What is eARC and how to set on Samsung Smart TV?

Last Update date : Mar 26. 2024

eARC enables the sending of audio to a TV that originates from cable, satellite, streaming or source devices to be sent to an AVR or sound bar through a single HDMI cable. This ensures the simplicity of the connectivity and that the original audio can be experienced.

HDMI ARC and eARC differences

Most TVs compress audio signals in advance before going through HDMI cables. The eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) enables you to transmit the original full resolution audio signal through an HDMI cable and reproduce the best sound without compromise.

The eARC is a feature implemented in the latest HDMI 2.1 specification, the biggest advantage is that it exceedingly improves bandwidth and speed. This allows you to transmit high quality audio from your TV to your Soundbar or AV receiver and is compatible with the high bitrate formats Dolby Atmos.

eARC is also popularly referred to as the next-gen ARC. It proves support for larger bandwidth and supports faster speeds. Therefore, you are able to deliver higher quality audio from your TV to your soundbar or audio receiver.

ARC and eARC models

Function

HDMI ARC

HDMI eARC

Compressed 5.1

Yes

Yes

Uncompressed 5.1

No

Yes

Uncompressed 7.1

No

Yes

High Bitrate and object based up to 192 kHz, 23-bit (e.g. Dolby Atmos

No

Yes

Supported models for eARC

  • TV: selected models from 2020 onwards.
  • Soundbar: selected models from 2019 onwards.
  • Audio format: The latest high bitrate audio formats are supported including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos and more.

Note: 

  • DTS is not supported for eARC pass-through and only support on Soundbar HDMI input 
  • You must use an eARC supported HDMI cable. (HEAC or HEC)
  • Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) function must be enabled on the smart TV.
  • If using an unauthorised cable, an error may occur.
  • Both TV and soundbar must support eARC
  • DTS codecs not supported on select TVs

Settings for HDMI eARC Mode

For the devices supporting eARC, you can consider the HDMI eARC Mode. Muting occurs temporarily during device connection. Follow the steps below to set up the TV's input audio.

1 Press the Home button on your remote control and then head to Settings
Select Settings
2 Navigate to All Settings
Navigate to All Settings
3 Choose Sound and then Expert Settings
Select Sound then Expert Settings
4 Set the HDMI e-ARC Mode to Auto and Digital Output Audio Format to Auto (or Pass-Through). Then activate Dolby Atmos

Note: Ensure that your TV and external device are connected via the eARC port of the unit. If the connection is not made, make sure the Anynet+ function is enabled on your TV.

Set HDMI eARC to Auto and Digital Output Audio Format to Auto/Pass Through. Then activate Dolby Atmos

Note:

  • Default setting for eARC Mode is off. (Connect to ARC automatically)
  • eARC is only activated when HDMI-eARC Mode is turned on.

You will need to enable HDMI-CEC protocols in the Settings Menu on your TV. Samsung TVs call the HDMI-CEC protocol Anynet+. Anynet+ allows you to use the TV remote to control external devices and listen to TV sound through a soundbar (receiver) connected via HDMI-ARC or eARC

1 Press the Home button on your remote control and then head to Settings
Select Settings
2 Navigate to All Settings
Navigate to All Settings
3 Select Connection and then External Device Manager
Select General & Privacy then External Device Manager
4 Choose Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)
Samsung TV External Device Manager

Note:

  • HDMI port will be labeled ARC/eARC on the back of the TV or One Connect Box.
  • Most One Connect Boxes have an HDMI-ARC port (it is usually the third HDMI port).

If there is a problem with the ARC/eARC operation, first remove all external devices (STB,OTT devices, etc.) connected to the TV, then try playing again. Some external devices may not properly comply with HDMI connection specifications, which may cause problems.

You need to check the following to connect eARC to a TV. 

  • Check the eARC port (the same port as ARC) is connected.
  • Check the connected AV device is an eARC-enabled device.
  • Check the HDMI cable is HEAC or HEC supported.
  • Reconnect HDMI cable, and then reset HDMI-eARC Mode to Auto.

If you are having problem with poor sound output even when eARC is connected properly, you need to check the Digital Output Audio Format. To check if the AV device does not support the Audio Output Format, test the output sound by changing Digital Output Audio Format to PCM / Auto / Pass-Through once each.

1 Press the Home button on your remote control and then head to Settings
Select Settings
2 Navigate to All Settings
Navigate to All Settings
3 Choose Sound and then Expert Settings
Select Sound then Expert Settings
4 Choose Digital Output Audio Format then PCM
Choose Digital Output Audio Format then PCM

For further assistance, please contact our Chat Support or technical experts on 1300 362 603. To find your Samsung product's User Manual, head to Manuals & Downloads.

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