Vizio sound bars are some of the best in the market right now. They’re a popular way to listen to music and all other forms of audio for people of various ages. They are also a surefire way for you to update your basic speakers into a high-quality experience.
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Soundbars like Vizio’s help solve the common issue of less-than-stellar built-in speakers set to your TV, while still keeping the simple and sleek look in mind.
However, some Vizio users have reported a common issue: their Vizio soundbar keeps cutting out. This experience can ruin a fun night of movies at home. Luckily, there are a couple of options you have if your Vizio soundbar continues to cut out.
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What to Do if Your Vizio Sound Bar Keeps Cutting Out
Several users have reported that their Vizio soundbar keeps cutting out. The range of the issue varies: sometimes it is every few seconds or at random. The loss of audio has also been all over the place. Some users have reported their audio cut out has lasted anywhere from two or three seconds to 20 seconds before it comes back.
Identify Possible Causes
There are three main causes that could make the Vizio soundbar may be cutting out:
- an issue with the soundbar itself
- An issue with the device the soundbar is attached to
- Interference from a neighboring device
Luckily, there are various solutions to all of these possible causes!
Check the Settings and Cables
Before anything else, double-check the volume settings of the Vizio soundbar. The Vizio soundbar isn’t always clear about if it is muted or not, you should always make sure to try unmuting your soundbar first or turn up the volume.
It may sound like an obvious solution, but many users have found that many audio issues were fixed by users who made sure the settings of their Vizio soundbar were correct.
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Check the Input Connection
Sometimes the issue is not the Vizio soundbar. Instead, it may be an issue with the hardware it is plugged into. If you’re still experiencing issues after checking the settings, make sure to check on the cables and connections. Audio can cut out if the cable is loose or not fully pushed into the Vizio soundbar.
The solutions can depend on what kind of connection you’re using. Because HDMI is a digital interface, it only has two states: on or off. So if you’re using an HDMI cord to connect your soundbar, it is unlikely to be an issue unless the audio is cutting out at the same time as the picture.
If you use a digital optical cable, make sure that the cable itself isn’t damaged. Occasionally, a dead cable-one that has experienced physical issues such as an animal chewing on it or just the general wear and tear of age-could also cause the audio to cut in and out. If you swap it out with a new cable or input source, that should tell you if the issue is the cable or not.
If you’re connected by Bluetooth, a wireless connection might be the issue. First, make sure that the Bluetooth device is close enough for the soundbar to work.
If you’ve already done that, it could be an issue of wireless interference. Bluetooth uses the same 2.4GHz frequency as wifi and baby monitors, other wireless devices could affect your connection. Make sure to move those away or put the soundbar under a metal or thick wooden TV stand.
If your Vizio soundbar keeps cutting out after checking this, the problem is likely within the bar itself.
Make Sure Your Vizio Sound Bar Isn’t Overheating
If you’ve been able to confirm that the issue isn’t due to an external factor, your Vizio soundbar may be overheating. Overheating is a common problem among older soundbars and soundbars that are left on.
When a device gets too hot, the soundbar may shut down its amplifier to protect the board from damage. If this is the case, often lights will start blinking and behave differently to indicate that the soundbar is overheating. Before it shuts down completely, overheating can cause audio problems.
To solve this, shut down your soundbar and give it time to let it cool down. After a couple of minutes, turn your soundbar back on and check to see if the audio works again.
If this solves the problem, then you should try to avoid overheating in the future. This can be done by turning your soundbar off regularly. If you keep your soundbar in a contained space, make sure to give it enough room for air to circulate.
Cleaning Your Vizio Sound Bar
Another reason your Vizio soundbar keeps cutting out due to overheating is because of the build-up of dust and dirt. If this is severe enough, try using compressed air to clean out the inside. You can also open up your soundbar and use compressed air to clean out the dust from the inside. This will help keep your soundbar cool and avoid future overheating issues.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5YD9SjeeBc
Reset Your Vizio Sound Bar
If your Vizio soundbar keeps cutting out, another possible fix can be to reset the soundbar. You can either do either a soft reset or a hard reset, which will have different effects depending on the core cause. Resetting could also solve any other issues that your Vizio soundbar may be experiencing.
A soft reset is essentially a reboot. While this won’t solve major, ongoing issues, it can help to solve random glitches you have. If this is the first time your soundbar has cut out and it is not overheating, try turning the soundbar off, waiting five to ten seconds, and then turn it back on.
If this doesn’t work, then you may need to do a total hard reset. A hard reset is also known as a factory reset, as it returns your Vizio to the same settings it had when it came out of the factory. A hard reset causes settings previously changed to be forgotten.
Depending on your Vizio soundbar model, there are different ways to perform a factory reset. The correct procedure should be found when you plug your model number in on the official Vizio website. However, there are a couple of options that usually work to reset almost all Vizio soundbars:
- Press and hold the “input” and “volume down” buttons simultaneously for five to ten seconds.
- Press and hold the “input” and “volume up” buttons simultaneously for five to ten seconds.
- Press and hold “input” and “Bluetooth” simultaneously for five to ten seconds.
No matter what model you have, one of those options is likely to restore your Vizio soundbar settings to their factory settings.
Update the Vizio Sound Bar Firmware
If a hard reset doesn’t fix your issue and it is not a problem related to other hardware, your Vizio sound bar may have a software issue. It may be a software bug or it is time to update your soundbar to the most recent firmware.
Updating Online
Just like updating an app on your smartphone, updating the software for your Vizio soundbar will apply any updates made by the engineers at Vizio. Updating often includes various fixes to software issues.
First, you’ll have to find out if there’s an update available for your Vizio soundbar model. Finding the update can be done by searching the model number on the Vizio support page.
If you’re not confident about which model of the Vizio soundbar you have, go into the sound bar’s settings menu by pressing the “menu” button on your Vizio remote. From there, you should be able to get to “Help or System,” which will have a “System Information” tab. After you click that, you should see the system’s model number.
If there is a firmware update and your soundbar is connected to wifi, you should be able to update your soundbar from the article page. With brand new Vizio soundbars, you can even apply the update using the Vizio SmartCast app.
Updating Manually
If you have an older soundbar that doesn’t connect to wifi or isn’t attached to the smartphone app, don’t worry. You can install updates manually too. Just make sure you have a USB drive.
After you find out whether there is an update for your model by searching Vizio’s website, you can download it to your computer. When the file downloads, move it onto the USB. From there, you should turn on your Vizio soundbar. While it is powered up, unplug the power cord and plug in the USB drive on the dedicated port. Then, plug the power cord back in.
Doing this should cause two of the sound bar’s LED lights—located on the lower left-hand corner of the front panel—to light up. These lights are a signal it has entered update mode. Soon after, you should see a third and fourth LED light come on. These lights indicate it is in progress.
When the LED lights turn off, that is a signal that the update is complete. You can then remove the USB drive. Finally, your Vizio soundbar should be working like new again.
Make sure not to remove the USB drive or power cord while the LEDs are on. If you do, your soundbar may stop working indefinitely.
Contact Vizio Sound Bar Support Lines
Finally, if none of these options work for you and your Vizio soundbar keeps cutting out, reach out to Vizio directly. You have the option to get in touch with them through text message, the webchat function, or call customer support on their official helpline.
If you are calling, be ready to wait. The customer support phone lines can be busy, and wait times are long to get a hold of someone who can help. Make sure that you have a list of all the fixes you attempted so that when you do get someone on the phone, they can help you troubleshoot the issue more accurately.
If applicable, you can also reach out to the retailer that sold you your Vizio soundbar. If the product is under warranty, the seller may be able to arrange a replacement or a repair for your faulty soundbar.
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Anita Jones
My name is Anita Jones, and my home cinema setup is my pride and joy.
I have created Cinema Equip to walk you through everything you need to know about making your own home cinema. From audio to picture quality, setup to troubleshooting, I have you covered.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into my website and start planning for your very own cinema room!
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FAQs
Why does my Vizio soundbar keep cutting in and out? ›
Your Vizio soundbar keeps cutting out because it is triggered by the device to which they are connected or by intervention by another device or person. The issue can sometimes be with the device's hardware. Sound cutting occurs most often when the sound bar is really old or missing, and it gets hot when running.
Why does the sound keep intermittently cutting out on my Vizio TV? ›Try connecting with a different cable. If just one device is losing audio, you may want to try connecting that device with a different cable. Occasionally a broken or failed cable can cause the audio to intermittently go out.
Why does the sound on my soundbar keep cutting out? ›Soundbar audio cuts out due to Bluetooth interference or weak cable connections. Outdated firmware can lead to software bugs that negatively affect your soundbar's performance. Ensure that your soundbar has a consistent power source and is plugged into a wall socket or USB port.
How do I hard reset my Vizio sound bar? ›- Press and hold the Bluetooth and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for five seconds.
- All 12 LEDs will flash three times.
- The factory reset is complete.
Verify the speaker wires are properly connected to both the speakers and the A/V receiver. Turn off any nearby electronic devices that may be interfering with the speaker sound. Move the speaker wires away from any electrical cords.
How do I update my Vizio sound bar? ›Once your Sound Bar is connected to the Internet, choose the "Settings" option (looks like a gear), then choose "System", and "Check for Updates". You'll need to press "Yes" to confirm you'd like the check for updates.
Why does my TV keep cutting out for a few seconds? ›If your TV picture is breaking up, cutting in and out, or pixelating (looks like everything is a bunch of squares), then you probably are experiencing a weak signal. Check all of the connections from the wall to your cable box and from the cable box to your TV to ensure that all connections are tight.
What is PCM sound? ›Pulse-Code Modulation (PCM) and the Dolby Digital® technology refer to different types of digital audio recordings. PCM is the conventional method for converting analog audio into digital audio. The PCM audio recorded on DVD is a two-channel digital, stereo audio track.
What is true volume on Vizio sound bar? ›A: DTS TruVolume™ is a revolutionary solution that provides a consistent and comfortable volume level for a more enjoyable multimedia experience. Simply set the volume once.
How do I stop my audio from cutting out? ›Step 1: Right-click the sound icon and choose Sounds. Step 2: Go to the Playback tab, right-click your speaker and choose Properties. Step 3: Navigate to the Enhancements tab, check the box of Disable all sound effects. Step 4: Click OK to save the change.
Why does my HDMI ARC keep cutting out? ›
Quick Troubleshooting Checks for HDMI ARC
Unplug the HDMI cables and plug them back in. Power cycle all devices – turn them off, unplug from the wall, plug back in, and turn back on. Turn HDMI-CEC on. Change the sound settings on your TV.
The sound on your wireless subwoofer can drop out if there is interference or a physical obstruction between the soundbar and subwoofer. You can try checking the firmware version, resetting, and reconnecting the subwoofer.
How long should a Vizio sound bar last? ›Soundbars: 6-16 years
A newer amplified soundbar, like a Sonos Arc, should not become obsolete anytime soon, though expect the hardware to operate for up to 7 years before needing a repair or a replacement.
A hard reset erases all user data entered into the soundbar and returns it to its default settings. This is also a sure way of fixing gadget problems and persistent issues you may encounter with your Samsung soundbar. This process inevitably reverts the gadget to its original production setting.
Where is the reset button on the Vizio soundbar? ›Unfortunately, no reset button is found on the control panel of Vizio sound bars. You can initiate reset by locating the Bluetooth and Volume Down buttons and simultaneously press for approximately five seconds. Once it is successful, all the LED lights on the soundbar will blink three times.
Why do my speakers cut out randomly? ›Alternator, Amplifier and Voltage
As the volume level increases, the drain on the speaker also increases and this causes more charge to be drawn eventually causing the stereo to be cut off due to the lack of power. As the current draw stops, the voltage will again rise which will lead to a new cycle.
Where is that Crackling Coming From In Your Speaker? Speaker crackling is almost always caused by a connection problem. Someplace between your amplifier and your speaker driver, there's a bad wire which is causing the driver to move abruptly, causing interference.
How do I update my soundbar firmware? ›Unplug the soundbar, the subwoofer, and the rear speakers for 30 seconds, and then plug them back in. Open the SmartThings app on your phone and select the soundbar to access its control menu. Tap the 3 vertical dots in the top right corner of the screen. Navigate to Information > Firmware Update > Update Now.
How do I check my Vizio soundbar service? ›Open the VIZIO SmartCast App on a tablet or smart phone and select the speaker. Once the speaker is selected tap on the settings icon. and go to System Information. Once the System Information menu is open tap on Service Check then Tap on Yes to confirm.
Do soundbars Get updates? ›You can update the soundbar by connecting a USB drive that contains the update firmware to the USB port of the soundbar.
Why does my sound cut out when streaming? ›
It can be an issue with your recording equipment (mic, cables, sound card, mixing board, etc.). It can be an issue with your operating system (outdated drivers, wrongly configured devices). It can be an issue with your streaming software (bugs, outdated software, conflicts with other software).
Why does my TV screen keep going black for a few seconds? ›Backlight Problems
Some TV displays, such as LCD screens, use a backlight to illuminate the picture. If the backlight burns out or stops working, it will result in a blank TV screen. To check your TV's backlight, make sure your TV is on. Then, turn off the lights in the room and shine a flashlight on the screen.
Reseat all cable and connections to the television from your devices. Physically remove the cables from both the television and the device and reconnect them. If you have any of these options available please turn all of them off to see if this resolves the display flickering.
Should I set soundbar to PCM? ›PCM: This setting is only recommended to use if your sound system experiences issues on higher settings (meaning the system may not be compatible with Dolby), or if it is the only option available for the content you are currently displaying on the TV.
Is PCM or Dolby Digital better with soundbar? ›When it comes to sound quality, both Dolby Digital and PCM offer excellent sound quality. However, Dolby Digital is capable of providing a more immersive experience with its multi-channel format, while PCM is limited to two channels.
Should I set my TV to PCM or auto? ›Select [Auto] if the device connected via DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL) is compatible with Dolby Digital. Select [PCM] if the device is not compatible with Dolby Digital.
Should soundbar use TV volume? ›Your TV speakers should be turned all the way down or off when you use a separate sound system such as a soundbar. Using them with the soundbar may cause echoes and the TV speakers do nothing to improve the sound.
How do I turn on the Dolby Atmos on my VIZIO sound bar? ›Connect the Device to the HDMI IN port on your Atmos Sound Bar with an HDMI 2.0 cable. Connect the Sound Bar to your TV using the HDMI OUT port on your Atmos Sound Bar to the HDMI ARC input on your TV. On VIZIO TV's HDMI1 is the ARC Input. Verify that the content you are trying to watch is Atmos content.
Why does my audio keep glitching? ›The issue could be associated with your audio driver software. Sometimes, the driver can go missing or become corrupt and cause problems such as the stuttering sound. It's also possible that the driver is too old to properly communicate with your operating system. In any case, reinstalling it won't solve the problem.
How do I manually update my audio driver? ›- In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager, then select Device Manager.
- Select a category to see names of devices, then right-click (or press and hold) the one you'd like to update.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Select Update Driver.
Should HDMI CEC be on or off? ›
The CEC auto power and device priority can sometimes conflict with Harmony's ability to power on and change inputs, and it is highly recommended to disable all the CEC on your connected devices including your TV.
What is the difference between HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC? ›The main differences between ARC and eARC lie in bandwidth and speed. The enhanced version of the Audio Return Channel has a much higher bandwidth than its predecessor. Bandwidth represents the range of frequencies or amount of data that is being transferred at a time.
What is difference between HDMI and HDMI ARC? ›While a regular HDMI connector is only able to transmit audio signals or video images, ARC has an added function that allows you to transmit audio signals from a TV back to the source, like a receiver or soundbar.
How do I know if my subwoofer is out of phase? ›Listen to the bass, then change the balance to the opposite speaker. If your speakers are out of phase, you will notice more bass response from one speaker than the other.
Why does my subwoofer sound clipping? ›Generally speaking, the amplifier gain is not properly set or the volume is too high. The most common, and avoidable, form of amplifier clipping occurs when an audio amplifier is driven beyond its ability to generate sufficient voltage or current to reproduce the original signal to your speakers.
Should subwoofer be away from soundbar? ›If your subwoofer is wired, you can go as far away from the soundbar as the wires allow. If your subwoofer is wireless, it can be placed as far away as you'd like. However, especially in 2.1 and 3.1 soundbar setups, it's a good idea to place them fairly close together to achieve the best sound.
Is it OK to leave soundbar on all the time? ›Just like any other speaker, you can damage your soundbar if you leave it on all the time. It can get overheated, pose a fire hazard, and unnecessarily use up energy. While it may seem convenient and harmless to keep your soundbar on all the time, you can shorten the lifetime of your investment, amongst other things.
Will Vizio replace my soundbar? ›VIZIO's Responsibilities
If VIZIO determines that a product is covered by this warranty, VIZIO will (at its option) repair or replace it, or refund the purchase price to you. There will be no charge for parts or labor during the warranty period.
Compared to other brands
Vizio is well-known for delivering the latest technology at a reasonable price, and their soundbars are no exception. The brand makes some of the best 5.1 soundbars we've tested, especially for the price. Balanced sound signature. All of the Vizio soundbars we've tested sound well-balanced.
The setting you need is called Output Device and can be found in the audio menu of your television. In this menu, you select External Speakers. Your television will now transmit all audio to the soundbar.
How do I know if my sound bar is blown? ›
Sound Distortion
This is usually the easiest and most obvious sign that a speaker is blown. What is this? It is easily identifiable as a fuzz or hiss coming from the speaker, especially in louder volumes. All you need to do is turn up the volume and listen for any uncharacteristic sounds to diagnose this.
Your Vizio soundbar keeps cutting out because it is triggered by the device to which they are connected or by intervention by another device or person. The issue can sometimes be with the device's hardware. Sound cutting occurs most often when the sound bar is really old or missing, and it gets hot when running.
How to do a hard Reset on Vizio sound bar? ›- Press and hold the Bluetooth and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for five seconds.
- All 12 LEDs will flash three times.
- The factory reset is complete.
To soft reset your Vizio sound bar, just unplug it from the wall, hold the Power button for 30 seconds, and plug it back in. To restore your Vizio soundbar to its original factory settings, press and hold the Bluetooth and Volume Down buttons for 5 seconds.
Why does my soundbar have HDMI in and out? ›The HDMI output of the PC connects to HDMI IN on the soundbar so the soundbar can read the audio signal from the HDMI stream and play it. The HDMI OUT port should then be connected to the monitor in order to display the HDMI video signal passing through the soundbar.
Why is my speaker randomly cutting out? ›If you overdrive your speakers from the audio source or audio device, they become damaged which leads to audio that cuts out. Other causes of speaker connection issues? Out-of-date audio drivers, poor Bluetooth connectivity for wireless speakers, and damaged speaker wires.
Is it better to connect soundbar with HDMI or optical? ›The biggest difference is that HDMI can pass higher-resolution audio, including the formats found on Blu-ray: Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio. These formats can't get transmitted across optical. In terms of simplicity, HDMI also passes video signals.
Should I connect my soundbar with HDMI or optical? ›You'll get the best sound quality via an HDMI cable. Most soundbars and TVs have an HDMI port. Keep in mind you need to use an HDMI ARC or eARC cable and port. If you don't have this, you'll need an optical cable in addition to an HDMI cable.
What is the difference between HDMI ARC and HDMI? ›While a regular HDMI connector is only able to transmit audio signals or video images, ARC has an added function that allows you to transmit audio signals from a TV back to the source, like a receiver or soundbar.