Setting up a ZVOX SoundBase

I often receive emails from readers interested in purchasing a ZVOX SoundBase, but who hesitate because they are intimidated by the thought of setting up.  This is usually followed by a question asking who they can hire to set it up for them.

If you can plug in a toaster,  you can set up a ZVOX SoundBase.  This page will show you how easy it is. All you need to do is make two easy connections and push a few buttons.

What you need

The SoundBase includes all the connections you need. There is no need to purchase anything else.

Step 1: Place the TV on the SoundBase
soundbase

First, put the TV on the SoundBase.  Easy enough.

Step 2: Connect the optical cable to the TV

optical

You will see the optical cable in the box with the SoundBase accessories. This is what it looks like.

optical_connector

As you can see in the picture above, the connector is shaped so it only fits one way.  You pull off the protection cap before inserting the cable.

hdmi

You will probably already have HDMI cables connected to the TV.  These cables carry the picture and the sound.  In this case, a cable box and a Blu-ray player are connected. This is as it should be, and nothing changes here.

opticalout

Look for the Optical Digital Out connection on the back of the TV.  You can see what it looks like in the picture above.

opticaloutconnected

Connect one end of the optical cable to this connection.  It will firmly click in place.

Step 3: Connect the optical cable to the SoundBase

opticalin

Locate the optical digital input on the back of the SoundBase. You can see it in the picture above.

opticalinconnected

Connect the other end of the optical cable to this input, as shown above.  It will firmly click in place.

Step 4: Plug in the SoundBase

Easy enough!

Step 5: Turn down TV speakers

speakers0

Turn down your TV speakers all the way to zero. You want the SoundBase to produce all the sound.

Step 6: Using the remote

remote

Turn on the SoundBase, then select the input using the remote or the buttons on the front.  It is input 1. When you get to input 1 the SoundBase will start making sound.

Enjoy!

Use the ZVOX remote to control the sound, and your cable/satellite remote or TV remote to control everything else. You can play with the different settings for surround and AccuVoice to get the sound you like.  All you have to do is push the buttons.

Optional steps

It may be easiest for you to just use two remotes, and in fact this is my own preference.  I set the sound where I need it to be, put down the audio remote and just use my disc player or DISH satellite remote from that point on. However, these extra steps may enhance your enjoyment of the system.

tvmute

Go to the audio setup menus of your TV and turn off the TV speakers.

Then, following the instructions that come with the SoundBase, program the SoundBase to read your TV’s volume controls.  Then you just use one remote for changing channels and volume.  Controlling surround modes will still require using the ZVOX remote.

Interested in a ZVOX SoundBase? You can find the right one for your TV using the search box below.