LG WOW Orchestra: what it does and whether to use it
WOW Orchestra makes your LG TV speakers play along with an LG soundbar. Some owners love it; others turn it straight off.
WOW Orchestra is an LG feature that plays sound through a compatible LG TV and LG soundbar at the same time, instead of muting the TV speakers. LG says it widens the soundstage, with the TV speakers helping carry voices. Turn it on in the TV's Sound Out menu: choose to use external speakers with TV speakers, then pick WOW Orchestra. Try it with dialogue-heavy shows and with movies, and keep whichever sounds better in your room.
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The picks
LG S70TR
A mid-range LG soundbar with a dedicated center channel for dialogue and WOW Orchestra support on compatible LG TVs.
Worth knowing: Check LG's WOW Synergy list for your TV model.
Check price →LG SC9S
Designed to sit under LG's C-series OLED TVs, with WOWCAST for a wireless connection to the TV.
Worth knowing: Rear speakers are sold separately.
Check price →LG S95TR
LG's top soundbar system, with rear speakers for surround sound behind the couch.
Worth knowing: Costs much more than a single bar; overkill for small rooms.
Check price →How WOW Orchestra works
Normally, connecting a soundbar mutes the TV's built-in speakers. With WOW Orchestra on, both play together. The soundbar still handles the full range of sound, while the TV speakers add mid and high frequencies, which can make voices sound like they come from the screen.
It works over a wired HDMI eARC connection or wirelessly with WOWCAST on soundbars that support it. Settings appear on the TV screen through the WOW Interface, so you can change sound modes with the LG remote.
How to turn on WOW Orchestra
Menu names vary a little by TV year. If you don't see the option, your TV or soundbar may not support it; see compatibility below.
- Connect the soundbar to the TV's eARC HDMI port, or pair it with WOWCAST.
- On the TV, open Settings, then Sound, then Sound Out.
- Choose the option to use external speakers with TV speakers.
- Select WOW Orchestra (HDMI ARC device + TV speaker).
- To open the WOW Interface, hold the remote's input button for 2 to 3 seconds.
Which TVs and soundbars support it
Only compatible pairs of recent LG TVs and LG soundbars support WOW Orchestra. LG keeps the current list on its WOW Synergy page. Check it before you buy, especially if you're mixing a new soundbar with an older TV.
Samsung has a similar feature called Q-Symphony, which only works with Samsung TVs and soundbars. Neither works across brands. If you mix brands, a soundbar still works normally over eARC, just without the TV speakers joining in.
Should you leave it on or off?
Opinions split. Some owners on Reddit's r/LGOLED say it sounds bigger, especially with Dolby Atmos. Others, including posters on the What Hi-Fi? forum, find the soundbar and subwoofer sound better on their own and turn it off.
It tends to help when the soundbar sits well below the screen, since the TV speakers lift voices up to the picture. It can hurt if the TV speakers sound thin or 'tinny' next to a strong soundbar. Try a dialogue-heavy show and an action movie both ways, then decide.
Best settings to try
- Sound mode: start with the soundbar's AI Sound Pro or Standard mode in the WOW Interface, then compare Cinema for movies and Clear Voice for talk shows and news.
- Dolby Atmos content: WOW Orchestra makes the most difference with Atmos movies and series from apps like Netflix, Disney+ and Max. Make sure the app shows Atmos on the title.
- Night use: turn on the soundbar's night mode, or switch WOW Orchestra off so the TV speakers don't add extra volume at the front.
- Wall-mounted TVs: if the TV hangs well above the soundbar, WOW Orchestra can help lift voices to the screen; it's worth leaving on.
- Subwoofer level: if the bass overwhelms the TV speakers, lower the subwoofer a step or two in the WOW Interface.
WOW Orchestra vs. a dialogue or center channel
A soundbar with a dedicated center channel already places voices in the middle, which is the biggest single upgrade for clear dialogue. WOW Orchestra adds the TV's speakers on top. If your soundbar has only two channels, WOW Orchestra can make a bigger difference; with a 3.1-channel or larger soundbar, the gain is smaller and comes down to taste.
If dialogue is your main complaint, try the soundbar's voice or dialogue enhancement first. It's easier to adjust and works with any TV.
WOW Orchestra not working or not showing up
- Power-cycle everything: unplug the TV and soundbar from power and HDMI, wait a few minutes, then reconnect. Owners in LG help groups report this brings the option back.
- Use the eARC port: the soundbar must be on the TV's HDMI port marked eARC or ARC.
- Check the audio output setting: in Sound, Advanced Settings, set Digital Sound Output to Auto or Pass Through.
- Update both devices: install the latest TV and soundbar firmware. Some updates have changed how WOW Orchestra works.
- Check SIMPLINK: WOW features rely on HDMI-CEC. Make sure SIMPLINK is turned on.
If it sounds tinny
Switch the soundbar to a different sound mode in the WOW Interface, or lower the TV speaker level if your model allows it. If voices still sound thin, turn WOW Orchestra off and use the soundbar's center channel or dialogue mode instead.
Buying an LG TV and soundbar together
LG.com takes up to $200 off matching OLED TV and soundbar bundles, and up to $400 off TV and Sound Suite bundles. See our guide to LG TV and soundbar bundles and current offers on our LG Black Friday page. For 4K 120 Hz gaming through eARC, use an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.
Questions
Do all LG TVs have WOW Orchestra?
No. Only compatible recent LG TVs paired with compatible LG soundbars. LG lists supported pairs on its WOW Synergy page.
Is WOW Orchestra the same as Q-Symphony?
They do the same thing, but WOW Orchestra is LG-only and Q-Symphony is Samsung-only.
Can I turn WOW Orchestra off?
Yes. In Sound Out, choose the soundbar alone (HDMI ARC device) instead of the combined option.
Does WOW Orchestra work with WOWCAST?
Yes, on soundbars that support WOWCAST, the wireless connection supports WOW Orchestra the same way as HDMI eARC.
Why can't I find WOW Orchestra in Sound Out?
Your TV or soundbar may not support it, the soundbar may not be on the eARC port, or a firmware update may be needed. Power-cycling both devices often brings the option back.
- Maker product pages, specifications and support documents, checked Oct 29, 2026
- Published reviews and lab tests from independent outlets, noted in the text where used
Our picks are based on specs, maker documentation and published lab tests, noted where used.
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Jean founded ShopHighSpeed after trying to find one straight answer about business internet in his own town. He has been a Comcast and Verizon Fios customer, and ranks providers on what they actually deliver, not on what they advertise.