If you’re seeing “Sound Disabled” or your TV sound settings are greyed out, especially after setting up your Hisense HS3100 Soundbar, you’re not alone.
This is a common issue that usually points to your TV switching to external audio mode. Let’s walk through what it means, how to fix it, and how to get the best surround sound from your setup.
📺 What’s Happening?
Most modern TVs—including Hisense, Samsung, Sony, and LG—automatically disable internal speakers when they detect an external sound system like the Hisense HS3100 connected via:
Optical Cable (TOSLINK)
This is normal—not a fault.
🔧 How to Fix the “Sound Disabled” Message
Here’s how to troubleshoot and regain control of your sound:
- Check TV Sound Output Settings
Your TV is likely set to HDMI ARC or Optical, which disables the internal speakers.
Fix:
Go to Settings → Sound → Sound Output
Change from “HDMI ARC” or “Optical” to “TV Speakers” if you want to use the TV sound.
🎯 Tip: Leave it on ARC or Optical if you’re using the soundbar for better audio quality.
2. Switch Digital Audio Format to PCM
Some TVs or soundbars don’t support Dolby or DTS over certain connections.
Fix:
Go to: Settings → Audio → Digital Output
Select PCM instead of “Auto” or “Bitstream”
3. Power Cycle the TV and Soundbar
A quick restart can solve temporary HDMI handshake issues.
Fix:
Turn off both TV and soundbar
Unplug for 1–2 minutes
Plug back in and try again
4. Check HDMI ARC / Optical Cable
Loose or faulty cables can cause confusion in the sound system.
Fix:
Re-seat the HDMI ARC or optical cable
Try a different HDMI port (preferably ARC-labeled)
Try a known-good cable
5. Disable HDMI-CEC (Optional)
Sometimes HDMI-CEC (called Anyview, Bravia Sync, Simplink, etc.) causes control conflicts.
Fix:
Go to TV Settings → System → Disable HDMI-CEC
Reboot the devices
🔊 Get the Best Sound from Hisense HS3100
To get true 3.1.2 surround with Dolby Atmos:
Use HDMI ARC (or eARC if your TV supports it)
Set TV output to HDMI ARC
Set audio format to Dolby Digital or PCM
Make sure Hisense soundbar input is set to HDMI
🎥 Watch the Setup Guide from YouTube
🛒 Buy the Hisense HS3100 Soundbar on Amazon https://geni.us/uoGTrP
Looking for a Dolby Atmos 3.1.2 soundbar on a budget? The Hisense HS3100 delivers great performance for movies and gaming.
👉 Buy the Hisense HS3100 on Amazon
✅ Final Thoughts
“Sound Disabled” on your TV isn’t a bug—it’s just your TV saying “Hey, I’m sending sound to the soundbar now.” With the Hisense HS3100, using the correct setup will give you rich, cinematic audio with no hassle.
Need help with setup? Leave a comment on the video or share this guide!
