It seems I cannot use Bluetooth with a new Soundbar and my smart TV as I had expected, but I understand I may be able to give the TV BT functionality with either a USB dongle or transmitter? So far the dongles I have viewed are for a PC, not a TV; and transmitters my have the same drawback as when I use the AUX line in cable, in that inserting the jack stops the TV's own speakers from working.
Advice would be welcome.
If your adding a sound bar, why would you need the TV sound.
I used optical out on my NON smart TV to get the sound to the sound bar.
For two reasons. I always want as many ways of doing things as practical, so if one goes down or just deteriorates there is a backup alternative, eg. if BT failed (not unknown). I do not like having to restore TV sound by the crude means of pulling the jack out (the less pulling on cables and sockets the better, apart from the awkwardness of it being at the back of the TV). The blue LED on the SoundBar has already packed up in less than a week. These are only minor considerations but if a system has a number of options I want to be in a position to use them.
Also, if BT was working on the TV I could use it for streaming media to it when the wireless failed (as it often has). I keep several umbrellas ........
You can buy optical to bluetooth transmitters. Connecting optical out from tv will not mute tv speakers.
Bluetooth Transmitters, TaoTronics Bluetooth 4.1: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics
I don't understand. BT and Aux are 2 different modes, If BT fails, then use Aux mode. You don't need to pull the aux cable to use aux mode. You need it connected.
The downside of bluetooth, especially for videos, unless you are investing on a premium brand with premium price, audio synchronization is always an issue. Meaning, the mouth movement does not sync with audio.
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