Problems range from the sound bar not outputting any sound whenever initialized, getting ‘dead’ midway when in use, or distorting the quality of sound. The following fixes will cover all potential problems.
1. Try Different Inputs on the Vizio Sound Bar
The sound bar will not work if it is unable to detect the input or if an incorrect input has been selected. There is often a ‘glitch’ as well where the current sound modules stop working. To resolve this issue, try using different inputs on the Vizio sound bar.
2. Restart the Sound Bar with the Attached Devices
The sound bar will fail to work if the communication modules of any connecting device which includes the TV, sound bar, or receiver are in an error state and need a fresh start to reestablish the communications. Restarting the sound bar along with the attached devices will solve the problem.
3. Update Vizio’s Firmware
The sound bar will fail to work if its firmware is not up to date. This will make the bar incompatible with the attached TV or other devices such as a receiver. In this case, updating the firmware of Vizio’s sound bar to the latest version will solve the problem. The guidelines for updating VIZIO M51a-H6, M51ax-J6, M512a-H6 Sound Bars are as follows:
4. Update the TV’s Firmware
A TV with outdated firmware will not be able to use the communication protocols required by the sound bar and thus have problems connecting with the soundbar. This can be fixed by updating the TV’s firmware.
5. Disable all Power Saving Modes
Power-saving modes are known to shut down communication with modules to save energy. This behavior causes problems with Vizio’s communication channels. In this case, you need to make sure that the energy-saving mode is turned off for both, Vizio and your TV.
6. Disable Dolby Digital in the TV Settings
If your TV is trying to output sound in Dolby Digital format, but your Vizio sound bar doesn’t support it, it can result in problems like audio not outputting. Here, you can disable Dolby Digital on your TV just to be sure and restart all devices. You can always turn it on again if this isn’t the problem.
7. Change the TV’s External Speakers Settings to Auto
Previously we manually cycled through all the output channels. While that is effective, it becomes a headache to do that every time you turn on the TV. Here, you can enable ‘Auto detection’ of external speakers. The TV will automatically detect which devices are plugged in and route the sound there. Another reason we recommend ‘Auto detection’ is that we’ve seen the module fix a ‘glitched’ connection where no sound is being outputted at all.
8. Change the Audio Output Format of the TV
You will experience issues with the sound bar if the audio output format of the TV is not compatible with the Vizio sound bar. In this case, changing the audio output format of the TV will clear the issue.
9. Disable eARC in the TV’s Settings
An Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) is used to pass the original TV audio received from another source like a receiver to a soundbar. If the Vizio sound bar is not compatible with the sound format received through eARC, then that will cause issues. In this scenario, disabling eARC in the TV’s settings will solve the issue.
10. Disable CEC in the TV Settings
Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) is a feature that enables us to operate multiple HDMI devices with a single remote control. If the CEC setting of your TV is disrupting the communication between the TV and the soundbar, that will cause issues with the soundbar. Here, disabling the CEC settings on the TV will solve the problem. Some brands may have this utility with a different name like Anynet+, Easylink, etc. If the sound is coming from another source like a PS5 to the TV but you cannot hear that sound from the sound bar, then navigate to the TV Settings > Sound > CEC > enable CEC Device Discovery.
11. Reset the Vizio Sound Bar to the Factory Defaults
If the firmware of your sound bar is corrupt, it will not function properly. This can sometimes happen if a firmware update fails or is interrupted. In this case, resetting the soundbar to its factory defaults will resolve the issue. This will also remove all custom settings that were overlooked during the process.
12. Reset the TV to the Factory Defaults
A TV with corrupt firmware will fail to route its audio to the sound bar. There can also be cases where the TV is in an error state. Here, resetting the TV to its factory defaults will solve the problem. Follow the steps below to reset a Vizio TV. Before resetting, disconnect all peripherals from the TV such as the Vizio sound bar, receiver, etc. In that did not work, then firstly you need to isolate the issue, whether the sound bar or the TV is faulty. To do so, use the soundbar with another TV or use another soundbar with the TV. Once found, you may contact Vizio or TV support and if you are in a replacement/return window, you may use that option.
