HDMI ARC vs eARC
Researching your next TV or soundbar and seen HDMI-ARC or eARC mentioned? This guide explains the purpose and differences between these audio connections.
What is HDMI-ARC and eARC?
ARC (Audio Return Channel) is a connection type for sending large quantities of audio data from a TV to a receiving soundbar or AV amplifier.
HDMI-ARC
This was the first standard of ARC connectivity, allowing for greater data handling and bitstreams compared to conventional optical connections previously found on many TV sets.
HDMI-eARC
Backwards compatible with standard HDMI-ARC, the newer enhanced eARC version offers greater data handling again, allowing for more bandwidth and faster data transfer speeds.
The higher bandwidth of eARC allows for better sound quality as it can handle uncompressed data with ease, especially where lossless audio, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X is concerned.
The Differences Summarised
The chart below demonstrates the differences between optical (TOSLINK) connections, HDMI-ARC and eARC.
| Functions | Optical (Toslink) | HDMI-ARC | HDMI-eARC |
| Spec | Optical S/PDIF | HDMI | HDMI+ Ethernet |
| Max data bandwidth | 384 kbps | 1 mbps | 37 mbps |
| Commands/controls | ❌ | ✅ (CEC) | ✅ (eARC data) |
| 2.0 Stereo Sound | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 5.1 (compressed) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 5.1 (uncompressed) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 7.1 (uncompressed) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Dolby Atmos & DTS:X | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Which TVs at SHS are eARC Compatible?
Almost all SHS TV's support eArc connecitity - not sure? Check with the team!
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