What Does HDMI Passthrough Do on a Soundbar?
HDMI passthrough on a soundbar allows you to plug a media device—like a game console or streaming box—directly into the soundbar, which then sends the video signal on to your TV. This can be useful if your TV is short on HDMI ports, as it effectively creates an extra input. Some soundbars even offer multiple HDMI inputs, letting you connect more source devices without needing an external HDMI switch.
How Is HDMI Passthrough Different From ARC and eARC?
ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) let audio from your TV travel to the soundbar, usually through a special HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC. Passthrough, on the other hand, is about moving video from a device plugged into the soundbar to the TV. You can have both features working together: an input device sends its video to the TV through the soundbar, while audio from the TV’s apps or broadcast source returns to the soundbar via ARC/eARC.
Who Actually Benefits From HDMI Passthrough?
- Homes with too few HDMI ports on the TV: If your TV is fully loaded with devices, passthrough can serve as a handy way to add more inputs.
- Gamers with high-end consoles: If you need to connect devices requiring HDMI 2.1 features (like 4K/120Hz or variable refresh rate) and your TV’s high-speed ports are limited, a soundbar with HDMI 2.1 passthrough lets you connect consoles or PC gaming devices without sacrificing advanced video or audio quality—if the soundbar supports those features.
- Audio purists using unsupported TV audio formats: Some TVs won’t pass through lossless audio formats like DTS or advanced Dolby versions to a soundbar. Connecting the source directly to a soundbar with passthrough lets the bar decode these formats directly, bypassing TV limitations.
When Can You Skip HDMI Passthrough?
If your setup works fine with your devices connected straight to the TV and your soundbar only needs audio from the TV, you probably don’t need passthrough. Most casual users with modern TVs (especially those who use their TV’s built-in streaming apps or just a couple of HDMI devices) won’t gain much in day-to-day convenience or performance from this feature.
What to Check Before Buying a Soundbar for Passthrough
- Port types: Look for HDMI inputs clearly labeled HDMI IN or HDMI Input. ARC or eARC is usually reserved for output to the TV.
- Supported features: Not all HDMI passthrough supports 4K, HDR (like Dolby Vision), or gaming features like 120Hz and VRR. Double-check the bar’s specs against your needs—especially if you want to connect next-gen gaming equipment.
- Audio format decoding: If you’re buying for advanced formats like DTS:X or high-quality Dolby, ensure the soundbar can decode them over its HDMI input and that passthrough won’t cripple the video features you want.
- Total device count: If you have more than two or three devices, you may still need a separate HDMI switch, as few soundbars offer four or more inputs.
Bottom Line: Who Should Prioritize HDMI Passthrough?
HDMI passthrough matters most if you’re running out of free HDMI ports, have devices that demand top video and audio performance, or need to overcome TV audio format limitations. For most buyers, especially with newer or larger TVs, passthrough is a nice extra but not a must-have. Prioritize it if you have specific needs—gamers, advanced audio enthusiasts, or owners of port-limited TVs. Otherwise, connecting directly to your TV and using eARC for audio will keep things simple—and likely trouble-free.