How to improve your TV’s audio performance

Saving Private Ryan, Inception, Gravity. What do all these Oscar-winning films have in common? From each heart-stopping whispered line to every seat-rumbling explosion, they all feature soundtracks that put movie lovers in the heart of the action.

If you saw any of these flicks in the cinema, you’ll know how powerful sound on the silver screen can be. However, watch them at home on your TV and much of that magic is lost.

That’s because increasingly slim TV panels have necessitated built-in speakers that don’t always have the sonic heft to do these enormous movie soundtracks justice. They certainly look better than ever before, but the audio performance can often leave much to be desired.

The solution could be as simple as adding an external speaker or music system to your TV setup – and you don’t necessarily need to purchase an external soundbar or pricey separates if you already own a Ruark music system.

Each model in the Ruark 100 Series features easy connectivity with TVs, making them a simple, stylish, and beautiful-sounding way to improve your TV’s audio performance.

Read on to find out how you can use your R410 Integrated Music System or R810 High Fidelity Radiogram to take your films nights from flop to blockbuster.

How to connect your R410 or R810 speaker to your TV

Every TV has different output ports around the back; look for one that reads ‘Audio Out’. Your TV may have multiple options, including HDMI ARC/eARC, optical, line out, coaxial, headphone out, and 3.5mm AUX.

Of all of these, the best one to use is HDMI ARC/eARC – this is because you can use a single cable to connect your external speaker and it syncs your Ruark music system with your TV, so you can use your regular TV remote to adjust the volume.

Both R410 and R810 come with HDMI ARC/eARC connectivity, making them superb sound systems for TVs and a complete solution for your entertainment needs. Utilising years of expert cabinet craftsmanship, powerful drivers, and support for the latest sound processing technologies, both 100 Series systems are designed to reproduce music, movie soundtracks, radio, and more in exquisitely rich detail.

R810’s integrated polished chrome stand means it can be positioned beneath a wall mounted TV without the need for a bulky media console, making it a stylish soundbar alternative that beautifully complements any living space. What’s more, our Audio Visual Mount transforms R810 into a fully-formed home entertainment solution, integrating TVs and associated equipment with the music system while keeping its striking design intact.

You’ll need to purchase a cable to connect your 100 Series system with your TV; once they’re hooked up, simply select the source (a list is shown on the R410/R810’s display and can be toggled through using the RotoDial control system).

If you want your Ruark system to automatically start when you turn on your TV, open your TV’s HDMI menu and select ‘Auto Switch’.

How to connect your R-Series music system to your TV

Have an R-Series system or prefer the left/right separation of stereo sound? If you have an R3S Compact Music System or MR1 Bluetooth Speaker System, you can still improve upon your TV’s sound using these models’ optical inputs. As with HDMI connections, you’ll simply need to hook up your TV’s optical output port to your Ruark device using a compatible cable.

Make sure the sound output on your TV’s settings is set to PCM Stereo and diverted through its optical output - once connected, you’ll be able to enjoy your movie nights with new levels of clarity and sonic power.

Most of our R-Series products feature an analogue input, which can be used to connect to your TV; however, a digital to analogue converter may be required for newer TV models that do not have an analogue output.

You can also connect your R410 or R810 via the optical port if your TV doesn’t support HDMI ARC/eARC. This is a good option if you use multiple HDMI devices already, such as a games console and a Blu-ray player; connecting your Ruark system via optical means it will always be used as the default speaker as you switch between sources.

How to hook up your TV to your Ruark system via Bluetooth

Hate cables with a passion? While we would recommend a physical connection to avoid lag between the audio and picture, some TVs have Bluetooth transmitters built-in that allow you to wirelessly stream your TV’s sound to your Ruark music system.

Your TV’s audio settings should give you the option to pair with external speakers over Bluetooth, but it’s worth consulting the manual for your specific model.

Every Ruark device features Bluetooth connectivity, but for the best possible listening experience, R410 and R810 support aptX HD for hi-res audio streaming[OT1] . Not all TVs support hi-res audio, but it’s worth taking advantage of if you can, as you’ll be able to hear the sonic detail and texture just as the sound mixer intended.

More tips to make your TV sing

If you’re seeking room-shaking bass that will take at-home movie nights to epic cinematic proportions, add a subwoofer to your setup.

Our RS1 Subwoofer enhances songs and film soundtracks with a deep, controlled, and musical audio performance, courtesy of custom drivers that deliver natural, extended, and rhythmic bass.

Designed to complement the Ruark product portfolio with a tailored grille and handcrafted wooden panels, RS1 is compatible with MR1, R3S, R410, and R810 (or any other active speaker/amplifier with subwoofer or pre-out phono connectors).

You can also make improvements to your TV’s sound by digging into the settings. While each manufacturer’s features will vary, most models come with a range of sound modes that are optimised for different kinds of content, such as films, sports, and gaming.

You should be able to fine tune the equaliser on your TV, which is useful if you struggle to make out dialogue. In this case, try turning up the higher frequencies and dialling down the bass. Or, whack the lower frequencies up to eleven while watching any Michael Bay movie and wait for the neighbours’ complaints to roll in!