Wondering how to connect Samsung Smart TV to Denon Receiver? Then this guide is for you!
You probably hate a pathetic audio experience, especially if you’re using a reputable TV brand like Samsung.
My best guess is you want to resolve the issue by connecting your Samsung Smart TV to a high-performance AVR like Denon, but don’t know how to do it!
You can breathe now – I’ve prepared this quick guide to show you how to connect your Samsung TV to Denon receiver. And guess what! There are three options.
While the back of your Denon receiver has an intimidating array of connection ports, you’d be surprised we only need a few of them.
To connect your Samsung Smart TV to Denon receiver, you can use an HDMI ARC cable, an optical cable, or a coaxial cable. Switch off the TV and Denon AVR. Disconnect the power, locate the connection ports, then use your preferred cable to link the devices. Reconnect the power and finish the setup.
Now, with that nice little hint, let’s dive into the cool details.
Methods on How to Connect Samsung Smart TV to Denon Receiver?
Before we begin, however, I highly recommend you take a quick look at the manuals.
It will help you figure out the connections, precautions, etc., so you don’t damage the equipment or injure yourself.
Method 1: Using an HDMI ARC Cable
This method will only work with an HDMI 1.4 cable or a higher version.
Your Samsung Smart TV has an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port in addition to the standard HDMI inputs.
Not to bog you down with technical lingo, the ARC feature allows both video and audio signals. This means you only need the HDMI 1.4 cable to connect your TV to the Denon receiver.
To crown it all, it allows audio signals to go from the TV to the Denon AVR and back. This greatly reduces the signal latency and beefs up the sound quality.
HDMI ARC will only work with the specific port on your Samsung Smart TV labeled HDMI (ARC).
Follow these simple steps to connect your Samsung TV to Denon receiver with an HDMI cable:
Step #1: Turn Off the Devices
It would be best to seek assistance from an electrical installation professional if you aren’t entirely sure of what to do.
Poor electrical wiring could destroy your devices, or worse, you could get electrocuted.
So, before getting started, power off both devices and disconnect the cables from the power source.
Step #2: Locate the HDMI ARC Ports
In addition to the standard HDMI output, your Samsung Smart TV has a special one labeled HDMI (ARC). Depending on your TV model, it could also be labeled simply as ARC.
Similarly, you’ll find the HDMI ARC input port on your Denon AVR.
I use the Denon AVR X3700H, and it’s got the HDMI ARC on an all-white background. It’s labeled Monitor1 ARC eARC.
Please check the user manual to locate the port if you’re not sure.
Step #3: Connect the TV With HDMI 1.4 Cable
Connect an HDMI 1.4 cable to the HDMI (ARC) output at the back of your TV. Hook up the other end to the HDMI (ARC) input at the back of your Denon receiver.
You can also check your speaker connections.
Step #4: Power On the Receiver and TV
Reconnect the power supply to your Denon receiver and Samsung Smart TV, then switch them on. Breathe now; your amazing audio-visual home theater experience is underway.
Step #5: Finish the Setup by Configuring Settings
Follow these steps to finish setting up your Denon AVR:
- Go to the Setup Menu by pressing the “SETUP” button on the Denon remote.
- Scroll down and select Video.
- Go to HDMI Setup.
- Navigate to HDMI Control and activate it.
- Select a TV channel of your choice.
That’s all, and the sound should come through your Denon AVR. You can adjust the volume using your TV remote control.
Method 2: Using an Optical Cable
If you’ve opted for this method, you need an HDMI cable and an optical cable.
Step #1: Switch Off the TV and Denon AVR
Switch off your devices and disconnect the power cords.
Step #2: Find the HDMI & Optical Ports
On your TV, locate the optical output and HDMI ports. Once you find them, head to your Denon AVR and check on top for its HDMI inputs.
Finally, locate the two optical ports at the back of your Denon AVR. The first is labeled “TV AUDIO,” and the second is labeled “MEDIA PLAYER.”
Step #3: Connect Your TV to the Denon Receiver
Connect an HDMI cable to an HDMI output at the back of your TV. Connect the other end to an appropriate HDMI input at the back of your Denon receiver.
Next, connect the optical cable to your Smart TV’s optical output. Connect the other end to the optical input labeled “TV AUDIO” at the back of your Denon AVR.
Note: You won’t use the HDMI ARC output if you don’t have an HDMI 1.4 cable or a higher version.
Step #4: Power On the Receiver and TV
Reconnect the power supply to your Denon receiver and Samsung Smart TV, then switch them on.
Step #5: Finish the Setup
Follow these steps to complete the HDMI setup:
- Go to the Denon Setup Menu.
- Go to Video.
- Next, choose HDMI Setup.
- Navigate to HDMI Control and turn it ON.
- Also, activate HDMI Passthrough on the HDMI control sub-menu.
- Navigate back to Setup Menu.
You must now check that the optical input is assigned to the TV audio source.
Here’s how to finish the setup:
- Under Setup Menu, navigate to Inputs > Input Assign.
- Go to TV Audio under Set Defaults.
- Navigate to OPT1 to assign the optical input connector.
- Exit the menu.
You can then select a TV channel and adjust the volume accordingly.
Method 3: Using a Coaxial Cable & HDMI
The back of your Denon receiver hosts an overwhelming clutter of ports.
You only need to locate the two coaxial inputs under “DIGITAL AUDIO IN (ASSIGNABLE). We’ll use one of those, together with a standard HDMI port. Here are the steps:
Step #1: Power Off Both Devices
Turn off both devices and delicately disconnect the power cords.
Step #2: Find the HDMI and Coaxial Ports
Turn to the back of your Samsung Smart TV and Denon AVR. Locate the HDMI and coaxial outputs of your TV.
Next, there are six assignable HDMI inputs on top of your Denon receiver, all compliant with the 4K/HDCP 2.3 standard. There’s also an 8K HDMI input. You can use any of those.
Step #3: Connect the TV to the Denon Receiver
Connect an HDMI cable to an HDMI output at the back of your TV. Hook up the other end to one of the six HDMI inputs at the back of your Denon receiver.
Next, connect a coax cable to your Smart TV’s coaxial input. Connect the other end to the coaxial digital audio input at the back of your Denon AVR.
Step #4: Power On the Receiver and TV
Restore the power supply to your Denon receiver and Samsung Smart TV.
Step #5: Finish the Settings Configuration
Follow these steps to complete the HDMI setup:
- Go to the Denon Setup Menu.
- Scroll down and select Video.
- Next, choose HDMI Setup.
- Navigate to HDMI Control and turn it ON.
- Also, activate HDMI Passthrough on the HDMI control sub-menu.
- Navigate back to Setup Menu.
We’re almost done, and you need to check that the digital coaxial input is assigned to the TV audio source.
Here’s how to finish the setup:
- Under Setup Menu, navigate to Inputs > Input Assign.
- Go to TV Audio under Set Defaults.
- Navigate to COAX1 to assign the coaxial input connector.
- Exit the menu.
Most Samsung Smart TVs usually switch to Denon automatically, in the TV audio mode. You can then select a channel and adjust the volume accordingly.
Thus, the simplest way on how to connect Samsung Smart TV to Denon receiver is through an HDMI 1.4 cable to the HDMI ARC ports. It significantly reduces the number of connection cables you need and guarantees the best sound quality.
Read Next: How to Fix Denon Receiver Bluetooth Not Pairing?
Closing Thoughts
I hope you can quickly and successfully connect your Samsung Smart TV to the Denon AVR. Please check your connections if you can’t get sound when you’ve finished the steps.
But if everything is connected properly (and hopefully not fried), contact the device manufacturers for more professional assistance.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.