Arc vs earc

HDMI cables are one of the most popular consumer solutions for connecting video and audio sources to compatible displays and sound systems. With the advent of eARC technology, even more, features and capabilities were added to this useful tool. Absolutely not. ARC, arc vs earc, the definitive breakdown.

These HDMI features are everywhere—but what do they do? Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. If you've been looking into buying a new TV a new soundbar , or if you're looking to get Dolby Atmos at home, you've probably stumbled across a relatively new acronym: eARC. Enhanced Audio Return Channel, AKA eARC, is a cool new connection technology that allows your home theater to source the best audio and video with much fewer problems than in the past. Below we'll go over both technologies so you can understand what you need for your setup. Most people likely know a thing or two about HDMI.

Arc vs earc

Log in to check out faster. HDMI cables are one of the most popular consumer solutions for connecting video and audio sources to compatible displays and sound systems. Now if you're thinking about buying a new TV, a new soundbar, or if you're looking to get Dolby Atmos at home, you've probably come across a relatively new acronym: eARC. HDMI High Definition Multimedia Interface is a proprietary specification designed to ensure compatibility between video and audio devices on a single digital interface. In simple words it is a common interface used to transfer compressed and uncompressed video and audio from a source device to some kind of display. Today, it's a universal solution for digitally streaming audio and video from a variety of devices, including the latest game consoles and desktop computers. This feature was introduced approximately 10 years ago. Its name helps us understand its meaning and purpose, and the most important thing is in the word "Return". Some people compare it to a two-way street where the information is transmitted. HDMI ARC has much greater bandwidth than older audio cable solutions such as optical fiber, so it can carry all the audio and video required by streaming services and physical media. This saves you extra wiring for a simpler, cleaner setup while still being able to enjoy the audio through your audio setup and the picture on your TV. It utilizes the extra bandwidth of HDMI 2. The main benefit of eARC is a big boost in bandwidth and speed.

Previously, arc vs earc, you would have to connect a coaxial or optical cable from the back of your TV to an optical input on your audio device. But chances are your current cables have Ethernet and you didn't even know it, so they'll probably work, too. On the left is a traditional non-ARC setup, requiring an HDMI cable from an Xbox to be connected to the audio system, another to send arc vs earc video to the TV, and an optical cable to send the TV apps audio back to the audio system.

HDMI, which stands for 'High-Definition Multimedia Interface' keep that in your back pocket for future pub quiz use , first appeared 20 years ago and quickly transformed how we connect our TVs , projectors , soundbars and AV amplifiers. It's evolved significantly since then, too, going from a relatively simple one-way digital video and audio connection to a bi-directional conduit for almost every video and audio format imaginable. It can help simplify a complicated AV setup and significantly reduce the number of cables needed. But what's the point of it? And where does the more recent eARC fit into this picture?

It's all to do with the audio output of your television and how it connects to external soundbars and sound systems. So if you're happy with your tinny 10W built-in speakers or have one of the best TVs for sound then you probably needn't read on any further. However, if you ever plan on connecting any external audio equipment, it's good to keep abreast of the inputs and technologies that allow you to do it well. Standard ARC has been around a while, connecting your TV and hi-fi equipment into one, seamless and less cable-heavy entertainment system. However, thanks to the capabilities of the new HDMI 2. Audio Return Channel ARC is a type of audio transmission that links up your speaker output to your television controls, via an HDMI cable , meaning you don't need a separate remote or interface to manage the volume.

Arc vs earc

ARC is superior to older methods of carrying digital audio e. ARC cannot carry 5. The amount of bandwidth available for audio information has increased from about 1Mbps to 37Mbps, sufficient for all the latest surround-sound codecs. A pipe that fat can not only carry eight channels of uncompressed surround sound, it can do it with up to bit resolution and at sampling rates as high as kHz. Besides, headroom is never a bad thing. HDMI 2. A more likely use for all that bandwidth will be to stream soundtracks encoded in immersive, object-based formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Auro 3D has not been mentioned, though that should work fine, too. The important thing is that the audio in streamed media need no longer be inferior to what you get from Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray discs. The really good news is that vendors can pick and choose which parts of the new HDMI standard they want to implement; they can add eARC without adding supporting for 8K video resolution, for instance.

Curry all time points

Skip to main content. On the left is a traditional non-ARC setup, requiring an HDMI cable from an Xbox to be connected to the audio system, another to send the video to the TV, and an optical cable to send the TV apps audio back to the audio system. The audio device can then decode the audio and pass through the video signal to your TV. Newsletter The latest hi-fi, home cinema and tech news, reviews, buying advice and deals, direct to your inbox. The best TVs you can buy across sizes and budgets. Enhanced Audio Return Channel, AKA eARC, is a cool new connection technology that allows your home theater to source the best audio and video with much fewer problems than in the past. Still have a question? It could be as simple has having to turn on your gear in a certain order. It's evolved significantly since then, too, going from a relatively simple one-way digital video and audio connection to a bi-directional conduit for almost every video and audio format imaginable. Log in to check out faster. Thank you, Paul. We'll discuss this more in the "Issues with 5. It can help simplify a complicated AV setup and significantly reduce the number of cables needed.

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The best TVs you can buy across sizes and budgets. We added you to the list. Social Links Navigation. It was introduced as part of HDMI version 1. February 7, You might not be able to realize the dream of using one remote, unless you get a universal remote control. UK Edition. That means you can use a single cable for both audio and video -- for example, from the Netflix app built into your TV or a connected game console, and then use your TV for switching. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. The only way to know for sure if you have a cable that is compatible with eARC is to test it.