HDMI eARC: Explained

HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) is a feature that was introduced in HDMI 2.1. It allows for the transmission of object-based audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, from a source device to an AV Receiver or soundbar. This can be done with a single cable, and without the need for a separate audio connection.

1. What is HDMI eARC?

HDMI eARC is a new feature that was introduced with HDMI 2.1. It stands for "enhanced audio return channel" and it offers a number of improvements over the standard ARC feature.

One of the biggest advantages of HDMI eARC is that it supports object-based audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. This means that you can enjoy surround sound that's more realistic and immersive than ever before.

HDMI eARC also supports high-resolution audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. This means you can enjoy your music and movies with improved audio quality.

Overall, HDMI eARC is a great new feature that offers a number of advantages over the standard ARC feature. If you're looking for an immersive surround sound experience, then you'll definitely want to make use of HDMI eARC.

2. What are the benefits of HDMI eARC?

The most obvious benefit of HDMI eARC is that it allows you to enjoy the latest high-resolution audio formats. If you have a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X-equipped AVR and a 4K TV, you can now take full advantage of those audio codecs.

Another big benefit is improved compatibility with HDCP 2.2-encrypted content. This is the copy protection standard used by most 4K content providers, like Netflix, Amazon Prime and more.

Overall, the HDMI eARC standard provides a significant improvement over the previous HDMI ARC standard, and is a great option for those looking to transmit high-quality audio and video signals between devices.

3. How does HDMI eARC work?

Just like other HDMI connections, HDMI eARC the transfer of both audio and video signals between devices. However, HDMI eARC also supports object-based audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. This means that, as well as the traditional surround sound channels, individual sounds can be placed and moved anywhere in the 3-dimensional space around the listener. This allows for a more immersive experience, with sounds seeming to come from all around you, even above your head.

4. What devices support HDMI eARC?

HDMI eARC is a relatively new standard that improves audio quality for devices that support it. Not all devices support HDMI eARC, but those that do can provide a superior audio experience. If you're looking to buy a new device and want the best audio quality possible, make sure it supports HDMI eARC.

5. How do I enable HDMI eARC?

There are a few steps you need to take in order to enable HDMI eARC on your device. First, make sure that your TV and device are both HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2 compatible. If they are not, you will not be able to take advantage of HDMI eARC.

Next, you will need to go into the settings of your device and enable HDMI eARC. On most devices, this can be found under the audio settings. Once you have enabled HDMI eARC, your device will automatically output audio through the HDMI port whenever it is connected to a compatible TV.

6. What is the difference between HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC ?

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) are both technologies that allow audio to be passed between devices through an HDMI connection.

HDMI ARC is the older of the two technologies and is found on many devices released before 2019. eARC is the newer standard and offers a number of advantages over HDMI ARC.

The main differences between HDMI ARC and eARC is the audio quality that each is capable of delivering. HDMI ARC is limited to supporting Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 (the most common surround sound formats), while eARC supports a wider range of audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio (the highest quality surround sound formats).

Another difference between HDMI ARC and eARC is the maximum bandwidth that each can support. HDMI ARC is limited to 18Mbps, while eARC supports up to 48Mbps. This higher bandwidth allows eARC to carry a wider range of audio signals, including those with higher bitrates.

Finally, eARC also supports advanced features like automatic lip-sync compensation and dynamic metadata (such as Dolby Atmos). These features are not supported by HDMI ARC.

In short, eARC is a significant upgrade over HDMI ARC in terms of audio quality and features. If your TV and audio system support eARC, we recommend using it over HDMI ARC.