Audio Fix / setup help

JBL Bar 500MK2: select the TV-return input on a verified HDMI path

JBL Bar 500MK2: select the TV-return input on a verified HDMI path. Check prerequisites and the actual response before reporting an outcome.

Manufacturer-documented Reviewed 2026-11-09 · Revision 1

Follow these checks in Audio Fix →

When this guide applies

TV app/tuner audio through existing ARC/eARC wiring, not a direct HDMI player or Bluetooth.

Connection scope: HDMI / ARC / eARC audio. Symptom: There is no playback sound.

This is a documented check, not a diagnosis of your equipment. The model name does not confirm the selected input, mode, software or connected partner.

If your exact model or a required setting is unknown, use the “I don’t know” branch below. Do not apply a similarly named model’s instructions.

Checks and possible outcomes

Start at step-0. Follow the link that matches what you actually observe. Alternative branches are not a single sequence of actions.

step-0

Does the exact TV manual confirm ARC or eARC on the connected TV port?

An ordinary HDMI input or an unknown TV capability stops here.

Look for: Confirm the actual prerequisite or observation. Unknown stops safely.

  • Manufacturer-documented JBL Bar 500MK2 official instructions ↗PDF pages 1, 9, 10, 14 — BAR 500MK2 manual: TV return uses TV ARC/eARC, documented TV CEC and remote TV source; direct HDMI IN is separate. Full CEC compatibility is not guaranteed.Exact named model in the actual manual; TV-side settings and capabilities must be confirmed from that specific TV, not inferred from the bar. No reset/update/recalibration. · Source checked 2026-11-09

step-1

Is the installed cable in HDMI OUT on this soundbar and the TV return port?

Inspect labels without changing live wiring. A direct player input is not the TV return connector.

Look for: Confirm the actual prerequisite or observation. Unknown stops safely.

  • Manufacturer-documented JBL Bar 500MK2 official instructions ↗PDF pages 1, 9, 10, 14 — BAR 500MK2 manual: TV return uses TV ARC/eARC, documented TV CEC and remote TV source; direct HDMI IN is separate. Full CEC compatibility is not guaranteed.Exact named model in the actual manual; TV-side settings and capabilities must be confirmed from that specific TV, not inferred from the bar. No reset/update/recalibration. · Source checked 2026-11-09

step-2

Are required TV return-audio/CEC/output settings already confirmed for this exact TV?

Do not invent a TV menu name or assume an eARC setting exists. Unknown partner setup stops instead of guessing.

Look for: Confirm the actual prerequisite or observation. Unknown stops safely.

  • Manufacturer-documented JBL Bar 500MK2 official instructions ↗PDF pages 1, 9, 10, 14 — BAR 500MK2 manual: TV return uses TV ARC/eARC, documented TV CEC and remote TV source; direct HDMI IN is separate. Full CEC compatibility is not guaranteed.Exact named model in the actual manual; TV-side settings and capabilities must be confirmed from that specific TV, not inferred from the bar. No reset/update/recalibration. · Source checked 2026-11-09

step-3

Has this soundbar completed its own required setup and is it on, not updating?

For Sony this includes BRAVIA Connect initial setup. Do not interrupt an update or run calibration to force a source.

Look for: Confirm the actual prerequisite or observation. Unknown stops safely.

  • Manufacturer-documented JBL Bar 500MK2 official instructions ↗PDF pages 1, 9, 10, 14 — BAR 500MK2 manual: TV return uses TV ARC/eARC, documented TV CEC and remote TV source; direct HDMI IN is separate. Full CEC compatibility is not guaranteed.Exact named model in the actual manual; TV-side settings and capabilities must be confirmed from that specific TV, not inferred from the bar. No reset/update/recalibration. · Source checked 2026-11-09

step-4

May the current source switch to TV with listening levels reduced?

Current Bluetooth/network/direct-source listening may be interrupted.

Look for: Confirm the actual prerequisite or observation. Unknown stops safely.

  • Manufacturer-documented JBL Bar 500MK2 official instructions ↗PDF pages 1, 9, 10, 14 — BAR 500MK2 manual: TV return uses TV ARC/eARC, documented TV CEC and remote TV source; direct HDMI IN is separate. Full CEC compatibility is not guaranteed.Exact named model in the actual manual; TV-side settings and capabilities must be confirmed from that specific TV, not inferred from the bar. No reset/update/recalibration. · Source checked 2026-11-09

step-5

Press TV on the supplied remote

Confirm TV is displayed. Do not select HDMI IN for a TV app. HDMI has priority over optical when both TV cables are present.

Look for: Perform only the stated operation, then confirm whether it could be completed.

  • Manufacturer-documented JBL Bar 500MK2 official instructions ↗PDF pages 1, 9, 10, 14 — BAR 500MK2 manual: TV return uses TV ARC/eARC, documented TV CEC and remote TV source; direct HDMI IN is separate. Full CEC compatibility is not guaranteed.Exact named model in the actual manual; TV-side settings and capabilities must be confirmed from that specific TV, not inferred from the bar. No reset/update/recalibration. · Source checked 2026-11-09

step-6

Does the actual TV programme now play at a comfortable level?

Source selection alone does not prove an audio format supported or a fault repaired. Stop with the actual source/capability observations if silent.

Look for: Confirm the actual prerequisite or observation. Unknown stops safely.

  • Manufacturer-documented JBL Bar 500MK2 official instructions ↗PDF pages 1, 9, 10, 14 — BAR 500MK2 manual: TV return uses TV ARC/eARC, documented TV CEC and remote TV source; direct HDMI IN is separate. Full CEC compatibility is not guaranteed.Exact named model in the actual manual; TV-side settings and capabilities must be confirmed from that specific TV, not inferred from the bar. No reset/update/recalibration. · Source checked 2026-11-09

Possible result

Checks completed — report what happened

Completion is not an automatic solved result. Report solved, partly helped, did not help or could not follow based on your actual observation. No Audio Review physical test is claimed.

steps completed

Reaching this result does not mean the issue is solved. Only your own feedback can report improvement.

    Possible result

    Keep these observations for official support

    A required prerequisite or response was not confirmed. Stop this sequence and use the exact model and partner documentation. Do not escalate to a factory reset, firmware installation, internal repair or unsafe wiring change.

    next support

    Reaching this result does not mean the issue is solved. Only your own feedback can report improvement.

      Possible result

      A required fact is unknown

      Confirm the exact model, connection, partner capability and current control state before continuing. Do not guess settings or operate an updating product.

      insufficient data

      Reaching this result does not mean the issue is solved. Only your own feedback can report improvement.

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