You could get around this using an HDMI switcher, but then you start adding complexity you were probably hoping to avoid by getting a soundbar in the first place. If your TV only has three inputs, you can only connect three devices. For one, you're limited by how many inputs your TV has. There are some drawbacks to this configuration, though. Given the ease of use, using the TV as a switcher is the way to go for most people. Most TVs these days have both an optical audio output and HDMI ARC.

If matching the dimensions precisely isn't as important you can try the following guide: Soundbar lengths for TV screen sizes If you want them to match you have two main options, a) check the width of your TV compared to screen size with this handy chart, or b) more accurately, you can check the width of both models in the manufacturers' spec sections before you buy. Buying a soundbar that is designed by the same manufacturer may help but it's not guaranteed. Televisions are measured diagonally while soundbars are measured lengthways, so a 46-inch TV won't match up with a 46-inch wide speaker, for example. If you want the soundbar to be exactly the same width as your TV then take note. While the larger soundbars sometimes offer more drivers and hence a bigger sound, there are others where all you're paying for is a longer box. Soundbars come in all shapes and sizes: from under a foot long to wider than a big-screen TV. Soundbars are sometimes designed to match the width of certain TVs. Want to know more? Here's a quick primer on which features are the most important for your needs and other stuff you should know.

How to connect microphone to sound bar