this post was submitted on 28 Jan 2026
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If OP wants surround, Atmos, etc., this isn't gonna work. Analog outputs can't handle ambisonics, and TVs don't have discrete 6 channel outputs. If you want 2.1, 5.1, Atmos, MPEG-H or whatever, you'll need a digital output to your sink device (AVR/soundbar, etc.). Digital doesn't mean internet connected. And there's no real benefit to forcing an analog output from your TV. It's DAC probably isn't better than the DAC in an AVR or soundbar.
Surround sound receiver that works via optical or HDMI. That's what I would recommend over a soundbar that will ultimately end up unusable after a few years. No need to overcomplicate it with HA.
Or... An older Bose soundbar. Bose recently open-sourced some of their older stuff that is no longer supported.
As someone who grew up with older surround sound equipment in the house, I'm just having a hard time imagining a scenario where any network connection at all would need to be involved.
Those are both digital outputs, not analog. Maybe you're confusing digital with internet connected?
I'm not advocating internet-connected audio gear, but plenty of people like the utility of networked audio for automation, in-home streaming, and multi-room setups. But again, those can be isolated from the internet.
I'm not confusing anything.
This is what OP was asking:
I answered accordingly. There really isn't a reason for a soundbar or surround sound system to be connected to any sort of network. Streaming music is the only reason I can think of, but that can be handled by bluetooth (which many sound systems have), or even an AUX IN with a dock or bluetooth adapter.