HTS820: How To Set Up With a Smart TV

Introduction

Connecting your Rockville HTS 820 to your Smart TV allows for an enhanced home theater experience. This guide will walk you through the two primary connection methods:

1. HDMI ARC (Recommended for Best Audio Quality)
2. Optical Cable Connection

Method 1: HDMI ARC Connection (Best Option for High-Quality Audio)

Step 1: Check for HDMI ARC on Your TV

• Look at the back of your Smart TV and find the HDMI ARC port (Audio Return Channel).
• The port should be labeled "HDMI ARC." If your TV doesn’t have HDMI ARC, skip to Method 2: Optical Connection.

Step 2: Connect the HDMI Cable

• Take an HDMI cable and plug one end into the HDMI ARC port on your TV.
• Plug the other end into the HDMI input on the back of the HTS 820 subwoofer.

Step 3: Adjust TV Audio Settings

• On your TV settings menu, navigate to Sound Settings.
• Change the Audio Output to HDMI ARC.
• Go into the Advanced or Expert Audio Settings and set the Audio Format to PCM (best for compatibility).

Step 4: Set HTS 820 to HDMI ARC Mode

• Press the Master Volume knob on the back of the subwoofer until the display reads "ARC."
• Play a video or music on your TV—sound should now come from all the speakers.

Method 2: Optical Cable Connection (Alternative Option)

Step 1: Check for Optical Audio Output

• Look at the back of your TV and find the Optical Audio Out port.
• Ensure it is labeled "Audio Out Optical."

Step 2: Connect the Optical Cable

• Plug one end of the Optical Cable into the TV’s Optical Out port.
• Plug the other end into the Optical Input on the back of the HTS 820 subwoofer.
• The optical cable should light up red on the end that connects to the subwoofer, indicating that a signal is being transmitted.

Step 3: Adjust TV Audio Settings

• Go to your TV’s Sound Settings.
• Change the Audio Output to Optical.
• In the Advanced or Expert Audio Settings, select PCM as the audio format for optimal sound quality.

Step 4: Set HTS 820 to Optical Mode

• Press the Master Volume knob on the HTS 820 until the display reads "Optical."
• Play audio or video on your TV—sound should now come from the HTS 820 speakers.

Adjusting Surround Sound Mode (5.1 vs. 2.1)

• For full surround sound, ensure the HTS 820 is set to 5.1 Mode using the switch on the back of the subwoofer.
• For a standard stereo setup, switch to 2.1 Mode.

Conclusion

Setting up your Rockville HTS 820 with your Smart TV is quick and easy. Using HDMI ARC provides the best sound quality, while the Optical Connection is a great alternative. Once connected, adjust your TV’s sound settings and select the correct input source on the HTS 820 to enjoy immersive sound from your home theater system.