Make the most of your AV equipment by understanding what eARC is exactly
Unless you’re a seasoned AV enthusiast, setting up a home theater can feel like solving a puzzle without the box cover.
In the ever changing landscape of HDMI standards, you’ll often be finding yourself doing some intense Google-ing, trying to decipher acronyms and specs, and working out if your AV equipment is going to play nicely.
The ever-increasingly common HDMI eARC is certainly a standard that has stumped even the biggest nerds (i.e. people like me) when setting up new TV and audio equipment, such as the excellent Sonos Arc Ultra.
If you’ve also been stumped as to exactly what eARC is then you’ve come to the right place to unravel the mystery.
Here’s a quick go-to guide for understanding HDMI eARC….
What is HDMI eARC?

HDMI eARC stands for Enhanced Audio Return Channel. It’s an upgrade from HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), designed to transmit high-resolution audio formats with significantly improved bandwidth.
eARC is an integral part of the HDMI 2.1 specification and if you’re not sure what that means exactly, then have a read of our comprehensive guide to HDMI.
What’s the difference between ARC and eARC?
The key distinctions boil down to three things: bandwidth, audio quality, and compatibility.
- Bandwidth: Regular old ARC is capped at 1Mbps, meaning audio – even surround sound – is compressed. Chuck that little e into the mix though and we’re looking at a 37Mbps pipeline, allowing for uncompressed and high-resolution audio, from the latest formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, as well as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and uncompressed PCM.
- Audio formats: eARC supports a broader range of formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. With ARC, you’re often limited to Dolby Digital or DTS.
- Lip sync: While ARC includes optional lip-sync correction, eARC mandates it, ensuring better audio-video synchronization so you won’t have those annoying moments where the actor’s mouth is playing catch up with their words during movie time.

How to use HDMI eARC
- Check for eARC Compatibility: Both your TV and speakers need eARC-enabled HDMI ports. Look for an eARC label or check the specs. Pretty much all modern TVs, mid-range, and up will give you an eARC option, likewise with soundbars and AV systems.
- Choose the right HDMI Cable: An Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable is ideal, though Standard or High-Speed HDMI cables with Ethernet often work too. For best results, opt for certified Ultra High-Speed cables – although there’s no need to break the bank. You can get decent, high-speed, HDMI 2.1 cables for under $20.
- Configure your TV settings: Be sure to enable eARC in your TV’s settings menu. Depending on the brand, this might be labeled as HDMI Audio Format’ or ‘Digital Sound Output’ and it’s not always turned on by default.
- Connect peripherals: Make sure devices like game consoles and streaming boxes are plugged into HDMI 2.1 ports for optimal audio pass-through. The latest-gen consoles, such as the PS5 and the Xbox Series S/X all have HDMI 2.1 on offer.

HDMI eARC backward compatibility
The good news is that eARC is backward-compatible with ARC devices.
You can connect an ARC soundbar to an eARC-enabled TV, and you’ll still get sound; albeit limited to ARC’s compressed audio capabilities. The reverse is also true, but you’ll miss out on eARC’s benefits.
Why You Need eARC
For serious audio enthusiasts, eARC is essential. It unlocks the full potential of your sound system, delivering uncompressed, immersive audio. Whether it’s a Sonos Arc soundbar or a 7.1-channel receiver, eARC ensures you’re not missing out on quality.
If you’re investing in a high-end home theater setup or plan to watch a lot of 4K Blu-rays and Atmos-enabled streaming content, eARC should be a priority. Even for casual users, the improved audio and reduced setup hassle make it worth considering when upgrading your gear.
The Future of HDMI eARC
With HDMI 2.1 becoming more prevalent, eARC is poised to become the standard for home theater audio.
Brands like LG, Samsung, and Sony are already integrating multiple eARC-compatible ports into their latest TVs, while brands like Denon, Onkyo, and Sonos are also big eARC champions.
So, next time you’re upgrading your home theater, keep eARC in mind. It’s not just another tech acronym, it’s actually pretty important in making sure you’re getting the best AV performance possible.
HDMI eARC FAQs
Yes, but for the best performance, it’s recommended to use an Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable. Many Standard or High-Speed HDMI cables with Ethernet will also work, but they might not support the full eARC capabilities.
An ARC device connected to an eARC-enabled port will still work, but you’ll be limited to ARC’s compressed audio capabilities. You won’t get the full benefit of eARC’s uncompressed audio formats.
Not necessarily. eARC is part of the HDMI 2.1 specification, but not all HDMI 2.1 devices include eARC support. Always check the product specifications to confirm compatibility.
If you have a high-end audio setup or plan to use uncompressed audio formats like Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio, eARC is worth the upgrade. It ensures higher audio quality and better synchronization.
No, eARC is specific to HDMI. Optical and Bluetooth connections don’t support the same high-resolution audio formats or bandwidth that eARC offers.