What is HDMI ARC?

HDMI is well-established as the go-to method for connecting high-definition audio and video to flatscreen TVs. It’s a simple and trustworthy way of connecting all our streaming devices or Blu-ray to the big screen with one simple cable.

While exploring the different HDMI ports available on your TV, it’s likely that you’ve also come across the words “HDMI ARC”. Although it may not mean much at first glance, the HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is a great feature, aimed at amplifying your home-theatre experience by reducing clutter, simplifying your set-up, and increasing sound quality.

If you’re still wondering what exactly the HDMI ARC does and whether you should use it, we’ve created a handy guide to answer all your questions.

What is an HDMI ARC?

The HDMI ARC allows for two-way communication between devices using one cable, allowing audio signals to travel both to and from speakers. In other words, the HDMI ARC eliminates the need for separate audio and video cables.

The HDMI ARC has been around ever since the HDMI 1.4 version was introduced and is now a very common feature found on smart TVs.

Should I use HDMI ARC?

Using a HDMI ARC interface can be very beneficial, but its usefulness will also depend on what your current set-up looks like.

For example, if you use your TV’s speakers for audio, then the HDMI ARC feature is unnecessary. The primary use of the ARC is to send an audio ‘downstream’ from your TV to an external speaker, without requiring a separate audio receiver. In the absence of an external soundbar, the feature of the HDMI ARC is redundant.

However, if you do use an external soundbar, audio receiver or surround sound system, the HDMI ARC is advantageous for a few reasons:

1. Less clutter: Fewer cables to connect audio and video separately means reducing the overall clutter of your home cinema set-up.

2. Fewer controls: Using the HDMI ARC to connect to your external speakers will allow you to control your audio using one remote. Simply enable the HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) in your settings and enjoy using one remote for both your TV and soundbar.

3. Better sound quality: Compared to an optical cable, an HDMI ARC will provide better sound quality and latency. If you opt for an eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) the sound quality will be even better, due to higher bandwidth.

Related: The best soundbars 2021

How do I use HDMI ARC?

The set-up for the HDMI ARC is very easy, all you need to do is follow a few simple steps.

The first step is to look at your TV’s HDMI interfaces and determine which port can support HDMI ARC. It’ll probably be labelled as such using brackets, and look something like this: HDMI ONE (ARC).

Once you’ve connected your HDMI cable to the ARC port, switch on the TV. Next, turn on your audio device and insert the other end of the HDMI cable into your device’s ARC port.

As a final step, you may need to tweak your TV settings to enable the ARC output on the TV; you will usually find this under audio settings. Some TVs may be able to automatically detect the ARC, but others will require manual activation.

Can I use HDMI ARC as regular HDMI?

Yes, HDMI ARC can be used as a regular HDMI port given that it is compatible with most HDMI cables.

Is HDMI and HDMI ARC cable the same?

Most HDMI cables are compatible with HDMI ARC ports, as long as you have an HDMI version 1.4 cable or newer.

Does HDMI ARC work on any TV?

HDMI ARC was first introduced in 2009 and can be found on most TVs and soundbars sold in the last few years. If you have any doubts of ARC compatibility prior to purchase, make sure to contact the manufacturer.

Related: The best 55-inch TVs

Is HDMI ARC better than optical?

In short – yes. Both HDMI ARC and optical transmit audio from one device to another, but the HDMI ARC passes higher-resolution audio compared to optical.

Optical doesn’t support Dolby Digital Plus or Dolby TrueHD, making it incompatible with most advanced external soundbars. On the other hand, HDMI ARC supports all sound formats including Dolby Atmos via Dolby Digital Plus. It also supports video.

In sum, for improved sound quality and fewer cables in your set-up, HDMI ARC is the go-to option.

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What is eARC?

The ‘enhanced Audio Return Channel’, shortened to eARC, is the next generation of ARC. Available in the latest HDMI 2.1 standard, the eARC provides increased bandwidth and speed, resulting in a richer, more vibrant sound quality.

To enable this feature, you must have an eARC compatible TV, as well as an ultra-high-speed HDMI cable

Marina Avraam is a Storytelling Executive for WhatsTheBest, and also writes for Mother&Baby, Heat and Closer. She has a passion for psychology, reading and fashion writing.

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