HDMI ARC and eARC: Why Your Audio Won’t Pass Through

HDMI ARC and eARC are supposed to simplify home entertainment. One HDMI cable connects the television to a soundbar or AV receiver, and audio from the television’s built-in apps, games console or streaming device returns through that same cable.

When it works, the setup is clean and convenient. When it does not, you may get silence, stereo instead of surround sound, missing Dolby Atmos, audio dropouts or a television that repeatedly switches back to its internal speakers.

The difficulty is that successful audio passthrough depends on the entire chain. The television, source device, sound system, HDMI ports, cable, audio format and control settings must all agree.

This guide explains why HDMI ARC and eARC audio will not pass through, how the two technologies differ and which settings to check before replacing your equipment.

What Is HDMI ARC?

ARC stands for Audio Return Channel.

A normal HDMI connection sends video and audio from a source device towards a television. ARC allows a compatible television to send audio in the opposite direction to a soundbar or AV receiver through the same HDMI cable.

That means audio from the television’s tuner, streaming applications or connected devices can reach the sound system without a separate optical cable. ARC was introduced as part of HDMI 1.4. 

A basic ARC connection looks like this:

Streaming device or console → Television → ARC → Soundbar

The television becomes the central switching point. It receives the video and audio, displays the picture and returns supported audio to the sound system.

What Is HDMI eARC?

eARC stands for Enhanced Audio Return Channel.

It performs the same basic job as ARC but supports much greater audio bandwidth and more advanced formats. HDMI Licensing Administrator says eARC supports high-bitrate audio, including object-based formats, with support reaching 192kHz, 24-bit audio and up to 37Mbps of audio bandwidth. 

Depending on the capabilities of every device in the chain, eARC can carry formats such as:

• Stereo PCM
• Multichannel PCM
• Dolby Digital
• Dolby Digital Plus
• Dolby TrueHD
• Dolby Atmos
• DTS formats
• DTS-HD Master Audio
• DTS:X

Support is not guaranteed merely because a port says eARC. The television, source and sound system must all support the specific format you are trying to use.

ARC vs. eARC: What Is the Difference?

ARC may be sufficient for ordinary television broadcasts and most streaming services. eARC becomes more important when using Blu-ray players, gaming PCs, modern consoles or media servers that output lossless surround sound or multichannel PCM.

Sony documents that, with eARC enabled on compatible equipment, a television can pass an incoming format such as 7.1-channel linear PCM to the connected audio system without converting it. 

Why Your ARC or eARC Audio Is Not Passing Through

1. You Are Using the Wrong HDMI Port

This is the most common cause.

A television may have four HDMI sockets, but usually only one is labelled:

• ARC
• eARC
• ARC/eARC
• HDMI OUT (ARC)
• TV-ARC

The soundbar or receiver also has a specific port intended for connection to the television. It may be labelled:

• HDMI OUT (TV-ARC)
• HDMI OUT (eARC)
• TV eARC
• HDMI TO TV
• ARC/eARC

Connecting the cable to an ordinary HDMI input on either device will not establish the return channel.

Dolby recommends connecting the television’s labelled ARC/eARC socket directly to the corresponding eARC or HDMI-output socket on the soundbar. 

Correct Connection

TV HDMI eARC/ARC ↔ Soundbar HDMI TO TV eARC/ARC

Do not connect the television’s eARC port to an ordinary soundbar HDMI input unless the soundbar’s instructions specifically tell you to do so.

2. ARC or eARC Is Disabled in the Television

Connecting the cable does not always activate the feature automatically.

Look in the television’s sound or external-device settings for options such as:

• HDMI eARC Mode
• ARC
• Audio Return Channel
• Digital Audio Return
• eARC Support
• HDMI Audio System
• Receiver Output

For eARC, choose Auto or On.

The exact menu varies by manufacturer. On some Samsung televisions, for example, eARC is found under the advanced or expert sound settings and must be switched to Auto. 

3. HDMI-CEC Is Turned Off

ARC commonly depends on HDMI-CEC for device discovery, power control and audio-system switching.

Manufacturers use different names for HDMI-CEC:

Enable CEC on both the television and audio system.

Sony’s current ARC troubleshooting guidance advises enabling Control for HDMI on both devices and confirming that the audio system appears in the television’s connected-device list. Samsung also instructs users to enable Anynet+ when configuring eARC. 

Be aware that CEC can be temperamental. A faulty or poorly compliant HDMI device elsewhere in the system can disrupt communication between the television and soundbar.

4. The Television Is Still Using Its Internal Speakers

A television may detect the soundbar but continue playing audio through its own speakers.

Open the sound-output menu and select an option such as:

• Audio System
• Receiver
• HDMI ARC
• HDMI eARC
• External Speakers
• Soundbar

Do not select:

• TV Speakers
• Bluetooth Speaker
• Optical Output
• Headphones

Sony notes that simply connecting the HDMI cable may not automatically switch the television to the external sound system. The correct speaker output must be selected in the television’s settings. 

5. The Soundbar Is on the Wrong Input

The soundbar may be physically connected correctly but listening to another source.

Select the relevant mode, which may be called:

• TV ARC
• eARC
• HDMI eARC
• D.IN
• TV
• HDMI Control

Do not assume the soundbar will always change input automatically.

If the soundbar display shows Bluetooth, Optical, AUX or another HDMI input, select its television-return input manually.

6. The HDMI Cable Is Faulty or Unsuitable

ARC itself does not require the latest and most expensive HDMI cable. eARC, particularly within a high-bandwidth setup, benefits from a certified cable with Ethernet-channel support and appropriate performance for the full system.

HDMI Licensing Administrator recommends using the correct certified cable and notes that Premium High Speed HDMI cables with Ethernet can support eARC, while Ultra High Speed HDMI cables are required when the connection must also carry the complete set of high-bandwidth HDMI features. 

Cable problems can cause:

• No sound
• Intermittent audio
• Atmos disappearing
• Brief dropouts
• CEC failures
• Devices not being detected
• Sound cutting out when video format changes

For troubleshooting:

1. Use a short, known-working cable.
2. Connect it directly.
3. Remove adapters, wall plates and extenders.
4. Avoid excessively long passive cables.
5. Try another certified cable.

Sony specifically recommends avoiding long cables, adapters and extenders while diagnosing ARC or eARC faults. 

7. The Television Cannot Pass the Audio Format

This is one of the most confusing issues.

A television may support Dolby Atmos through its own streaming applications but fail to pass the same format from a connected games console or Blu-ray player.

Audio support can differ between:

• Built-in television applications
• HDMI-connected devices
• ARC output
• eARC output
• Optical output
• Compressed bitstream
• Uncompressed PCM

For example, a television might:

• Pass Dolby Digital 5.1
• Pass Dolby Digital Plus Atmos
• Reject DTS
• Convert multichannel PCM to stereo
• Pass TrueHD only through eARC
• Decode a format internally but not return it externally

Check the television manual’s supported HDMI audio passthrough formats, not just the logos printed on the box.

8. Digital Audio Output Is Set Incorrectly

Televisions commonly provide output settings such as:

• PCM
• Auto
• Bitstream
• Pass Through
• Dolby Digital
• Dolby Digital Plus

These choices are not interchangeable.

PCM

PCM is decoded audio.

On ARC equipment, selecting PCM may result in stereo because standard ARC generally lacks the bandwidth for uncompressed multichannel PCM.

With eARC and compatible equipment, multichannel PCM may pass correctly.

Bitstream

Bitstream sends an encoded format such as Dolby Digital to the soundbar or receiver for decoding.

Pass Through

Pass Through attempts to send the incoming signal to the audio system without converting it.

For modern eARC setups, Pass Through is often the best starting point when the soundbar or receiver supports the original format.

For ordinary ARC, Auto, Bitstream or Dolby Digital Plus may work better, depending on the equipment.

9. Your Source Device Is Outputting an Unsupported Format

The television may be configured correctly while the games console, streaming box or Blu-ray player is sending something the return channel cannot carry.

Possible source settings include:

• Stereo uncompressed
• 5.1 uncompressed
• 7.1 uncompressed
• Dolby Digital
• Dolby Atmos for home theatre
• DTS
• Bitstream
• PCM
• Automatic

If you have ARC rather than eARC, try:

• Dolby Digital
• Dolby Digital Plus
• Bitstream

If you have a full eARC chain, try:

• 5.1 or 7.1 PCM
• Dolby Atmos
• Bitstream
• Automatic

The correct choice depends on the source, television and audio system. There is no single setting that works for every combination.

10. ARC Is Being Asked to Carry Lossless Dolby Atmos

The words “Dolby Atmos” describe an immersive audio experience, but Atmos can be delivered through different underlying formats.

Common examples include:

• Dolby Digital Plus with Atmos
• Dolby TrueHD with Atmos
• Dolby MAT
• Dolby AC-4 in certain services

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos is compressed and commonly used by streaming services. It may work over ARC on compatible equipment.

Dolby TrueHD Atmos is lossless and normally requires eARC or a direct source-to-receiver connection.

Therefore, a streaming application might produce Atmos successfully while a 4K Blu-ray player connected to the television loses Atmos or produces no sound.

The Atmos logo alone does not tell you which underlying format is being used.

11. The Television Does Not Support DTS Passthrough

Some televisions do not decode or pass certain DTS formats.

Symptoms include:

• Picture but no audio from a Blu-ray
• Stereo output instead of surround
• Sound working with Dolby tracks but not DTS
• An “unsupported audio” message
• Audio working when the player is connected directly to the receiver

Possible solutions include:

• Select a Dolby soundtrack.
• Make the player convert DTS to PCM.
• Connect the player directly to the soundbar or receiver.
• Use equipment that supports the required DTS format.
• Change the source to a compatible compressed format.

A soundbar supporting DTS does not help when the television refuses to pass the DTS signal to it.

12. You Are Using Optical and HDMI ARC at the Same Time

Connecting both optical and HDMI can create input-selection problems.

The television or soundbar may:

• Prioritise optical
• Disable CEC control
• Limit available formats
• Switch inputs unpredictably
• Produce stereo
• Create an audio delay

Use one television-to-sound-system connection while testing.

Disconnect the optical cable completely and confirm that HDMI ARC or eARC works on its own.

13. Another HDMI Device Is Breaking CEC

A streaming stick, console, HDMI switch or set-top box may interfere with CEC communication.

Sony and Samsung both recommend disconnecting other HDMI devices when troubleshooting ARC or eARC. Some external devices may not fully comply with HDMI control requirements and can prevent the television and audio system from negotiating correctly. 

Test with only:

Television ↔ Soundbar or Receiver

When audio works, reconnect the other devices one at a time.

The device that causes ARC to fail is likely disrupting CEC or HDMI negotiation.

14. The HDMI Handshake Has Failed

HDMI devices exchange information when they start. This process is often called a handshake.

The devices negotiate:

• Video capabilities
• Audio formats
• CEC control
• ARC or eARC status
• Copy protection
• Colour formats
• Resolution and refresh rate

A failed handshake can leave the system in an incorrect state.

Reset the HDMI Handshake

1. Turn off the television, source and sound system.
2. Unplug all devices from mains power.
3. Disconnect the HDMI cables.
4. Wait two to five minutes.
5. Connect the television to the sound system first.
6. Restore power to the sound system.
7. Restore power to the television.
8. Enable CEC, ARC and eARC.
9. Test television-app audio.
10. Reconnect source devices one at a time.

This is more effective than switching the television off with the remote, because many modern devices remain in standby.

15. The Firmware Is Out of Date

ARC and eARC depend heavily on software.

Updates may improve:

• HDMI compatibility
• Device discovery
• Audio-format support
• Lip synchronisation
• Dropout behaviour
• CEC control
• Console compatibility

Update:

• Television firmware
• Soundbar firmware
• Receiver firmware
• Console software
• Streaming-device software
• Blu-ray player firmware

Sony and Samsung both include firmware updates among their primary ARC and eARC troubleshooting steps. 

After updating, disconnect the equipment from power and rebuild the HDMI connection.

16. Your Soundbar Supports ARC but Not eARC

An eARC television can generally fall back to ARC when connected to an ARC-only soundbar.

However, the system will then operate within ARC’s limitations.

You may lose:

• Multichannel uncompressed PCM
• Dolby TrueHD
• Lossless Atmos
• DTS-HD Master Audio
• DTS:X
• Some advanced gaming audio modes

The television menu may still contain an eARC option, but enabling it cannot give an ARC-only soundbar eARC capabilities.

Every link must support the feature.

17. Your Receiver Supports eARC on Only One Output

AV receivers may contain several HDMI outputs but enable eARC on only one of them.

Check for labels such as:

• MONITOR 1 ARC/eARC
• HDMI OUT 1
• MAIN ARC
• TV OUT eARC

The receiver may also require ARC or HDMI Control to be enabled in its setup menu.

Do not assume every HDMI output provides the same features.

18. An HDMI Switch, Splitter or Wall Plate Is Blocking eARC

ARC and eARC are designed for a direct return-channel connection.

Intermediate equipment may not correctly support:

• ARC
• eARC
• CEC
• Ethernet-channel wiring
• Device negotiation

Potential troublemakers include:

• HDMI switches
• Splitters
• Matrix switches
• Capture cards
• AV wall plates
• Cable extenders
• HDMI-over-Ethernet systems
• Older AV receivers
• Projector installations

Connect the television directly to the soundbar or receiver as a test.

When the direct connection works, the intermediate device is the likely limitation.

19. Your Television Application Is Outputting Stereo

The ARC connection may be functioning correctly while the application itself supplies only stereo.

This can depend on:

• The programme
• The subscription tier
• The application
• The television model
• Regional availability
• Language track
• Accessibility track
• Network conditions

Check another known surround-sound programme.

Also verify that you have not selected:

• Audio description
• An alternative language mix
• A stereo soundtrack
• A browser-based version of the service

The soundbar display or receiver information screen can help identify the incoming format.

20. Your Streaming Subscription Does Not Include Atmos

Some services reserve Dolby Atmos or higher-quality audio for particular subscription plans or supported devices.

The same film may therefore play as:

• Stereo
• Dolby Digital 5.1
• Dolby Digital Plus
• Dolby Atmos

Check the title’s audio badge, your subscription and the service’s supported-device list.

ARC cannot pass a format that the application never outputs.

21. The Console Is Connected to the Wrong Device

There are two common connection methods.

Method A: Source Connected to the Television

Console → TV → eARC → Soundbar

Advantages:

• Easier access to 4K, 120Hz and variable refresh rate
• Television handles video switching
• One cable returns audio

Disadvantages:

• Television must support the audio format
• Passthrough limitations may apply

Method B: Source Connected to the Sound System

Console → Soundbar or Receiver → TV

Advantages:

• Audio avoids the television’s passthrough limitations
• Receiver gets the original bitstream directly

Disadvantages:

• The receiver or soundbar must support the required video features
• Older equipment may limit 4K, HDR, 120Hz or VRR

Use Method A when the television supports the audio format and the sound system lacks modern video passthrough.

Use Method B when audio compatibility matters more and the sound system supports the required video signal.

22. The Television Converts Everything to Stereo PCM

When the soundbar reports PCM 2.0, the television may be decoding or downmixing the source.

Check:

• Digital Audio Output
• HDMI Input Audio Format
• Pass Through
• eARC Mode
• Speaker Output
• Console audio format

Change the television from PCM to Auto, Bitstream or Pass Through.

On some televisions, each HDMI input has its own audio-format setting. Configure the input used by the console or player.

23. Audio Works, but Dolby Atmos Does Not

When ordinary sound works but Atmos does not, check:

1. The source content genuinely includes Atmos.
2. The application supports Atmos on that device.
3. The subscription includes Atmos.
4. The source output is set to Atmos or bitstream.
5. The television supports passthrough of that Atmos format.
6. eARC is enabled when lossless Atmos is required.
7. The soundbar or receiver supports the underlying format.
8. The correct HDMI ports are used.
9. The HDMI cable is suitable.
10. The sound system’s information display confirms Atmos.

Do not judge only by whether height speakers make noise. Dolby Atmos mixing varies by scene.

24. Sound Drops Out When Switching Apps or Formats

A brief silence can occur when the audio format changes.

For example:

• Menu: PCM stereo
• Programme: Dolby Digital Plus
• Advertisement: stereo
• Film: Dolby Atmos

The sound system must lock onto the new signal.

Long or repeated interruptions may indicate:

• Cable instability
• Firmware problems
• HDMI handshake failure
• Auto-format switching
• eARC compatibility issues
• A source changing refresh rate or resolution
• Faulty HDMI hardware

Test a fixed output format such as Dolby Digital to see whether the dropouts stop.

25. Lip Sync Is Incorrect

ARC and eARC audio can arrive before or after the picture.

Possible causes include:

• Television image processing
• Motion smoothing
• External video processing
• Soundbar processing
• Wireless rear speakers
• Game Mode
• Different device paths

Try:

• Enabling Game Mode
• Disabling motion smoothing
• Using the television’s lip-sync setting
• Using the receiver’s audio-delay control
• Setting Digital Audio Output to Pass Through
• Connecting the source directly to the receiver
• Updating firmware

Add audio delay only after reducing unnecessary video processing.

A Full ARC and eARC Troubleshooting Checklist

Work through these steps in order.

Step 1: Confirm Compatibility

Check whether:

• The television supports ARC or eARC.
• The soundbar or receiver supports ARC or eARC.
• The required audio format is supported.
• The source device can output that format.

Step 2: Check the Ports

Connect:

TV ARC/eARC port ↔ Audio system ARC/eARC port

Step 3: Use a Known-Good HDMI Cable

Use a short, certified cable and remove adapters or extenders.

Step 4: Enable HDMI-CEC

Enable CEC on both devices.

Step 5: Enable ARC or eARC

Set eARC to Auto or On.

Step 6: Select External Audio Output

Choose Audio System, Receiver, HDMI ARC or eARC.

Step 7: Select the Correct Soundbar Input

Choose TV ARC or eARC.

Step 8: Set Digital Audio Output

Test:

1. Pass Through
2. Auto or Bitstream
3. Dolby Digital Plus
4. Dolby Digital
5. PCM as a diagnostic option

Step 9: Test a Television Application

Play known surround-sound content using a built-in television application.

When this works, the return channel itself is functional.

Step 10: Test an External Source

Connect one console, player or streaming device and configure its audio output.

Step 11: Disconnect Other HDMI Devices

Remove everything except the television and sound system.

Step 12: Power-Cycle the System

Disconnect power and rebuild the HDMI handshake.

Step 13: Update Firmware

Update every device in the chain.

Step 14: Reconnect Devices Individually

Identify whether a particular source disrupts CEC or ARC.

Step 15: Test a Direct Source-to-Audio Connection

Connect the console or player directly to the soundbar or receiver.

When this works, the television’s passthrough support is the likely limitation.

ARC or Optical: Which Should You Use?

Optical audio can be more predictable because it does not depend on HDMI-CEC.

However, optical has less bandwidth and normally cannot carry advanced lossless formats or multichannel PCM.

Choose Optical When:

• ARC remains unreliable.
• You need basic stereo or compressed 5.1.
• Your equipment is older.
• CEC causes repeated problems.
• You do not need lossless Atmos.

Choose ARC When:

• You want one-cable convenience.
• You need volume control through the television remote.
• You use streaming-service surround sound.
• Your equipment supports compressed Atmos.

Choose eARC When:

• You need multichannel PCM.
• You use a modern games console or gaming PC.
• You want lossless Dolby TrueHD Atmos.
• You need high-bitrate DTS formats.
• Your complete equipment chain supports them.

Should You Replace Your Soundbar or Receiver?

Replacement may be necessary when:

• The sound system supports only optical audio.
• It has ARC but you require eARC-only formats.
• Its HDMI ports cannot pass modern video signals.
• It repeatedly fails with several known-good televisions and cables.
• The manufacturer no longer provides firmware updates.
• The HDMI board has failed.
• It cannot decode your required audio format.

Do not replace equipment before identifying the actual limitation.

A new eARC soundbar will not solve the problem when the television cannot pass the source format. Similarly, a new television cannot make an older ARC receiver decode Dolby TrueHD.

Common ARC and eARC Myths

“Every HDMI Port Supports ARC”

False. Use the specifically labelled return-channel port.

“An Expensive Cable Improves Sound Quality”

A functioning digital cable does not make correctly transmitted audio more detailed. A damaged or unsuitable cable can cause complete failures, dropouts or negotiation problems.

“Atmos Always Requires eARC”

Not always. Compressed Dolby Atmos delivered through Dolby Digital Plus may work over ARC on compatible equipment. Lossless Dolby TrueHD Atmos generally requires eARC or a direct connection.

“If the TV Has eARC, Every Audio Format Will Work”

False. Format support still depends on the television’s firmware and passthrough capabilities.

“PCM Is Always the Best Setting”

PCM can be excellent, but standard ARC may reduce it to stereo. Multichannel PCM generally requires eARC or a direct HDMI connection.

“CEC Is Only for the Remote Control”

CEC also plays an important role in many ARC connections by helping the television and audio system discover and control one another.

Final Thoughts

HDMI ARC and eARC problems are rarely caused by one setting alone.

Audio must travel through a chain:

Source → Television input → Audio processing → ARC/eARC output → Sound system

Every device must support the selected format, and the correct ports, cable and control settings must be used.

Start by connecting only the television and sound system. Enable CEC, choose the external audio output and test a built-in television application. Once that works, add external sources one at a time.

When streaming Atmos works but Blu-ray Atmos does not, the likely difference is the underlying audio format. When stereo works but 5.1 does not, review the television’s passthrough setting and the source output. When nothing works, check the ARC ports, CEC and HDMI handshake first.

A methodical approach is far more effective than repeatedly buying new cables or changing every setting at once.

Need Help With Television, Soundbar or Home Network Problems?

HDMI faults, soundbar dropouts and missing surround sound can be caused by incompatible formats, incorrect settings, faulty cables or equipment that cannot support the complete signal.

Hamilton Group can help diagnose home technology, gaming, Wi-Fi and computer problems.

Visit hgmssp.com, call 0330 043 0069, or book a meeting with one of our experts.