tonistry.

Connections & formats

HDMI ARC

Also called ARC, eARC, Audio Return Channel

HDMI ARC, the Audio Return Channel, sends audio from a television back down the same HDMI cable that carries video to it, so a soundbar or receiver needs one cable instead of a separate optical link. eARC is the newer, higher-bandwidth version.

one HDMI cablevideoTV audio (ARC)volume (CEC)TVapps, inputsAV receiveror soundbar
With HDMI ARC the TV sends its audio back to a soundbar or AV receiver down the same HDMI cable that brings video to it, and the TV remote sets the volume over HDMI-CEC. eARC adds bandwidth for lossless multichannel formats.

With ARC, the TV’s own apps and anything plugged into its other inputs can play through the hi-fi, and the TV remote controls the volume. Plain ARC carries about what optical does, including compressed surround; eARC, part of HDMI 2.1, adds enough bandwidth for lossless multichannel formats.

Both ends have to support the feature on the specific socket, usually labeled ARC or eARC, and the HDMI-CEC control link has to be enabled. Most receivers and soundbars have it; few two-channel DACs and amplifiers do, which is why TV audio in a stereo system often still goes over optical.

Where you’ll see this on tonistry.

  • HDMI/ARC is one of the connection types members pick when they draw a signal chain.

Related terms