You just got a hefty bonus from work and have decided to splurge it on an envy-worthy audio setup for your Samsung TV. Many of the highest-quality sound systems support HDMI ARC, so if you want to take full advantage of their functionality, it’s best to ensure your TV is HDMI ARC-compatible.
You know that several Samsung TVs support HDMI ARC, but how can you tell if your model is one of them? How can you connect audio devices to your TV using it?
Keep reading to find out!
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How Do I Know If My Samsung TV Has an HDMI ARC Port?
Since most modern HDM-compatible sound systems support HDMI ARC, Samsung has decided to include this function in many of their recent models. However, some of their older units do not support this function.
You can confirm if your Samsung TV has HDMI ARC by using one of the following methods:
- Head to the back of your Samsung TV or One Connect Box and find its Input and Output ports. Once you’ve located the HDMI ports, check if any of them are labeled ARC.
- Consult your unit’s user manual and find the section listing its input and output ports. Then, check if any of the ports boast HDMI ARC support.
- Use your TV remote to bring up the Input menu. If any of the ports support this function, you may find ARC beside one of its input options.
Old Models That Don’t Have an HDMI ARC Port:
As mentioned earlier, many older models do not support HDMI ARC. Samsung models made in 2010 or after tend to all support HDMI ARC, while units designed in 2009 or before do not.
If you’re not sure when your TV was designed, Google its model number (found on the back of the unit) followed by “release date.” Alternatively, you can verify this information by heading to the official Samsung Developer’s website where you will find the release dates for all Samsung TV models.
Supported Audio Formats
The great thing about HDMI ARC is its wide variety of supported audio formats. These formats can transform your auditory experience and fully envelop you in a film’s soundtrack.
The audio formats that can be supported by a Samsung TV’s HDMI ARC port are:
- PCM (2 channel)
- Dolby Digital (up to 5.1 channel)
- DTS Digital Surround (up to 5.1 channel)
How to Connect Audio Devices on Your Samsung TV Using HDMI ARC?
Check out Samsung’s article How to use HDMI ARC on Samsung Smart TV or follow the instructions listed below to connect your audio device to your Samsung TV via HDMI ARC.
Step 1: Ensure your Samsung TV and audio device are plugged into power before turning them on.
Step 2: Find your Samsung TV’s HDMI IN (ARC) port before plugging one end of a compatible HDMI cable into it.
Step 3: Then, plug the other end of the same HDMI cable into your speaker’s HDMI OUT (TV-ARC) port.
Step 4: Now that all of your hardware is connected, all you need to do is check that Anynet + (HDMI CEC) is activated before you can start using your new audio setup!
How to Activate The Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)?
Anynet+ is Samsung’s name for HDMI-CEC, which must be enabled prior to using HDMI ARC. This feature must be activated in your TV’s settings and will allow you to control your connected HDMI-compatible devices with one remote.
Follow the instructions below or head to the official Samsung website to learn how to enable Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) on your Samsung TV.
| Version | Instructions |
| 2022 models | Step 1: Press the Home button on your remote control, then select Menu
Step 2: Head to the Settings, and choose All Settings. Step 3: Navigate to General. Step 4: Launch the External Device Manager. Step 5: Activate Anynet + (HDMI CEC). |
| 2017 – 2021 models | Step 1: Press the Home button on your remote control
Step 2: Head to the Settings. Step 3: Navigate to General. Step 4: Launch the External Device Manager. Step 5: Activate Anynet + (HDMI CEC). |
| K series (2016) | Step 1: Hit the remote’s Home button.
Step 2: Open the Settings. Step 3: Navigate to System, Step 4: Head to the Expert Settings; Step 5: Activate Anynet + (HDMI CEC). |
| Up to the J series (2015) | Step 1: Press the remote’s Menu.
Step 2: Go to System; Step 3: Activate Anynet + (HDMI CEC). |
How to Switch The Input Source to HDMI ARC
Once you’ve enabled Anynet+ and connected the necessary hardware, you must adjust your TV’s input source to HDMI ARC.
Go to the official Samsung website or refer to the steps below to find instructions on how to do this for your TV version.
| Version | Instructions |
| 2017 – 2021 models | Step 1: Press the Home button on your remote control.
Step 2: Navigate to the Settings. Step 3: Head to Sound. Step 4: Open the Sound Output option. Step 5: Select Receiver (HDMI) from the list. |
| K series (2016) | Step 1: Hit your remote’s Home button.
Step 2: Launch the Settings menu. Step 3: Go to Sound Step 4: Navigate to the Speaker Settings. Step 5: Select Receiver (HDMI) from the list. |
| J series (2015) | Step 1: Press the Menu button on your remote control.
Step 2: Go to Sound. Step 3: Choose the Speaker List. Step 4: Select Receiver (HDMI) from the list. |
| F/H series (2013-2014) | Step 1: Press your remote’s Menu button.
Step 2: Open the Sound menu. Step 3: Head to the Speaker Settings. Step 4: Set the Sound Output from TV Speaker to Receiver. |
| D/E series (2011-2012) | Step 1: Press the Menu button on your remote control
Step 2: Navigate to System. Step 3: Click on Anynet + (HDMI CEC); Step 4: Turn the Receiver function On. |
Wrapping Things Up
Samsung TV models manufactured in 2010 or after should support HDMI ARC, but it’s best to verify their compatibility by looking for ARC printed next to its HDMI ports. It’s also a good idea to consult your TV’s manual and Input settings for confirmation if the ports aren’t labeled.
To use HDMI ARC on your Samsung TV you must enable Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC), connect the necessary audio devices, and adjust your TV’s input accordingly.
HDMI ARC allows you to take advantage of the latest audio formats, so if your TV supports it, purchasing compatible HDMI ARC audio devices is going to be a great investment.
Does your Samsung TV support HDMI ARC?
Let us know in the comments below!
Yesenia Achlim is a technical copywriter and editor with a focus on AV equipment. She aims to break down complicated topics and make technology accessible, no matter your technical expertise. When she’s not teaching you how to replace a projector lamp, you can find her reading and baking.