Which is best to use…the optical cable or the hdmi arc?

Hey Oppanax. That’s a great question, one I had answered when I first began researching soundbars. First off, HDMI ARC (audio return channel) allows for an audio signal from a box (like one provides by DirecTV) to pass to the television, and then back out again to the sound bar or stereo receiver. Standard HDMI connection cannot do this, as it does not support two way audio transmission. Nearly all televisions produced within the last 5 years, and even out to 10 years or longer, if they have HDMI inputs, will have a dedicated HDMI ARC input. It would be labeled as such right next to the television’s input. Optical cables are made of higher quality materials (glass based fiber optic strands), and as such are shielded from electromagnetic interference, as they transmit sound via light waves. HDMI ARC cables are constructed using copper as their principal material. Copper is susceptible to this kind of interference. For most people, an optical cable connection will provide an acceptable level of audio quality. Optical provides up to 5.1 support, as does HDMI ARC. However, for cinephiles wanting the best possible A/V experience, HDMI ARC is the way to go, unquestionably. Optical cables don’t support Dolby Digital Plus, True HD, or DTS HD. The HDMI ARC does this beautifully. HDMI ARC has the added benefit of supporting television volume control from the tv remote, via what is called CEC technology. Once everything is properly set up, and you’re watching the big game, a live broadcast, or a movie, your tv remote can control how loud the sound bar outputs its signal. Optical cable can’t do that. In most cases, HDMI ARC is the best answer. You’ll still get pretty good sound from optical, and if your A/V equipment is spaced out, requiring longer cables, optical won’t see as much signal degradation; but the HDMI ARC is superior in it supports far more audio formats. And as HDMI eARC becomes the norm with upcoming A/V releases, 7.1 will be supported.

Does the a550 come with the hdmi and other cables included?

HW-A550, w/seperate subwoofer, $178 at Amazon: shows that this model has 2XHDMI ports, one if HDMI-ARC for a soundbar and the like, one additional HDMI for "[ . . .] Inputs digital video and audio signals simultaneously using an HDMI cable. Connect to the HDMI output of an external device."

What is the difference between the 450 and 550? In layman terms.

450 doesn’t hook up with hdmi. The 550 does.

Will this work with any Samsung TV

Hi! The HW-A450 features two ways to connect to an external device: Digital optical audio, and Bluetooth wireless audio technology. If your Samsung TV is compatible with one of these two audio connections, you should have no issue connecting the soundbar to your TV. ~ Samsung Solutions

Material	Plastic
Model Name	HW-A450 2.1ch Soundbar w/ Dolby Audio
Speaker Type	Soundbar, Subwoofer
Special Feature	Bass Boost, Adaptive Sound Lite
Recommended Uses For Product	For Music Players
Compatible Devices	Gaming Console, Television, Smartphone, Laptop
Subwoofer Diameter	6 Inches
Unit Count	2.0 Count
Controller Type	Remote Control
Surround Sound Channel Configuration	2.1
Color	Black
Included Components	Battery for Remote Controller, Wallmount Kit, Remote Controller, Optical Cable
Product Dimensions	2.9"D x 33.9"W x 2.1"H
Age Range (Description)	Adult
Item Weight	12.8 Pounds
Is Waterproof	False
Warranty Type	Limited
Number of Items	1
Control Method	Remote
Wireless Communication Technology	Bluetooth
Speaker Size	6 Inches
Power Source	Corded Electric
Water Resistance Level	Not Water Resistant
Number of Batteries	3 AAA batteries required. (included)
Audio Driver Type	Dynamic Driver
Subwoofer Connectivity Technology	Wireless
Connectivity Protocol	Bluetooth
Includes MP3 player?	No
Number of USB 2 Ports	1
Specific Uses For Product	For Music Players
UPC	887276522425
Style	Soundbar Only
Manufacturer	Samsung
Brand Name	SAMSUNG
Item Weight	12.8 pounds
Item model number	HW-A450/ZA
Batteries	3 AAA batteries required. (included)
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Output Wattage	300 Watts
Color Name	Black
Special Features	Bass Boost, Adaptive Sound Lite

Samsung HW-A450/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar with Dolby Audio (2021), Black, Bluetooth

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