HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is a specification in HDMI ports that you may find labeled on the back of your TV. This is not an ordinary HDMI port. It can simplify your audio cabling needs and setup if you know where to look for it and how to implement it.
Traditionally, an AV receiver was the heart of the home media experience, with everything connecting through it. DVD/Blu-ray players, cable boxes, game consoles, and other devices all went into the box, and then video and audio signals were split between the TV and the speakers. However, many newer HDTVs, with smart features built right in and a plethora of ports on the back, can serve as the hub, with the receiver taking a back seat.
HDMI ARC offers two-way communication, similar to the HDMI control scheme specification HDMI-CEC. In the original HDMI standard, your TV could receive audio through HDMI, like when your Blu-ray player sends audio and video on the same cable, but it could not send audio out. HDMI ARC allows your TV to send audio out so, any audio generated by the built-in antenna tuner, smart TV apps like Netflix, or any other on-TV source, can be sent out to your surround sound system or sound bar.
HDMI ARC can handle newer audio formats that TOSLink cannot, reducing the number of cables you use. It also allows for the use of newer devices without having to settle for using a 30-year-old optical cable standard.
Despite HDMI ARC being around since HDMI 1.4 (released in May of 2008), the way manufacturers have implemented it varies greatly. Some have done it very well and clearly, others halfway and hazily, and some not at all. Therefore, it’s important to read the fine print closely when using HDMI ARC.
HDMI ARC can greatly simplify your audio cabling needs and setup. However, its implementation varies among manufacturers, so it’s crucial to understand how to use it and read the fine print.
Please note that this is a brief summary and analysis of the article and may not include all details. For a comprehensive understanding, it’s recommended to read the full article.
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