Have just bought a Samsung soundbar, and you are wondering, what does that D.IN written on the input section of your soundbar mean?
Well, you are not alone, a good percentage of folks get confused about what does that means, what it is exactly used for.
If that rings a bell, then we have a piece of good news for you. In this blog post, we have thoroughly discussed the function of D.IN mode, whey it is used for, and how it is different from the conventional input.
That being said, let’s jump right into the details.
What is the Function of D.IN Mode on a Samsung Soundbar?
So, you have seen the D.IN input on the backside of your Samsung soundbar, and you are wondering what is the purpose of this mode on the soundbar, and how it is different from the conventional input on the soundbar.
Firstly, the D.IN means Digital Input, although the terminology is a little bit strange, however, it is how it is. The Digital Coaxial Input on the soundbar allows you to have a digital connection on the soundbar using an optical connection.
The core function of this mode is to send the audio input signal from the TV (or any other source) to the soundbar in the digital audio. Thus, the quality of the audio transmitted via the D.IN mode is of much higher quality, and you can easily feel it in the sound of your soundbar. It’s the reason this input type is preferred over the other input types.
Is the D.IN Input Different From Conventional Mode?
The next thing that you may have in mind, is the Digital Optical Mode (also known as the D.IN) mode different from the other modes?
The short and sweet answer is a “Yes“, this mode is different from the RCA input, HDMI, and the AUX. Below, we have discussed in detail the differences, and similarities between all of these input types.
Optical Vs HDMI Vs Aux (3.5mm): Which One is Better?
Optical, HDMI, or AUX, which one is better and why, this debate has been here for a while now, you will witness this question over and over again in different audiophile forums, and with this detailed comparison, we will put it at rest.
Firstly, there is the AUX input, which is an analog input, thus the signal quality is not as good as the two former connection types given below. The fidelity of these connection types makes it inferior to the HDMI or optical connection, as you cannot carry Dolby Atmos DTX signal with this connection type.
The only benefit of using this connection over the other two connections is that you can connect the 3.5mm jack to laptops, and mobile phones, which is absolutely amazing.
The HDMI connection is another reliable way of connecting the soundbar to an audio source. There are various benefits of using the HDMI connection over the conventional RCA or AUX connection, as it’s a digital audio format, and carries digital signals.
Since the HDMI carries digital signals, thus it is compatible with the Dolby Atmos, Dolby DTI, etc. Alongside, it also supports 5.1 channels, and 7.1 channel audio. If you are using Blu-ray or another hi-fi system, you have to use the HDMI connection to get the best audio fidelity.
Also, using this connection type is super-quick, and easy. You can easily use the HDMI connection using a single HDMI cable. The only downside that you may have to face with the HDMI connection is that it does have interference with electrical and ground, which may be annoying at times.
The most recommended type of audio connection that you can use with the soundbars is the D.In or the optical connection. Just like the HDMI connection, this connection type works in digital format. So, it is compatible with the Dolby Atmos, & Dolby DTS:X connection types, which is absolutely amazing.
Interestingly, it also has support for 5.1 channel and 7.1 channel sound, and unlike the HDMI connection, it does not have any interference with the ground or electrical appliances. The only thing people do not like about digital optical sound is its complexity of usage.
How to Connect Soundbar to TV using the D.IN Mode (Optical Connection)
So, you have made your mind about using the optical connection for connecting your soundbar to the TV. Now, we will show you step-by-step, how you can easily connect the soundbar to TV using the optical connection.
Here are the Steps for Connecting the Soundbar to TV Using Optical Cable:
- First and foremost, you need to get an optical cable.
- Then, on your TV, look around for the D.Out port, you have to plug in one end of the cable to the D.out.
- Afterward, plug in the other side of the cable on the D.IN port on the soundbar.
- Voila! You have now successfully connected your soundbar to the TV using the optical connection.
Samsung Soundbar D.IN No Sound (Solution)
There is no surprise here that sometimes there can be a problem with the D.IN, causing no sound issue. If you are in a situation, where the D.IN is not producing any sound for you, then this section is for you, in which we have compiled all the possible solutions step-by-step that you can use to get rid of this issue.
Steps for Getting Rid of Samsung Soundbar D.IN No Sound Issue:
- First, and foremost, you need to check the optical cable, a majority of times, there is an issue with the optical cable, which causes the no sound issue on the soundbars.
- Secondly, you can clean the optical connection ports on your soundbar using the cotton buds soaked with alcohol.
Check our detailed review on the Samsung TV Soundbar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do I Setup My Soundbar in D.IN Mode?
Connecting the soundbar to TV using the D.IN mode is super-easy, quick, and very straightforward, you can easily connect setup the soundbar to the D.IN mode via using the optical cable. Above, we have also provided you with complete steps that you need to follow for connecting the soundbar in this mode.
D.IN Vs RCA, Which One Should I Choose?
RCA carries analog signal while the digital input using the optical connection can carry the signal in the digital format. So, the audio quality in the optical mode is much more refined. Thus, this connection type is preferred by audiophiles.
What's the Best Way to Connect the Soundbar to a Source Audio?
Well, we recommend connecting the soundbar to a TV using the optical connection, although it’s a little bit hectic to connect the soundbar to TV using this method, however, it’s totally worth it, since there is no ground or electrical interference in this method.
Conclusion
Many people get confused about the D.In mode when they see it on the input side of the soundbar, as there are other input options on the soundbar as well including the HDMI, RCA, and AUX input.
Thus, in this detailed guide, we have thoroughly discussed different aspects of the optical connection on a soundbar, including its usage, connection, and troubleshooting.
If you are still facing an issue while connecting the soundbar to the TV via the optical connection, tell us in the comments section below, we would love to hear it from you.
Also read: Best Settings for VIZIO 5-1 Soundbar
Mia Evelyn is a soundbar specialist and she love to test and review different soundbar brands. She shares her neutral and in-depth reviews through the Soundbar Mag.