HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) lets your TV send its sound back to a soundbar or receiver through the same HDMI cable that carries the picture to the TV, so you need one cable instead of two. eARC (enhanced ARC) is the newer version: it carries higher-quality, uncompressed audio including Dolby Atmos, which plain ARC cannot. To use either, plug the soundbar into the HDMI port on the TV labelled ARC or eARC, turn on HDMI-CEC in both devices, and use a certified High Speed or Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.
PCBy the Pixl Canada install team. Updated . 6 min read.
- ARC vs eARC in one table
- Which port and which cable
- Seven fixes when there is no sound
- We install and set up soundbars
- ARC and eARC send audio from the TV to a soundbar over one HDMI cable.
- Only eARC carries Dolby Atmos and other uncompressed formats.
- Use the HDMI port marked ARC or eARC on the TV, and turn on HDMI-CEC.
- Most “no sound” problems are the wrong port, CEC off, or the TV set to output audio from its own speakers.
What does HDMI ARC mean?
ARC stands for Audio Return Channel. Normally HDMI carries sound and picture from a source, such as a streaming box, into the TV. ARC lets the TV send sound back out to a soundbar or receiver over the same cable. Without it, you would need an extra optical cable to get the TV’s own apps and tuner through your soundbar.
What is the difference between ARC and eARC?
| Feature | ARC | eARC |
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | Compressed formats such as Dolby Digital 5.1, and stereo | Uncompressed multichannel audio |
| Dolby Atmos | Only in limited forms (Dolby Digital Plus) | Full support, including Dolby TrueHD-based Atmos |
| Port label | “ARC” | “eARC” (often on one port only) |
| Cable | Certified High Speed HDMI | Certified High Speed or Ultra High Speed HDMI |
| Best for | Most soundbars with standard surround | Soundbars and receivers that support Atmos |
Both your TV and your soundbar must support eARC for it to work. If one side supports only ARC, the connection falls back to ARC.
How do you set up HDMI ARC?
- Find the right port. On the TV, look for the HDMI input labelled ARC or eARC. It is often HDMI 1 or 2.
- Plug the soundbar’s HDMI OUT (ARC) port into that TV port with a certified HDMI cable.
- Turn on HDMI-CEC in the TV and soundbar settings. Brands call it Anynet+, Bravia Sync, Simplink and others.
- Set the TV’s audio output to ARC or HDMI instead of internal speakers.
- Set the audio format to Auto or Passthrough so the soundbar receives the full signal.
- Test with an app on the TV itself, not just a connected box.
Other ways to connect a soundbar are in how to connect a soundbar to a TV, and choosing between a soundbar and surround is in soundbar vs surround sound.
What do you do when HDMI ARC has no sound?
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Cable is in the wrong TV port | Move it to the port marked ARC or eARC |
| HDMI-CEC is off | Turn it on in both devices |
| TV is using its own speakers | Change the audio output to ARC, HDMI or external speaker |
| Audio format mismatch | Set the TV output to Auto, or to PCM if the soundbar is fussy |
| A bad or old cable | Try a certified High Speed or Ultra High Speed cable |
| Devices out of sync after standby | Power cycle: unplug both for 30 seconds, then power the soundbar first |
| Firmware | Update the TV and soundbar |
Pixl installs and sets up soundbars: installing one is $50 and mounting it is a further $50, before tax. If you want the TV, soundbar and wires done together, see TV mounting service, home theatre installation cost and hiding TV wires.
HDMI ARC: frequently asked questions
What is HDMI ARC?
Audio Return Channel. It lets your TV send audio to a soundbar or receiver through the same HDMI cable that carries the picture, so you need one cable instead of two.
What is the difference between ARC and eARC?
eARC carries higher-quality, uncompressed audio including Dolby Atmos. ARC carries compressed audio and limited Atmos.
Which HDMI port do I use for ARC?
The one marked ARC or eARC on the TV. Other ports will not return audio.
Do I need a special HDMI cable for ARC?
Use a certified High Speed HDMI cable for ARC, and a High Speed or Ultra High Speed cable for eARC.
Why is there no sound through ARC?
The usual causes are the wrong port, HDMI-CEC off, or the TV set to output sound from its own speakers.
Can Pixl set up my soundbar?
Yes. Installing a soundbar is $50 and mounting it is a further $50, before tax. You pay after the job.
Want the TV, soundbar and wires done in one visit?
Text a photo of your setup. No deposit, and you pay after the job.
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Sources and method. Based on the HDMI specification as described by HDMI Licensing and manufacturer manuals. Feature support varies by model, so check your TV and soundbar manuals. Pixl prices were checked in October 2026, in Canadian dollars, before tax.
About Pixl Canada. Pixl Canada is an installation company based in Edmonton, Alberta, serving cities across Canada with TV mounting, security cameras, appliance installation and smart home setup. Call or text (587) 899-7495. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm.