What is eARC on a Receiver? Do I Need it?

You may have already heard about Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), but you are not completely convinced if it will improve your AV receiver’s audio quality. 

In this article, our audio engineers will help you better understand this cable type so you can decide if you need a compatible eARC receiver. 

HDMI eARC, Explained

For several years, High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) has been the preferred digital connector of televisions and audio-visual equipment since it was first launched in 2002. 

Throughout the years, HDMI was known as a reliable way to transmit high-quality audio and video data from a certain source to an amplifier or television by using AV connectors. 

HDMI has evolved from a complicated setup using several different cables to a single highest-quality connector through the HDMI eARC. 

Back then, models of the set-top box, Blu-ray player, and game console are connected to the television through HDMI. And to enhance the audio, the television is usually connected to a soundbar or home cinema amplifier using an optical cable. 

The HDMI ARC simplifies the connection process by simply removing the use of an optical cable. It sends the audio data from the HDMI socket on the television to the HDMI ARC socket on the AV receiver or soundbar. 

But now, HDMI ARC may cause lip sync issues because it cannot support high-quality audio data like Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, or soundtrack from Blu-rays. 

This is where the HDMI eARC comes in. The HDMI eARC is a feature released as part of the HDMI 2.1 specifications to resolve synchronization issues. The main function of the HDMI eARC is to boost the bandwidth and speed.

What is HDMI eARC on a Receiver?

With HDMI eARC, you can send the highest quality audio from your television to your AV receiver or soundbar. 

The HDMI eARC has a high bitrate, which can now transmit uncompressed audio data of Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, or soundtrack from Blu-rays with a maximum speed of 38Mbps. It also allows flexibility and more options on audio formats. 

Do I Need HDMI eARC on My Receiver?

When you plug in your television to your receiver, you must ensure that the HDMI ports of your AV receiver or soundbar are compatible with HDMI eARC to receive high-quality audio.

As HDMI eARC is the latest version released, your AV receiver port may still have the older version, which is HDMI ARC. 

Although both transmit audio data to the receiver, HDMI ARC compresses the audio signal. Therefore, the quality sent through HDMI ARC is of lesser quality.

Will HDMI eARC Backwards Match With ARC?

The HDMI ARC was compatible with the older HDMI versions, even if they did not have ARC. Meaning HDMI ARC will work perfectly with the older HDMI versions. However, this is not the case with the HDMI eARC. 

The audio signal will be compressed if your television has HDMI eARC, but your receiver or soundbar has HDMI ARC. Therefore, the audio received by the soundbar will not be of the highest quality. 

Can You Convert HDMI ARC to eARC?

The answer is yes. It is possible to convert HDMI ARC to eARC. However, it requires approval from the manufacturer of your receiver. The approval process is complicated and takes longer. 

You must remember that manufacturers are business owners who prefer to sell new products rather than upgrade the old versions.

Connecting a TV to a Receiver with No eARC

If your receiver has no HDMI eARC, do not lose hope because there are several ways to connect your device to the receiver without using HDMI. Below are the different approaches you may apply.

Method #1: Coaxial Digital Cables

We recommend using coaxial digital cables if you are on a budget because they are much cheaper than other HDMI cables [1]. 

Coaxial digital cables can transmit high-quality audio faster. Although there could be a noticeable difference, they are still reliable and a good option. 

Method #2: Optical Digital Cables

Although optical digital cables are a bit more expensive than coaxial digital cables, they are more reliable in transmitting higher-quality audio. In fact, it is our second-best option if your receiver has no HDMI eARC. 

FAQ

Do AV receivers have eARC?

Yes, AV receivers may have eARC but not all. Some older receivers that do not support HDMI 2.1 chipsets have no eARC.

Conclusion

The eARC receiver is a great innovation that can bring high-quality audio and more vivid and richer video. Even if your receiver has no eARC, there are methods available to experience high-quality audio and video.

 And if the quality really matters to you, then you definitely need eARC on your receiver.

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