Many soundbars are available, but those with multiple HDMI ports will be your top pick. This article will outline the Best Soundbars with Multiple HDMI Inputs to give you great connectivity – multiple ports allow for connecting various devices via HDMI connections. Add speakers or subwoofers to enhance your system. An optical port is an alternative to HDMI, though it does not support high-definition audio. HDMI connections offer 4K resolutions and higher, providing the highest quality sound with no lag time. Unfortunately, few soundbars come equipped with either HDMI 2.0 or EARC; these features are rare and only a select few manufacturers offer them. Soundbars that support both HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 standards are the best options – though more expensive, you’ll still get virtual audio.
How Multiple HDMIs Have Benefitted Me
Multiple HDMIs can be incredibly beneficial. My own experience has proven this to be true: when I had just a soundbar connected to my television, it wasn’t enough – so recently, I decided to upgrade the system by adding rear speakers and a subwoofer. But using an HDMI connection provides higher-fidelity audio than other connections do.
My soundbar is equipped with three HDMI inputs, so I connected my TV and rear speakers to one port before pairing the subwoofer wirelessly. Now, I get high-quality audio without any data loss when controlling both my TV and soundbar with one remote. However, if only one HDMI was available then I would need to use either a splitter switch (or optical cable) instead – an unfavorable solution. To simplify adding devices and components to your system, consider buying a soundbar that has multiple HDMI ports – such as these soundbars!
Types HDMI Connections
Let’s begin by understanding the fundamentals of HDMI connections. There are four types: HDMI 2.0, 2.1, HDCP 2.2 and HDMI eARC. Knowing these details will enable you to select the proper soundbars.
1. HDMI 2.0
HDMI 2.0 is the classic and more basic version. With 18Gbps bandwidth, it can output 4K audio resolution at 50fps or 60fps (frames/second). This has replaced HDMI 1.4 which has become obsolete; most soundbars now feature HDMI 2.0 versions instead.
2. HDMI 2.1
It is the latest version, faster than HDMI 2.0 and supporting 48Gbps data transmission rate. Furthermore, this 2.1 version boasts higher resolution sound with 10K/120 frames per second for an immersive virtual sound experience. Important to note: all versions of HDMI remain backward compatible; an HDMI 2.1 cable will work with an older model too!
3. HDCP 2.2
This version is one step ahead of HDMI 2.1, capable of delivering 4K Ultra HD content. It was specifically designed to secure the connection between source and display. HDCP 2.0 requires your TV and soundbar be compatible with this new version; older ones may still work but cannot provide 4K resolution.
4. HDMI ARC
This advanced connection can transmit signals in both directions. It also features CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), which enables you to control 15 devices with just one remote. If your soundbar has CEC built-in, then you can operate it using your TV remote – making for a seamless connection between TV and soundbar. HDMI CEC connects your TV directly to a soundbar, eliminating the need for wired connections between them.
5. HMDI eARC
The Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) produces high-quality sound. It can handle 32 audio channels as well as all advanced audio formats, sending audio in its original, high-resolution format. HDMI eARC transmits audio signals from an HDTV connected to your soundbar flawlessly – giving you a better understanding of why multiple HDMI ports are so beneficial; they offer greater compatibility than other connections and allow for virtual surround sound experiences when using multiple ports simultaneously.
Best Soundbar with Multiple HDMI Inputs 2023
Here is our selection of the top soundbars with multiple HDMI ports. After conducting extensive research, we have narrowed down our choices to just the best models. Take a look:-
1. Polk Audio MagniFi2 Sound Bar
Polk Audio MagniFi Soundbar features multiple HDMI inputs with 4 ports – three HDMI 2.0, one HDMI ARC, and HDCP 2. Additionally, there are other connectivity options such as optical input, AUX 3.5mm, Ethernet (RJ45), Dolby Digital audio formats and DTS audio formats supported. Plus it comes with built-in Chromecast so you can stream from apps like Google Play, Youtube/Amazon Music/Spotify/ Pandora radio stations and more – perfect for multi-room setups! Measuring 37.5 inches across with an 8-inch wireless speaker along with Bluetooth compatibility providing seamless pairing for two-room setups!
It features two tweeters and four full-range drivers, providing excellent audio quality. Plus, its universal 4-K HD compatibility sets it apart from competitors. This multipurpose soundbar works great with a range of multimedia devices like tablets, smartphones and PCs as well as TVs and gaming consoles; its rate of refresh is 60 fps which reduces delay in sound and muffled audio.
This soundbar provides virtual height as well as 3D audio effects. Its SDA technology creates an immersive sound, while subwoofers deliver powerful bass. Voice-adjustment features block out background noises for clear dialogue. Even though it lacks dedicated Atmos speakers, its quality still exceeds that of many dedicated models. Plus, with a 2 inch height, you can place it underneath your TV or in walls – perfect for budget conscious buyers who still want all modern features at an economical price! Plus, all wires must be purchased separately for purchase!
Key Features:
- Comes with 3 HDMI inputs including an HDMI ARC
- Additionally, it features optical, AUX and Ethernet ports.
- Bluetooth enabled & built-in Google Chromecast
- Supported formats: 4K HD, DTS and Dolby Digital.
- 3D sound effects, deep bass, and SDA technology allow for crystal-clear dialogues.
PROS
- Includes a powerful 8-inch subwoofer
- Compatible with multimedia devices
- You can stream from Google Play, Amazon Music, and Youtube.
- Remote control for TV using infrared
- The design is slim and elegant
CONS
- Dolby Atmos or DTS:X are not supported
- Supports no mobile apps
Frequently Asked Questions
HDMI is better than optical for connecting soundbars?
HDMI ARC is the ideal way to connect your soundbar and other devices to your television, as it supports all modern audio formats without data loss. If your soundbar lacks HDMI ports, optical is a viable alternative; if neither are available, HDMI ARC provides high quality sound reproduction without loss.
How many HDMI ports must a soundbar have?
A quality soundbar should have at least 2 or 3 HDMI ports. One port must be used to connect to the television, while others allow you to plug in external devices like cable boxes or gaming consoles. To expand your audio system, multiple HDMIs are essential.
Is HDMIARC better than HDMI?
HDMI ARC is a better option than simple HDMI. ARC stands to represent ‘Audio Return Channel. One HDMI cable can transmit audio and video from your TV to your soundbar. The simple HDMI can only transmit video signals. HDMI ARC allows you to control both the soundbar AND the TV from one remote.
What is the best cable for HDMI ARC?
This question is frequently asked. There are no separate HDMI cables. The same cable can be used for HDMI ARC and eARC as well as regular HDMI. It is the port that distinguishes between the types and not the cable.
What’s the purpose of an HDMI Splitter?
An HDMI Splitter allows you to connect multiple devices to one HDMI port, such as the one on your soundbar. Plug other items into the Splitter ports and it will output the same signal as its originating source.
Can HDMI Splitter reduce audio quality?
HDMI splitters enable you to connect multiple devices to one HDMI port. High-quality products won’t suffer in audio quality when using longer HDMI cables; however, longer ones may reduce sound by compressing signal frequencies. To keep devices closer together and maximize audio clarity, use shorter cables and a splitter switch for optimal connection.
Is a more expensive HDMI cable better than a cheaper one?
An expensive HDMI cable does not necessarily offer superior quality video and audio, though. A cheaper model will deliver the same picture and sound quality as its more costly counterpart. However, more costly models tend to last longer and be more durable; additionally, these cables provide greater bandwidth over longer distances.
Connecting External Devices to Soundbars Using HDMI Cables Video
Conclusion
Our team of specialists at FinetoShine Guide have carefully sorted the best soundbars with multiple HDMI inputs. Some offer four ports, while others only have two or three. Multiplexing HDMIs is invaluable when selecting a soundbar as there are various kinds available – high-resolution audio transmission is possible with the latest version of HDMI even though older versions may not be as fast or accurate. You can pick from our top five picks based on budget and requirements; I hope my reviews and research prove helpful in selecting your ideal soundbar that has multiple HDMI inputs!
