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Get TV Sound Through Your Receiver: Set Up HDMI ARC or eARC

Send TV audio to a compatible AV receiver over HDMI. Learn which ports to use, what settings to check, and when optical audio is the fallback.
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To send your TV’s sound to an AV receiver over HDMI, connect the TV’s HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC/ARC to the receiver’s ARC-capable HDMI output, then select the receiver as the TV’s audio output. Both devices must support the feature, and their HDMI or CEC settings may need to be enabled. If ARC is unavailable, optical audio is a practical fallback when both devices have optical ports.

Check that both devices support ARC or eARC

ARC (Audio Return Channel) sends audio from a compatible TV to a compatible receiver over HDMI, so a separate optical cable is not needed for that audio path. Sony explains the feature and its connection in its ARC overview.

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Check the labels on both devices and consult their manuals before connecting. The TV port may be marked ARC or eARC/ARC; the receiver port is typically an HDMI output identified as ARC or eARC. If only one device supports ARC/eARC, the feature cannot activate, according to Sony’s ARC/eARC troubleshooting guidance.

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Connect the TV and receiver

  1. Find the matching ports. Use the TV’s HDMI port marked ARC or eARC/ARC and the receiver’s ARC/eARC-capable HDMI output. The receiver’s label may read HDMI OUT MAIN ARC; check the manual for your model. For example, Pioneer’s VSX-LX505 instructions specify its HDMI OUT MAIN jack marked ARC.
  2. Connect them with an HDMI cable. Connect the labeled TV port directly to the receiver’s supported HDMI output. Follow the device manuals for cable requirements; those can depend on the models and the video path you intend to use.
  3. Choose the receiver for TV audio. In the TV’s sound or audio-output settings, select the connected audio system or receiver. The exact label and menu location vary by model.
  4. Enable the necessary HDMI settings. Turn on ARC/eARC and, if required, HDMI Control or HDMI-CEC on the TV and receiver. Use each device’s manual for the correct menu path.

Understand ARC, eARC and HDMI-CEC settings

ARC and eARC describe the audio-return connection. HDMI-CEC provides device-control features, such as adjusting volume or muting the audio system with the TV remote. Manufacturers may tie these settings together differently, so don’t assume the same menu path or requirement across brands.

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  • [👆 Attention ⚠️]-----:1. Ensure Your HDTV support eARC/ARC function. 2. Ensure the adapter is powered on. 3. Ensure the HDMI ARC Cable is Connected to the HDTV eARC/ARC Interface 4. Ensure the HDTV is in eARC/ARC Audio Output (Use the TV's Remote Control to Turn it on). 5. Please Connect the HDMI port with the eARC/ARC Mark and Make sure the eARC/ARC Function is Enabled on your TV 6. Please Set the Audio Formats to PCM.
  • TCL example: TCL’s ARC setup instructions place ARC options within HDMI-CEC settings on the covered Roku TV examples.
  • Samsung example: Samsung Singapore’s setup guidance says Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) must be enabled for eARC on the smart TVs it covers.
  • Sony example: Sony’s audio-system connection guide shows model-specific eARC mode and audio-system selection settings.

These are examples, not universal instructions. Menu names, available audio formats, and cable requirements depend on the exact devices and, in some cases, the region.

Troubleshoot when the receiver has no sound

  1. Recheck compatibility. Confirm that both the TV and receiver support ARC or eARC. A compatible port on only one device is not enough.
  2. Check the cable placement. Make sure the cable joins the TV’s labeled ARC/eARC port to the receiver’s ARC/eARC-capable HDMI output, not an ordinary HDMI input or output.
  3. Confirm the TV’s audio output. Select the receiver or connected audio system in the TV’s audio settings.
  4. Review ARC and control settings. Check both manuals for ARC/eARC, HDMI Control or CEC settings, and any model-specific audio-system options.
  5. Try optical audio if ARC cannot be used. If both devices have optical ports, connect the TV’s optical output to the receiver’s optical input and select the corresponding audio input. Sony, Pioneer and Yamaha document optical connections as alternatives for compatible setups.

Menu settings and format support vary by model, so a single setting change is not guaranteed to resolve every silent connection. Sony’s troubleshooting page covers compatible-device checks; use your TV and receiver manuals for their exact settings.

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  • 【4K HDMI Audio Converter】This hdmi audio extractor supports extracting audio from HDMI sources to HDMI monitors, optical 5.1CH devices, L/R stereo audio or 3.5mm AUX audio devices. It supports use by connecting only the optical audio output, L/R stereo audio out or the 3.5mm stereo audio output without connecting the display. A Type-C 5V cable must be connected to provide power for proper operation(Note: Do not connect a TV as a signal source directly to the HDMI IN port or it will not work)
  • 【HDMI ARC Audio Extractor】In ARC mode(Backward compatible with ARC), connect your TV’s HDMI ARC/eARC port to the “HDMI OUT” port to send audio to external speakers. (Tips: Enable CEC on your TV, set the DIP switch to “TV” mode, and use an HDMI cable with ARC/eARC support.)
  • 【Triple Operating Modes】1. PASS Mode: Automatically mirrors your TV’s native audio. Optical output supports all multi-channel formats.(Note: Analog R/L & AUX ports support 2.0 PCM only; non-PCM inputs will cause digital buzz/noise); 2. R/L Mode: Universally downmixes all formats (PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD) into standard 2.0 PCM. Delivers synchronized stereo sound across R/L, AUX, and Optical ports simultaneously; 3. SPDIF Mode: Dedicated multi-channel surround sound mode. Optical output supports all premium bitstream audio formats. (Note: Analog ports require PCM input to function; other formats will result in a static hum).
  • 【4K@60Hz High Resolution】Supports up to 4K@60Hz with 24-bit, 30-bit, and 36-bit color. Backward compatible with 4K@60Hz 4K@30Hz, 2K@120Hz, and 1080P. Please make sure your source, monitor, HDMI cable all support 4K60Hz resolution in order to finally achieve the highest 4K60Hz resolution
  • 【Wide Compatibility】Works with Blu-ray/DVD players, TV boxes, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, PS3/4/5, Xbox, PC, laptops, and more HDMI devices. Contact us anytime—our support team is available 24/7.(Supports HDR, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, DTS 7.1/5.1CH, HLG, VRR and other functions.)
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Choose a connection based on your equipment

For ARC or eARC, the key check is whether both devices support the same capability and have the required labeled ports. For optical, confirm that both devices provide the appropriate optical connection. If audio formats or video-through-receiver support matter to you, check the manuals for your specific TV and receiver; the available guidance does not establish a format-by-format comparison that applies to every model.

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If your existing receiver lacks ARC/eARC, optical may solve the immediate audio connection when both devices have optical ports. Replacing the receiver is only relevant if you need ARC/eARC or other capabilities your current equipment does not provide. Compare the exact specifications of any prospective receiver with your TV and setup before deciding.

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  • 【HDMI Audio Extractor】The HDMI audio extractor can extract audio from HDMI signal and transmit it to AV receiver through optical or 3.5mm Cable.(Note: Devices do not support ARC and eARC.TV is not supported as the input source,otherwise product doesn't p video.)
  • 【3 modes】2.0CH, 5.1CH and PASS mode. Select 3.5mm stereo output, please use 2.0CH mode. Select optical output, please use 5.1CH mode. When you use the first and two modes and find that no audio and video signal is output, use the pass mode.
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  • 【Low energy consumption】HDMI audio splitter has a low energy consumption,only requires the USB port to be connected to the 5V-USB port of another device to work. Or use your other 5V-USB power adapter
  • 【Wide Compatibility & Plug and Play】Suitable for various HDMI source devices without dedicated audio output as well as Blu-ray/ DVD/ HD player, cable/satellite box, Amazon Fire TV, PS4,PS5, Xbox, PC/laptop etc
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  • HDMI ARC Audio Converter: HDMI Audio Extractor can return the sound from ARC-enabled TVs to the optical, coaxial, L/R channel and 3.5mm headphone jacks of the adapter through the HDMI ARC interface, which is a perfect solution to the compatibility problem of the interface between the TVs and audio systems.
  • Digital to Analog Audio Converter: Featuring coaxial and optical (Toslink/SPDIF) digital audio inputs, this converter transforms digital PCM/LPCM signals into analog audio output, compatible with various audio devices. Through the switching key on the panel of the device, you can quickly select the input mode, easy and convenient operation. (Note: DAC only supports PCM input format, does not support decoding function)
  • Simultaneous Audio Output: ARC Audio Extractor simultaneously outputs audio from the optical, coaxial, L/R, and 3.5 mm headphone ports. Please set the audio output to PCM or LPCM before use.(Note: Not compatible with Dolby AC3/Dolby Digital Plus, etc.)
  • High Sampling Rate Support: Supports up to 192kHz audio sampling rate, compatible with 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz and 192kHz sampling rates, as well as 24-bit SPDIF input bitstream to ensure high-fidelity audio output and bring a clear and detailed sound quality experience.
  • Wide Compatibility: Compatible with HDTV with ARC function and standard HDMI source devices. No driver or software required, plug and play, compatible with Amplifier/Sound bar/ DVD/ HD player/ Blu-ray/, cable/satellite box, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC/laptop and more.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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