Nobody ever claimed that setting up a projector would be simple, did they? The projector is installed in the ceiling, the projector screen is mounted, and determining a wired or wireless solution for the projector’s real video source are all things that need to be considered.
At this point, you might wonder when all the “fun” will be over, and you’ll finally be able to relax and enjoy the arrangement you’ve made, but hold for a second. A significant issue still must be resolved – how to hook up a speaker to a projector. Here, we’ve explained every step and method you need to make so that you can successfully pair it.
How to Hook up a Speaker to a Projector
You can directly or indirectly connect a projector to speakers depending on your equipment. There are distinct sets of inputs and outputs for every projector. Usually, the projector’s built-in speakers or speakers directly attached are the sole speakers used with a simple projector setup.
On the other hand, A/V receivers are frequently employed in more sophisticated home theater setups to manage the video end and transmit the audio data to the speakers. So, here are the possible ways:
Soundbar
This is a comparable choice because a soundbar is essentially just a group of powered speakers assembled into one piece.
Bluetooth
You can connect to any Bluetooth-enabled speaker if your projector is Bluetooth-compatible.
Stereo speakers
This straightforward choice uses two stereo speakers; powered speakers are often used.
A/V receiver
This is a more challenging choice. You can connect the streaming device, DVD or Blu-ray player, or any media player to the receiver device with the speakers. Your projector receives video output from the receiver. There could be additional components, such as an amplifier.
Types of Connection
The following connectors can be used to link a projector to speakers:
Optical
Use a soundbar and projector together if it has an optical or TOSLINK output to enjoy surround sound. This alternative provides higher sound quality than an RCA or TRRS connection.
RCA connectors
You can connect stereo speakers if your projector has RCA connectors. One cable is required for each speaker. Three-component video inputs and one composite video input may also be on your projector.
Bluetooth
You must purchase no extra wires or components if your projector supports Bluetooth and your speaker is Bluetooth-compatible; a wireless connection is present. However, audio over Bluetooth is frequently of worse quality when compared to the other techniques.
Stereo audio jack
This is the same style of audio jack that has been used for headphones and earbuds for many years and is still prevalent on many phones. A soundbar or a pair of freestanding speakers can receive stereo signals from a single 3.5 mm TRRS connection.
Read more: How to Connect Vankyo Projector to Bluetooth Speaker
Which Speakers Are Suitable for Projectors?
All widely used active speakers have a 3.5 mm jack input or a stereo RCA connector (red/white) for use as active projector speakers.
One of the two speakers will have a power supply fitted, although they are both directly powered by the mains. The stereo system’s second loudspeaker receives power and the audio signal from the first loudspeaker.
The active projector loudspeaker must be installed on the left and right next to the screen and on the left and right above the screen. This is dependent on the specific circumstances in the room. This makes the stereo sound as good as possible.
To connect an active loudspeaker to the projector, your projector must have a 3.5 mm audio or stereo RCA output. The more typical audio output for projectors is the 3.5 mm one.
How Does a Projector Receive and Send Audio
Remember that a projector is a device mainly used to replay and transfer video. Fortunately, modern projectors can transmit video and audio via connectivity types like HDMI, MHL, Composite with RCA, and USB.
One thing to remember is that the USB connection type must be either USB version 3.0 or higher for video transmission to work. USB-C is the additional USB type that can be utilized (this also transmits video).
Older projectors may not be able to receive audio because their primary connecting type was a VGA port and their design was primarily for television. In various circumstances, projectors have supported and continue to support different forms of video connections, such as;
- Component video – sends out three distinct signals;
- Composite video – uses a single cable for all data transmission;
- S-video – outdated analog video signal.
You will need to set up your speakers differently if your projector only supports video connectivity.
Wireless vs. Wired Connection
Even though it can be difficult to connect wires and troubleshoot if the sound isn’t functioning properly, many people favor wireless connections over wired connections. This is because they use HDMI ARC because of the incredible sound quality.
Bluetooth is the superior option to wired connections such as optical audio auxiliary, so choose it unless you are a true audiophile, in which case you should go for HDMI ARC. Aside from that, it is difficult to connect wired speakers if your projector is positioned on the ceiling.
However, suppose your projector has Bluetooth connectivity. In that case, you only need to couple your speakers, and you can set them wherever you choose.
The bottom line is that if you are a serious music enthusiast, you should go with HDMI ARC; however, Bluetooth will be a wonderful alternative for individuals who prefer a simple and uncomplicated connection.
Also read: How to Connect Bluetooth Speaker to Epson Projector
Conclusion
We hope you have found the possible ways mentioned above easy and helpful about how to hook up a speaker to a projector when you have trouble.
When it comes to improving the audio quality of a projector by connecting external audio devices, it is important to keep in mind that, just like with your HDTV and your personal computer, the possible devices that you can hook up to your projector ultimately depend on the ports that are available on the unit itself.
Regardless, external audio devices require different connections and methods of connection depending on their ports and the ports available on the projector you choose. You can find these ports on your projector.
Certain models even support wireless connections depending on whether the projector in question is a “smart” projector, that is, whether or not it can connect to Wi-Fi and download apps.