Question 1

Which is best to use…the optical cable or the hdmi arc?

Accepted Answer

Hey Oppanax. That’s a great question, one I had answered when I first began researching soundbars.

First off, HDMI ARC (audio return channel) allows for an audio signal from a box (like one provides by DirecTV) to pass to the television, and then back out again to the sound bar or stereo receiver. Standard HDMI connection cannot do this, as it does not support two way audio transmission. Nearly all televisions produced within the last 5 years, and even out to 10 years or longer, if they have HDMI inputs, will have a dedicated HDMI ARC input. It would be labeled as such right next to the television’s input.

Optical cables are made of higher quality materials (glass based fiber optic strands), and as such are shielded from electromagnetic interference, as they transmit sound via light waves. HDMI ARC cables are constructed using copper as their principal material. Copper is susceptible to this kind of interference.

For most people, an optical cable connection will provide an acceptable level of audio quality. Optical provides up to 5.1 support, as does HDMI ARC. However, for cinephiles wanting the best possible A/V experience, HDMI ARC is the way to go, unquestionably. Optical cables don’t support Dolby Digital Plus, True HD, or DTS HD. The HDMI ARC does this beautifully.

HDMI ARC has the added benefit of supporting television volume control from the tv remote, via what is called CEC technology. Once everything is properly set up, and you’re watching the big game, a live broadcast, or a movie, your tv remote can control how loud the sound bar outputs its signal. Optical cable can’t do that.

In most cases, HDMI ARC is the best answer. You’ll still get pretty good sound from optical, and if your A/V equipment is spaced out, requiring longer cables, optical won’t see as much signal degradation;  but the HDMI ARC is superior in it supports far more audio formats. And as HDMI eARC becomes the norm with upcoming A/V releases, 7.1 will be supported.

Question 2

Does the a550 come with the hdmi and other cables included?

Accepted Answer

HW-A550, w/seperate subwoofer, $178 at Amazon:  shows that this model has 2XHDMI ports, one if HDMI-ARC for a soundbar and the like, one additional HDMI for "[ . .   .] Inputs digital video and audio signals simultaneously using an HDMI cable.  Connect to the HDMI output of an external device."

Question 3

What is the difference between the 450 and 550? In layman terms.

Accepted Answer

450 doesn’t hook up with hdmi. The 550 does.

Question 4

Will this work with any Samsung TV

Accepted Answer

Hi! The HW-A450 features two ways to connect to an external device: Digital optical audio, and Bluetooth wireless audio technology. If your Samsung TV is compatible with one of these two audio connections, you should have no issue connecting the soundbar to your TV.
~ Samsung Solutions

ASIN	B08WYSZTBJ
Additional Features	Bass Boost, Adaptive Sound Lite
Age Range Description	Adult
Antenna Location	For Music Players
Audio Driver Type	Dynamic Driver
Audio Output Mode	Surround
Best Sellers Rank	#57,321 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #201 in Home Audio Soundbar Speakers
Brand	Samsung
Built-In Media	Battery for Remote Controller, Optical Cable, Remote, Wallmount Kit
Color	Black
Compatible Devices	Gaming Console, Television, Smartphone, Laptop
Connectivity Protocol	Bluetooth
Connectivity Technology	Bluetooth, Optical, USB
Control Method	Remote
Controller Type	Remote Control
Customer Package Type	FFP
Customer Reviews	4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (3,901)
Enclosure Material	Plastic
Global Trade Identification Number	00887276522425
Is Waterproof	true
Item Dimensions D x W x H	7.4D x 86.1W x 5.3H centimeters
Item Type Name	Soundbar
Item Weight	12.8 Pounds
MP3 player	No
Manufacturer	Samsung
Model Name	A450
Model Number	HW-A450/ZA
Mounting Type	Wall Mount
Number of Audio Channels	2.1
Number of Batteries	3 AAA batteries required.
Number of Items	1
Number of Power Levels	1
Power Source	Battery Powered
Speaker Maximum Output Power	300 Watts
Speaker Size	6 Inches
Speaker Type	Soundbar
Specific Uses For Product	Home entertainment systems, Gaming, Music playback
Subwoofer Connectivity Technology	Wireless
Subwoofer Diameter	6 Inches
Total USB 2.0 Ports	1
Tweeter Diameter	1 Inches
UPC	887276522425
Unit Count	2 Count
Warranty Description	1
Warranty Type	Limited
Water Resistance Level	Waterproof
Wireless Technology	Bluetooth

HW-A450/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar with Dolby Audio (2021), Black, Bluetooth

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