HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC: the differences explained

Most modern TVs feature HDMI ARC or eARC connections – we take a look at what they mean

· TechRadar

Features By Max Slater-Robins published 28 September 2024

(Image credit: Samsung)

Behind every good home cinema setup, there is an HDMI cable – or so the saying goes (sort of). While HDMI cables might not be the most exciting things in an AV system, it's hard to overstate how essential they are to its proper operation. 

Besides iPhone chargers, HDMI, which was introduced in 2002, may well be the most common cable that the world owns, transferring up to 8K video and multichannel audio to the best TVs of any size or type. 

Today, we're taking a look at two innovations in the HDMI cable connection standard: HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC. 

ARC stands for Audio Return Channel, and eARC stands for Enhanced Audio Return Channel. ARC was introduced as part of the HDMI 1.4b Specification, and allows for the two-way travel of audio data over an HDMI cable to and from a TV. A standard, pre-ARC HDMI port, in contrast, only supports video and audio transmitted from a source device directly to a TV or another type of display. 

The biggest practical application of ARC is to have just one cable that connects a smart TV and one of the best soundbars or another external sound system, which would have previously required multiple cables. In 2024, the best TVs across all price ranges will come with HDMI ARC or eARC ports. 

(Image credit: Future)

How HDMI ARC and eARC differ from regular HDMI ports

As just discussed, HDMI ARC – or Audio Return Channel – offers one huge benefit: as well as receiving audio and video like normal, your TV can send audio back over the same HDMI cable. That means audio from the TV’s built-in streaming apps like Netflix, as well as source devices connected to the TV via its other HDMI ports such as a gaming console or one of the best 4K Blu-ray players, can be routed to an external speaker system like a soundbar or AV receiver. 

The result: fewer cables (or even just one cable connecting the TV and a soundbar) in your home theatre setup.  

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