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Xbox audio settings for Vizio Soundbar?

Hello all. Hope this is the right board.  I've seen this question asked online before but honestly literally every answer differs based on individual setup and preference. I've recently purchased a M51AX-J6 VIZIO 5.1 soundbar and have it connected to an older TV (Sony XBR-55X810C) via HDMI ARC (I think? The HDMI cable that came with the soundbar is connected to its eARC port and also to the Arc port on the TV, so I assume it's just a standard ARC connection since the TV probably doesn't support eARC).

Meanwhile, I have an Xbox Series X connected to the same TV via HDMI. I have some questions about the audio settings on said Xbox:

Speaker settings: The Xbox is offering me a choice between 5.1 Uncompressed, Dolby Digital, and DTS Digital Surround. I'm not worried about enabling Atmos or DTS:X features at the moment and I presume I'd have to direct connect the Xbox to the soundbar for that. However, which of the choices listed above should I choose? Some seem to say Uncompressed, but others say that I'm better off choosing one of the digital formats because uncompressed 5.1 can't output through ARC.

Secondly, Passthrough. Should I have this enabled? Will this enable my Soundbar to automatically process app and media audio in it's optimal format rather than possibly having to change audio settings in the Xbox based on the content?

Finally, are there any TV settings I need to make sure are enabled/disabled?

I probably have more questions because figuring out audio stuff as a layman is like navigating a labyrinth, but for now I hope this suffices. Sorry for the novel, any response would be much appreciated.

robustitalianflavor
kota1
2,706 posts
 

I use the X-Box as my primary streamer because of the flexible settings for audio.

If you select passthrough the X-Box will send the raw native audio of whatever you are streaming as long as your sound bar supports it. 

I recommend setting it to Dolby Digital or DTS as your sound bar will likely be able to decode those codecs. Try both settings and see if you have a preference. If you leave pass through off all audio will be output in that format. Of the two my preference is DTS but YMMV.

robustitalianflavor OP
3 posts
 

Thanks for the response!  Sorry for some more rookie questions, but is there a concrete way to determine exactly which formats my Soundbar can decode?  And will Blu rays also output in my selected speaker format unless "let receiver decide audio" is turned on?  Finally, which setting would you recommend for gaming?  5.1 uncompressed sounds a bit crisper but DTS adds that cinematic subwoofer roar, and while I'm sure it's a matter of preference I'm curious as to which is the more correct or intended output, haha.

 

Dolby Digital has a pretty awful audio delay on Xbox and it seems like it may never be fixed, so that gets narrowed down at least.  Too bad Dolby is way more widely adopted than DTS for streaming though.  

kota1
2,706 posts
 

This review says it will decode atmos and dts-x. Yes, bluerays will output in your selected format unless you use "passthrough". I would recommend atmos or dts-x for gaming if you like how that works in your room. If you have high ceilings the soundbar might not do height virtualization very well. Try them all and see what works best for your room.

To get atmos and dts-x you will need to download the apps in the microsoft store. To use with your soundbar you may need to buy a license. I have both apps, very worth it.

 

 

 

robustitalianflavor OP
3 posts
 

Unfortunately my Xbox isn't recognizing my setup as Atmos or DTS:X compatible.  I'm assuming it's because my TV doesn't support them. I'd have to direct connect the Xbox to the Soundbar I believe.  

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