Setting up my soundbar was relatively straightforward: I simply connected it to the TV via Bluetooth, and it worked right away. However, to achieve the best sound, I found that it needed to be optimized to suit my TV—and one setting is especially crucial.
The One Setting That’s Affecting Your Soundbar Audio Quality
Soundbars typically support various audio formats, so if your TV sends a signal that the soundbar doesn’t handle well, it can cause issues such as latency (a lag in sound and dialogue), missing sound effects, or poor audio quality. It can also cause improper decoding of audio formats, such as DTS or Dolby Digital, resulting in muffled dialogue or poor bass response, all because the correct switch needs to be toggled!
To get the best audio performance from your soundbar, the main setting to adjust is theaudio output formatin your TV’s audio settings menu. The most common audio formats arePCM(Pulse Code Modulation) andBitstream. Both these formats transmit a digital audio signal to your soundbar, but they work in different ways.
PCM vs. Bitstream: What’s the Difference?
To put it simply, PCM and Bitstream each refer to the method by which digital audio is transmitted from your TV or media player. The difference lies in where the decoding takes place.
So with a PCM setup, your TV does all the hard work. This is usually fine, provided it has a strong audio processor (which my midrange Samsung model doesn’t). Soundbars, on the other hand, are built purely for audio, so by selecting Bitstream—or in my case, “Auto”—you are likely to get better decoding, especially if you are using advanced audio formats.
When Bitstream Might Be the Better Choice
For most home theater setups, including my own, Bitstream (or Auto) is usually the best option, particularly if your soundbar supports the latest surround sound formats.
Additionally, if your soundbar supports HDMI-ARC or eARC connectivity, Bitstream enables better processing of high-bitrate audio formats. Conversely, PCM might struggle to handle uncompressed data due to bandwidth constraints.
When PCM Actually Makes More Sense
Bitstream might usually be the preferred choice, but PCM has its place. Here are a few scenarios where PCM might be the better option:
As a general rule, if you’re not using your soundbar for surround sound formats or if your soundbar has issues while the TV is in Bitstream mode, try switching to PCM to see if this is more effective.
Other Settings to Consider for Optimal Sound Quality
Switching your TV’s audio output format from PCM to Bitstream (or vice versa) can resolve many performance issues. Still, several other factors also affect sound quality,including the shape of your living space. Consider tweaking the following options for optimal soundbar performance.
I now know it’s essential to check a TV’s audio format settingswhen setting up a soundbaror channeling audio from a different device, such as a games console. If your current soundbar sounds underwhelming or experiences performance issues, try switching between PCM and Bitstream (or Auto) to see if it improves the sound quality. Simply toggling this one switch might unlock clearer dialog, fix any latency issues, or deliver more dynamic sound effects, all within your existing audiovisual setup.
