Replacing surround with sound bar

@ghdprentic Sadly many early generation HDMI processors have no ability to take sound from the TV.

If you only use external sources like Roku, a BD player or a cable box then it can go through the HDMI processor without a problem. It’s when you use, for instance, the Netflix app on the TV that you are pretty much out of luck.

Of course, one other alternative is to use the digital out from the TV which normally supports at least 5.1.

The need to simplify is real.  If you aren't a huge movie sound buff by all means switch to a bar.

Personally I have found that taking the time to properly set up a 5.1 system quite satisfying to listen to.

There are a number of eARC to HDMI converters, some very affordable:

https://amzn.to/46Vsz8g