Ever wondered why your new TV and soundbar don’t sound as amazing as they should?
Chances are — you haven’t set up HDMI ARC or eARC yet.
At Pacroban, we believe great sound shouldn’t require an engineering degree.
So, here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to make your TV audio come alive through HDMI ARC or eARC.
🔊 What Is HDMI ARC & eARC?
ARC (Audio Return Channel) lets your TV send sound back to your soundbar or receiver — using the same HDMI cable that sends video to the TV.
No more messy optical cables or extra audio wires.
eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) is the upgraded version — it supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and uncompressed high-bitrate audio, giving you richer, cleaner sound.
If your TV and soundbar both support eARC, you’ll definitely hear the difference.
🪜 Step-by-Step: How to Connect ARC/eARC
1️⃣ Find the Right HDMI Port
Look at the back of your TV — one of the HDMI ports will say “ARC” or “eARC.”
Connect your HDMI cable there.
2️⃣ Plug into Your Soundbar or Receiver
Use the HDMI port labeled “TV (ARC/eARC)” on your soundbar or audio system.
3️⃣ Enable ARC/eARC in Settings
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On your TV, go to Settings → Sound → Audio Output → HDMI ARC/eARC.
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On your soundbar, select the HDMI ARC or TV input mode.
4️⃣ Turn Off Optical Cable (If Any)
If you previously used an optical cable, remove it — HDMI ARC replaces it entirely.
5️⃣ Test the Sound
Play a movie or YouTube video — you should now get full, room-filling audio from your soundbar.
If not, restart both devices and check HDMI settings.
⚡ Common Issues & Quick Fixes
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| No sound through ARC | Make sure TV audio output is set to HDMI ARC |
| Audio delay or lip-sync issue | Use a certified HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbps) cable |
| Sound cutting out | Try another HDMI input or disable “CEC” temporarily |
| eARC not working | Confirm both TV and soundbar support eARC in settings |
🎯 Final Tip
For the best ARC and eARC performance, always use a certified HDMI 2.1 cable — it ensures stable bandwidth and full Dolby Atmos sound quality.
Try our Pacroban Ultra High-Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable for clear, immersive sound and smooth video performance.
👉Pacroban 8K HDMI ARC/eARC Cable