HDMI Capabilities on Sony 85" Bravia XR X95K TV for Soundbars?

I recently purchased a Sony 85" Bravia XR X95K TV and I'm looking to pair it with a soundbar. Can anyone suggest the best options in terms of HDMI capabilities?

The Sony 85" Bravia XR X95K TV supports HDMI 2.1 with four HDMI 2.1 ports, offering features such as Auto Low Latency Mode, Dynamic HDR, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), Quick Media Switching (QMS), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT). The refresh rate of the TV is 120 Hz, providing smoother motion for fast-paced content. As for soundbars, you might want to check out the TechReviewer article HDMI Capabilities of the Sony 85" Bravia XR X95K TV that discusses various options suitable for this TV. It covers different brands and their respective HDMI capabilities.

Thanks @Snapchatinsomniac, I'll definitely look into that article! Are there any specific features that I should be looking for in a soundbar, given my TV's HDMI 2.1 capabilities?

With your TV's HDMI 2.1 support and a 120 Hz refresh rate, you'd probably want a soundbar that offers eARC or ARC (Audio Return Channel) to ensure seamless audio transmission from the TV to the soundbar. Additionally, if you're into gaming, VRR would be beneficial for reducing input lag and eliminating screen tearing. Some soundbars also have HDMI 2.1 ports, which could be useful in case you want to connect other devices directly to the soundbar.

Another thing to consider is whether your soundbar has Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. These technologies provide an immersive audio experience, especially for movies and gaming. Also, don't forget to check the maximum HDMI input bandwidth. Your Sony 85" Bravia XR X95K TV supports up to 48 Gbps, so make sure your chosen soundbar can handle that.

Thanks for the advice everyone! I'm leaning towards a soundbar with eARC and VRR support, along with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X capabilities. Any recommendations on specific models?

Based on your preferences, I would recommend checking out the Samsung Q800T Soundbar or the Sony HT-X9000IB Soundbar. Both of these models have eARC and VRR support, as well as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. You can also find more options in the TechReviewer article HDMI Capabilities of the Sony 85" Bravia XR X95K TV that I mentioned earlier. It provides a comprehensive comparison of various soundbars on the market, including their HDMI capabilities.

Great, thank you! I'll have a look at those models. Just one last question - is it better to connect the soundbar directly to my TV using an HDMI cable or should I use an HDMI cable that connects to both the soundbar and my TV?

It depends on your setup and personal preference. Connecting the soundbar directly to the TV using an HDMI cable allows for a more straightforward setup, as it eliminates the need for additional cables running from the soundbar to other devices. However, if you plan on connecting multiple devices to the soundbar, using an HDMI cable that connects both the soundbar and your TV might be more convenient. In any case, make sure the chosen HDMI cable can handle up to 48 Gbps of bandwidth to match your Sony 85" Bravia XR X95K TV's capabilities.

Thanks for all the help everyone! I think I have a better idea now about what to look for in a soundbar and how to connect it. Cheers!