What is HDMI (e)ARC?

ARC is short for Audio Return Channel. This is a technology that's used for some HDMI connectors and most HDMI 4K 60Hz cables. While a regular HDMI connector is only able to transmit audio signals or video images, ARC has an added function that allows you to transmit audio signals from a TV back to the source, like a receiver or soundbar.

Televisions often compress the audio signals they transmit. This means it loses quality. Thanks to an eARC connection, which stand for Enhanced Audio Return Channel, you don't lose quality. This way, you can transfer the full resolution of an audio signal with an HDMI 4K 120Hz / 8K 50Hz cable. That's possible because eARC improves the bandwidth and speed of the cable a lot. The eARC technology is also compatible with Dolby Atmos, so you can enjoy this immersive sound experience optimally. Dolby Atmos sends the sound to the ceiling, where it echoes to your listening position. This way, it's like you also hear the sound from above.

An eARC connection is handy when your TV is the audio source. This is the case when you're watching a Netflix series on your smart TV, for example. If your TV is connected to your receiver via an eARC connection, you can play the sound over the connected speakers. That means you won't need a separate optical cable, so you have more free inputs. Another advantage is the ability to control the volume of your speakers with your television remote.

For a successful connection, the TV, the connected device, and the HDMI cable have to have ARC. With some devices, it's easy to see if it has this function. In that case, the letters (e)ARC are indicated next to the HDMI connectors. You have to plug in the HDMI cable to these specific connectors. For a successful eARC connection, you need a device with an eARC connector and an HDMI 4K 120Hz / 8K 60Hz cable. If your HDMI cable was made before 2009, there's a big chance this cable doesn't support ARC. In this case, you should buy an HDMI 4K 120 Hz / 8K 60Hz cable for the optimal sound quality. Was your cable made before 2017, and do you want to use it to transfer eARC audio signals? This cable probably doesn't support eARC, so we recommend to buy an HDMI 4K 120Hz / 8K 60Hz cable.