Which HDMI Cable Do I Need for eARC?
What To Know
- For optimal eARC functionality, use Ultra High-Speed HDMI cables or those adhering to the HDMI 2.1 standard, as not all HDMI cables support eARC.
- Connect your eARC-compatible devices with the appropriate HDMI cable by plugging one end into the TV’s HDMI eARC port and the other into your soundbar or receiver.
- eARC cables offer higher bandwidth for superior audio quality like DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, are compatible with multiple devices, and includes additional features like lip-sync correction.
Enhancing your home entertainment with superb sound quality is easier than you think.
This article will guide you through choosing the right eARC HDMI cable for your soundbar, ensuring you enjoy the best audio experience.
Let’s dive into the world of high-quality sound with simple, effective solutions!
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To unlock the full potential of eARC, it’s crucial to pair it with an Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable or one that adheres to the HDMI 2.1 standard. This ensures you can enjoy the highest-quality audio transmission between your devices.
If you look behind your TV, you will notice a port labeled HDMI eARC, but only if your TV is one of the latest or with high-end devices.
So what is eARC, and which HDMI cable do I need for eARC? Read on for all the info you need (and more).
How to Find the HDMI Cable for eARC
According to HDMI.org, to support the new eARC feature, you need Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cables. The Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet can also support eARC.
Some latest high-bitrate audio formats over eARC need extra bandwidth, and therefore, old HDMI cables may struggle to deliver.
The Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable delivers high-bandwidth-dependent technology such as eARC. It supports uncompressed 8K video, features low electromagnetic interference, which helps reduce interference with wireless devices nearby, and the cable is also backward compatible.
This means the HDMI 2.1 that supports eARC allows for audio and video to be transmitted to your TV and allows for audio to be sent out from your TV.
4 High-Quality HDMI Cables for eARC
Not all HDMI cables are eARC compatible. Some simply don’t have bandwidth capability that can carry extra audio channels and other benefits such as 4K or even 8K HDR video.
However, ultra-high-speed HDMI 2.1 cables with Ethernet can support eARC and are available in the market. These come with an HDMI certification label and a QR code on the label.
Here are some examples of HDMI cables for eARC available on Amazon:
- Anker 8K@60Hz HDMI Cable
- 8K HDMI Cable 48Gbps 6.5FT
- 8K HDMI ARC/eARC Cable 2.1
- 8K HDMI Cable 6ft, HDMI 2.1
How to set up an HDMI eARC cable
Here are the steps to follow when setting up your HDMI cable for eARC:
- Ensure that your television, soundbar, or A/V receiver have ARC-enabled HDMI ports.
- Connect one end of your HDMI cable to the HDMI port on your television.
- Connect the other end to the HDMI port of your receiver or soundbar.
4. Switch on your devices and press play.
Conclusion
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) is an advancement of the previous Audio Return Channel (ARC). It offers upgraded HDMI cables for transferring HD signals using one line for optical sound transmission from your television to a soundbar or an Audio-video receiver.
eARC has simplified connectivity and provides audio optimization and ease of use for multiple devices. It supports high-bitrate audio formats of up to 192kHz and uncompressed 5.1 and 7.1 audio delivering enhanced detail and depth audio performance.
A device with HDMI 2.1 certification guarantees eARC support. Furthermore, an HDMI eARC cable has an ARC fallback. This means you can connect this cable to any device so long as it supports ARC. Check out an earlier section for HDMI cables that support eARC.
Meet Vance. He’s a proud dad, a seasoned Electronics Engineer, and an avid tech lover. His proficiency in electronics and troubleshooting skills were instrumental in crafting Pointer Clicker. Vance is passionate about simplifying tech for those who aren’t well-versed in it.