TV & Home Theater Listening with Cell Alpha and Syng Link

Cell Alpha can play spatialized stereo and surround sound content, with full-range sound and precise imaging. Your favorite speakers for music will be your favorite speakers for TV and home theater, too.

If your room is dedicated to TV & home theater use and spatial imaging is top priority, you can place Cell Alpha in a traditional layout (such as one to each side of the screen and one or more behind your seating).

If your screen is in a multi-purpose space, simply having one or more Cells proximal to your viewing area is fine. You'll still enjoy quality home theater sound, while leaving your listening options more open for other modes of listening.

To prepare Cell Alphas for home theater use, either connect to HDMI port (eARC / ARC) with Syng Link cable or wirelessly stream via AirPlay 2.

Connect using Syng Link

The optional Syng Link cable (3 m / 9.8 ft) connects Cell Alpha directly to any HDMI port (eARC/ARC). Any additional Cells in the Space connect wirelessly.

Getting started

Syng Link connection
Syng Link connection
  1. Plug Syng Link into one of Cell Alpha's USB-C ports. To run the cable through the stand, use the port next to the power input (1). For quick access, use the port on the side of the stem (2).

  2. Connect Syng Link to your TV's HDMI port (eARC / ARC).

    Syng Link Arc Ports
    Syng Link Arc Ports

  3. Open your TV's sound settings menu and make the following changes. Note: One or more of these settings may be under an "Advanced" or "Expert" sub-menu.

    1. Set your audio output to ARC or eARC. You may see this output option labeled as ‘Syng Cell’, ‘External Speakers’, ‘audio out HDMI’, etc.

    2. Enable HDMI-CEC so the Cell can communicate back and forth with your TV.

  4. Start playing content on your TV. Cell Alpha will automatically switch to the TV source so you can listen.

Syng Link Add Source
Syng Link Add Source

If you have difficulty locating the TV sound settings described above, consult your TV's user guide or built-in help system.

Surround sound listening

The Syng Link connection supports content in both stereo and 5.1 surround sound (Dolby AC-3 encoded). Other surround formats (such as Atmos or DTS) are not yet supported.

When 5.1 content is playing, Cell Alpha automatically switches to playing in surround. Looking at the Syng Space app, you'll see a five-point audio visualization in your Space.

Syng Link Panning
Syng Link Panning

To adjust the sound balance for your Space, just move the TV source within the Space. For example, if the sound behind you seems too loud, nudge the TV source toward the other side of the room. Once you have it just right, the setting is stored for the next time you use your TV.

More tips

  • For the best sound experience such as multi-channel surround sound, visit your TV's audio settings and make sure its digital output audio settings are set to Dolby Digital, Dolby AC-3, or Auto

  • Some content may not be available in surround sound formats. If that is the case, visit your TV’s audio settings and make sure its digital out audio settings are set to PCM. This setting will only output the left and right channels (2.0).

  • When connected with Syng Link, Cell Alpha volume is set by your TV. This lets you use the volume buttons on your TV and its remote to set system loudness. Note: If your remote is infrared, you'll still need to point it at the TV.

  • When you select a new source in Syng Space (such as Spotify or Tidal), it takes precedence and the TV signal is muted. To switch back, select the TV source again.

  • If your TV is turned on after being off or unplugged, the TV source is selected automatically.

  • Some brands use alternate names for HDMI-CEC (i.e. AnyNet +, BRAVIA Link, BRAVIA Sync, CE-Link, Regza Link, SimpLink, Aquos Link, HDAVI Control, EZ-Sync, VIERA Link, EasyLink, etc.)

  • To extend the length of your Syng Link cable (3 m / 9.8 ft) for any installation reason, you can use a separate HDMI 2.1 (eARC) cable attached to the Syng Link cable via a female/female HDMI coupler adapter.

Caution: Always remember to remove your Syng Link cable from your Cell Alpha anytime you unscrew your Floor or Table Stand.

Wirelessly stream with AirPlay 2

This method requires a TV or other A/V source (e.g. Apple TV) that supports AirPlay 2. This protocol currently supports stereo content only.

To use AirPlay 2, first ensure that your TV or other A/V source is connected to the same Wi-Fi as your Cells. Then choose Cell Alpha (or the name you've chosen for this group of Cells) as its audio output in the onscreen menu.

Start listening

Once you've set your system up for HDMI or AirPlay 2, whenever a connected A/V source is on and playing, Cell Alpha automatically switches to to the correct mode for listening.

When you select a different source (such as Spotify or Tidal) in Syng Space, it takes precedence and home theater playback stops. To switch back, just select the HDMI or AirPlay source again.