the product manual. 
   
   For example, the procedure for HT-Z9F/HT-ZF9 is as follows:
   1. Press the HOME button on the remote control, and then select Setup →  Advanced Settings → HDMI Settings → eARC → On.
   2. In the HDMI Settings, select HDMI Signal Format, and then select Enhanced format.
       
4. Check the HDMI settings of the TV.
   Tip: The procedure for enabling the eARC function may differ depending on the TV model. For details, refer to the product manual. 
   1. In the HDMI Settings, select eARC and set it to On.
   2. In the HDMI Settings, select HDMI Signal Format, and then select Enhanced format.
       

Connecting to a TV not compatible with HDMI (eARC)

When the Sound Bar is connected to a TV that is not compatible with HDMI (eARC), you can only play Dolby Atmos format content output from a playback device, such as Blu-ray Disc Player.
You will not be able to play Dolby Atoms format content straight from the TV.

How to connect

1. Connect the Sound Bar HDMI OUT eARC/ARC port and the TV HDMI IN port using an HDMI cable.
2. Connect the playback device HDMI OUT port and the Sound Bar HDMI IN port using an HDMI cable.
   
   

A → Sound Bar
B → TV
C → Blu-ray Disc Player
D → High-Speed HDMI cable