What are ARC and eARC and why do they matter?

ARC, Audio Return Channel, is a feature of HDMI that has been around since 2009 and chances are highly likely that your new display or soundbar already has it built in.

HDMI ARC is responsible for the power amplifier of the audio output. The TV can send the audio signal to the upstream to the connected bar speakers, through which the sound is generated. This means that instead of connecting all the devices to the speakers and then to the TV, you can connect all the external devices of the speakers to the TV with only one HDMI cable.

HDMI eARC is the next version of HDMI ARC. Compared with HDMI ARC technology, HDMI eARC is much improved. In terms of audio transmission capacity, the maximum data rate of HDMI eARC can reach about 37Mbps (HDMI ARC is only about 1-3 Mbps).

Sounds great, right?

Well, hold on. First, you have to set up ARC.

To set up ARC you must go into your display's menu settings and enable the function.

This sets the stage for eARC, Enhanced Audio Return Channel. The first enhancement is - it just works. No menu, no setup. Just plug in the HDMI cable and voila, you're up and running.

It also allows for better sound quality. You may see terms like Dolby Atmos, DTS HD, or Dolby TrueHD on your new equipment. These are some of the latest and greatest in audio quality that eARC enables. Use the eARC connection on your display and sound bar, and you're good to go.

Now you may be wondering which HDMI cable to use.

All AVI HDMI cables are engineered to support both ARC and eARC. And Austere High Flex HDMI cables are the perfect way to connect your system.