Connecting xbox/sky+ to Samsung HD-450 soundbar

[Pyramus]

I currently have an xbox and sky+ box connected to a Samsung D8000 TV with HDMI cables.

I now want to set up a Samsung HD-450 soundbar. I see 2 options:

1) Connect xbox and sky+ with 2 separate Optical audio cables to the sound bar which has 2 optical input ports.

2) Leave the xbox/sky+ as they are, and connect the soundbar to the TV optical out port with a single optical cable.

I think either would work - but is there likely to be any less of audio quality with option 2, where the sound is going via the TV rather than going directly from xbox/sky+ to the sound bar?

Thanks!

 

[Joe Fernand]

HDMI audio connectivity can be a but of a minefield due to different setup options in Source devices and Intermediary devices.

Your Option 1 is best - Option 2 would limit you to inputting a Stereo signal (via Optical) to the Soubdbar!

What about the TV tuner audio - do you need that to run through the Soundbar?

Joe

 

[Pyramus]

So I figured option 2 was the best - simply because it involves just one cable rather than 2.
The soundbar is just a 2.1 system, so figured I'm not losing anything by connecting it to a 2 channel source from the TV? If it was a 5.1 system, then option 1 would definitely be the way to go.

 

[Joe Fernand]

Assuming the TV will Output the SKY and Xbox HDMI audio via it's Optical port then that would seem simple enough if your connecting to a 2.1 Sound Bar - check the TV Manual to confirm it Outputs External HDMI via the Optical port!

Joe