What is the enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) feature?
IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.
The enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) is an improved version of the Audio Return Channel (ARC), is transferred through an HDMI® cable, and allows high quality sound to pass through the TV to decoding devices such as receivers and soundbars.
Improvements over the ARC standard:
- Higher data transfer bandwidth and speed (up to 37 Mbs)
- Transfers high bitrate audio formats such as:
- Uncompressed 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound
- Dolby Atmos®
- DTS:X™
- DTS-HD™ Master Audio
- Dolby® TrueHD.
Notes:
- Connected devices must support eARC to utilize the features. If a soundbar supports ARC only and the connected TV supports eARC, then the output sound of the soundbar is limited to the specifications of the ARC format.
- We recommend using a High-Speed HDMI cable with ethernet for eARC data transfer.
- Your TV doesn't display the eARC connection status. To confirm if eARC is connected to your audio system, play a video file that uses audio codecs which can only be output through an eARC connection such as DTS-HD™ Master Audio or Dolby® TrueHD, then check the display panel of your audio system to verify the audio format.
- For information on the eARC feature for XBR X900H/90CH models, refer to the support information for the HDMI 2.1 standard.
Product Repair
Repair information and service assistance
Community
Here you can ask questions and connect with other Sony users
Parts & Accessories
Product information and sales assistance
Register a Product
Keep track of all your products in one location
Contact Support
Product support & customer relations
Support by Sony (Mobile App)
Get Support Content on the Go!
