This is more common when you’re watching TV using a set-top box such as a Sky or Freeview box. Even if your set-top box is connected to your TV and your TV to your soundbar, you may find the audio only gets to your TV's speakers. If you’re using a 3.5mm aux cable to connect to your soundbar, this is likely the culprit. First, ensure both ends of the cable are fully and securely inserted into your TV and soundbar. If possible, place your soundbar directly in front of your TV and watch head on for the best results. Ideally, you’ll have walls to the left and the right of the soundbar to reflect the sounds to your ears. Many soundbars now come with wi-fi connectivity that allows them to form part of a multi-room music system. Generally speaking, these only work with other speakers of the same brand.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, make sure your TV volume is turned all the way up so you can adjust the soundbar’s volume directly. This might help since interference is introduced when the source (TV) volume is low and the output (soundbar) volume is high. Soundbars often have smart features, which allow you to control some settings with your smartphone or tablet. This is especially likely in mid-range and premium soundbars. Different brands and models have different levels of functionality. Look for a setting called ‘Audio Delay’ or similar on the box that’s causing the problem, and adjust it notch by notch until you’re happy that your audio and video are perfectly in-sync again. My soundbar's remote control isn't working properly For some, it’s a nice-to-have additional feature. For others it’s a mixed blessing, with some settings and functions only available when you use the app. That might be fine now, but it means you could lose those functions (which can be as important as being able to balance the audio to suit your room) when the app is no longer supported by the manufacturer. Many manufacturers imply that their TVs will only link with AV equipment from the same brand, but basic CEC functionality usually works between brands – just make sure HDMI CEC is enabled. HDMI ARC

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If you have a soundbar connected via a 3.5mm cable, make sure your TV's volume is turned up as high as it can go. This means you only ever need to adjust the volume using your soundbar’s remote control and also means your TV is delivering a powerful enough signal to ensure your soundbar never goes to sleep when sound is playing. Designed to enhance films or music, such as ‘cinema’ or ‘3D’ for a film, this is when the audio is electronically processed to create a virtual surround-sound effect. This will allow you to use your TV remote to adjust the volume coming from the soundbar. 4. Adjust the sound

Enjoy crisp and clear sound performance with our All In One Bluetooth Soundbar. Space saving and sleek with a glossy finish, it's a smart choice. Plus with HDMI and USB ports as well as wireless connectivity through the smart feature, you can enjoy your music, shows or films just the way you like. Follow our six easy steps to set yours up. We also explain what the different connections mean so you can choose the best for your setup, and take you through what updates you need to make to your TV. If you have any issues with your soundbar, see our expert guide to common soundbar problems . How to set up your soundbar Try to keep the cable clear of other connectors (especially power) in the tangle of wires behind your TV. Simply moving the 3.5mm cable can sometimes solve this issue.It’s rare to see these once-familiar red and white cables as a primary input for soundbars these days. Analogue cables are simple to set up by plugging the coloured plugs into the matching port. This handy feature allows you to link HDMI-compatible devices together. For example, you can connect your Blu-ray player or console to the soundbar, so only one cable needs to connect to your TV, working as both input and output.

If your soundbar is showing its age, find out more about the features available on the latest models – go to the best soundbars. Soundbar voice controls The setup process varies between models, but it usually involves connecting to your soundbar using an app. After this initial setup, you should be good to go. This helps the sound reflect more evenly towards your TV viewing position for a more balanced and immersive experience. 3. Soundbar height If your soundbar has an external subwoofer, it might need a cable connection. Others are wireless and can be placed elsewhere, but generally it should be within 10 metres of the soundbar. Practically every soundbar comes with one form of digital input, be it digital coaxial or digital optical. TVs usually have one or both of these outputs, so you’ll be able to hook yours up to your soundbar without any issue.If your video device (such as a Sky box, TV box or DVD player) is plugged directly into your soundbar, it’s possible for your sound to get ahead of (fall behind) the image on your TV. Many modern boxes have a feature to prevent this - you’ll find this in your audio settings menu. Take enjoying your favourite music, shows and films to new volumes with our Bush 2.1Ch Bluetooth Soundbar with Wired Sub. The cinema like sound performance ensures you're set for an evening of top notch entertainment. And with both HDMI and USB ports as well as Bluetooth connectivity, simply hook up your chosen device and let the party begin.

One complaint you might see frequently, even on top-end soundbars, is that they don’t sound any better than the TV they’re supposed to be connected to.

This can also happen when your soundbar is connected to a set-top box such as Freeview, Sky or a Blu-ray or DVD player that has its own volume control. As with the above tips, you should ensure the set-top box has its own volume set as high as it can go. This should also prevent your soundbar from going to sleep. My soundbar sounds no better than my TV