You may have recently noticed your Vizio sound bar rear speakers are no longer emitting any sound. This can be frustrating when you’ve become accustomed to surround sound. Before you spend money on replacement speakers or an entirely new sound system, try some basic troubleshooting steps.
There are several common reasons why Vizio sound bar rear speakers may not work properly and many can be easily remedied at home.
This guide will walk you through solutions to get your Vizio sound bar rear speakers working again so you can get back to enjoying your entertainment with full, rich sound.
Quick Checks and Basic Troubleshooting
To troubleshoot issues with your Vizio sound bar rear speakers not working, start with some basic checks.
You need to ensure the rear speakers are properly connected to the subwoofer or sound bar, depending on your model. The connection should be secure and undamaged. If using wireless rear speakers, verify they are paired and the batteries have adequate charge.
Meanwhile, check that your Vizio sound bar is correctly connected to your TV or audio source. The sound bar should be set to the appropriate input for your content and all cables fully inserted in the correct ports. For Dolby Digital or DTS surround sound, use an HDMI cable to connect the sound bar to your TV’s HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC port.
You should also ensure your Vizio sound bar rear surround mode is enabled so it can send audio to the rear speakers. This may be labeled as “Surround On” or “Rear Speakers On” in your sound bar’s settings.
If these issues persist, you may need to perform a hard reset of your Vizio sound system to factory default settings to clear any software glitches. Unplug the power cables for all devices for at least 30 seconds.
After systematically checking connections, settings, charging, and performing resets as needed, you should be able to get your Vizio sound bar rear speakers working again and filling your space with rich, immersive surround sound.
Configuring Sound Bar Settings
To resolve issues with your Vizio sound bar rear speakers not working, ensure the device settings are properly configured.
Let’s verify the rear speakers are powered on and the volume is adjusted to an audible level. The rear speaker volume can be controlled independently from the soundbar. Increase the volume using the included remote or speaker volume knob.
Check that the rear speakers are paired and connected to the soundbar. This is done during the initial setup process but the connection can sometimes drop. Repair the rear speakers by pressing the Pair button on the back of each speaker, then pressing the Pair button on the sound bar within 60 seconds. The rear speaker LED indicators will flash while pairing and remain solid once connected.
After the previous step, test different audio input sources to ensure the issue is limited to the rear speakers and not the input device or content. Try connecting additional sources like a Blu-ray player or streaming media device to the soundbar. If the rear speakers work with other inputs, the original source likely needs service.
By verifying the rear speaker power, volume, connectivity and testing with alternate audio sources, you can solve many common issues preventing the rear speakers from functioning properly.
If you face the same problem still, a full factory reset of the sound bar may be required.
Rear Speaker Connection and Placement
Rear speaker issues are often due to incorrect setup or connectivity problems.
You have to confirm that the rear speakers are placed in the proper position for optimal sound. Rear speakers should be located behind your listening position, spaced evenly apart and at the same height.
Aim the front of the speakers towards the middle of the room. If the rear speakers are too close together, too far apart, or pointed in the wrong direction, the surround sound effect may be impacted. Adjust the position and angle of the rear speakers to fix the issue.
Software Updates and Compatibility
To ensure your Vizio sound bar’s rear speakers are functioning properly, it’s important to confirm your device’s software and settings are up-to date-and compatible.
Software Updates
Vizio regularly releases software updates to address issues and improve the performance of their products. Check that your sound bar is running the latest update, which can be downloaded through the Vizio SmartCast app or website. Outdated software is a common cause of connectivity problems with rear speakers.
Surround Sound Setting
Make sure the sound bar’s audio settings are configured to output surround sound to the rear speakers. In the Vizio SmartCast app, select the soundbar device and go to ‘Audio’ settings. Choose ‘Surround Sound’ and select an option like ‘Dolby Digital’ that utilizes the rear speakers. If ‘Stereo’ is selected, the soundbar will not send audio to the rear speakers.
Put and Source Device
The input source connected to the sound bar, like a streaming media player or Blu-ray player, must be capable of outputting surround sound for the rear speakers to function. Confirm that the source device is set to output surround sound and that you are using an HDMI cable to connect it to the soundbar. Optical and RCA cables typically do not support surround sound with rear speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the most common types of questions that might be in your head.
Do rear speakers need power?
Yes, rear speakers typically require power, especially in wireless setups, to function and produce sound effectively.
Can I use any speaker for rear speakers?
While you can use compatible speakers for rear speaker setups, it’s best to use speakers designed for surround sound to ensure optimal audio quality and synchronization.
Do speakers need batteries?
It depends on the type of speakers; some speakers, like wireless or portable ones, may require batteries, while others may not.
Wrapping Up
We conclude our journey through the troubleshooting steps for your Vizio sound bar rear speakers not working. You now have the knowledge and skills to solve the mystery of distorted rear speakers. You’ve entered the heart of sound bar configuration by carefully following the procedures indicated in this guide, ensuring that every aspect of your audio system is fine-tuned to perfection.
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