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Xbox audio settings for Vizio Soundbar?

Hello all. Hope this is the right board.  I've seen this question asked online before but honestly literally every answer differs based on individual setup and preference. I've recently purchased a M51AX-J6 VIZIO 5.1 soundbar and have it connected to an older TV (Sony XBR-55X810C) via HDMI ARC (I think? The HDMI cable that came with the soundbar is connected to its eARC port and also to the Arc port on the TV, so I assume it's just a standard ARC connection since the TV probably doesn't support eARC).

Meanwhile, I have an Xbox Series X connected to the same TV via HDMI. I have some questions about the audio settings on said Xbox:

Speaker settings: The Xbox is offering me a choice between 5.1 Uncompressed, Dolby Digital, and DTS Digital Surround. I'm not worried about enabling Atmos or DTS:X features at the moment and I presume I'd have to direct connect the Xbox to the soundbar for that. However, which of the choices listed above should I choose? Some seem to say Uncompressed, but others say that I'm better off choosing one of the digital formats because uncompressed 5.1 can't output through ARC.

Secondly, Passthrough. Should I have this enabled? Will this enable my Soundbar to automatically process app and media audio in it's optimal format rather than possibly having to change audio settings in the Xbox based on the content?

Finally, are there any TV settings I need to make sure are enabled/disabled?

I probably have more questions because figuring out audio stuff as a layman is like navigating a labyrinth, but for now I hope this suffices. Sorry for the novel, any response would be much appreciated.

robustitalianflavor

Showing 4 responses by kota1

kota1
2,706 posts
 

I use the X-Box as my primary streamer because of the flexible settings for audio.

If you select passthrough the X-Box will send the raw native audio of whatever you are streaming as long as your sound bar supports it. 

I recommend setting it to Dolby Digital or DTS as your sound bar will likely be able to decode those codecs. Try both settings and see if you have a preference. If you leave pass through off all audio will be output in that format. Of the two my preference is DTS but YMMV.

kota1
2,706 posts
 

This review says it will decode atmos and dts-x. Yes, bluerays will output in your selected format unless you use "passthrough". I would recommend atmos or dts-x for gaming if you like how that works in your room. If you have high ceilings the soundbar might not do height virtualization very well. Try them all and see what works best for your room.

To get atmos and dts-x you will need to download the apps in the microsoft store. To use with your soundbar you may need to buy a license. I have both apps, very worth it.

 

 

 

kota1
2,706 posts
 

yes, you have to connect the xbox to soundbar via hdmi

kota1
2,706 posts
 

Its unnecessary UNLESS you want to get the raw audio format of your content.

I prefer watching movies with atmos engaged so leave pass through off.

I prefer listening to music in 7.1 channel uncompressed engaged so leave pass through off for that too.

YMMV

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