Sony SupportXBR-55A1E

Article ID : 00201483 / Last Modified : 08/16/2024Print

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.