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For the simplest setup, connect the TV’s HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC to the soundbar or AV receiver’s matching TV OUT (ARC/eARC) port. Then select the external audio system in the TV’s sound settings and choose the TV-audio input on the soundbar or receiver if it does not switch automatically. If the devices lack compatible ARC/eARC ports, optical audio may work as a fallback.
Choose the connection that fits your equipment
| Connection | Use it when | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI ARC/eARC | Both the TV and soundbar or receiver have compatible ports. | Returns TV audio over HDMI; eARC supports higher-bitrate audio formats, but actual support depends on all devices and content. |
| Optical digital audio | ARC/eARC is unavailable or unsuitable and both devices have optical ports. | Carries TV audio, but HDMI-dependent features such as power interlock and TV-remote volume control may not work. Sony Support explains this limitation. |
| Analog audio | Neither compatible HDMI return nor optical is available, but both devices have matching analog terminals. | A further fallback listed in Sony’s connection guidance; confirm the exact terminals in the device manuals. Sony Support: Connect a soundbar to your TV. |
Connect the TV and soundbar or receiver with HDMI ARC/eARC
- Check both product manuals and the labels beside the HDMI ports. The TV must have an ARC/eARC port, and the soundbar or receiver must have a matching HDMI output, often marked TV OUT (ARC/eARC). A regular HDMI port without ARC/eARC support will not return TV audio. Sony’s connection guide and Sony’s ARC/eARC troubleshooting guidance describe this requirement.
- Connect the TV’s labeled ARC/eARC port to the soundbar or receiver’s labeled TV OUT (ARC/eARC) port with an HDMI cable. This cable carries the audio return, so a separate optical cable is not needed for this connection. HDMI Licensing Administrator describes eARC audio return.
- In the TV’s audio or sound settings, change the output from TV speakers to an audio system or external speakers. Labels and menu paths vary by manufacturer and model.
- Set the soundbar or receiver to its TV audio input if it does not switch automatically, then play something and check that sound comes from the external system.
What eARC adds
HDMI Licensing Administrator says eARC can carry TV audio from broadcast, satellite, streaming, or connected source devices to a soundbar or AVR. Its listed capabilities include uncompressed 5.1- and 7.1-channel audio, uncompressed 32-channel audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Atmos, with audio up to 192 kHz, 24-bit. These are eARC capabilities, not a guarantee that a particular TV, source, sound system, or title supports every format; check the manuals and content specifications. HDMI Licensing Administrator: Enhanced Audio Return Channel.
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Use optical audio if ARC/eARC is not available
- Confirm that the TV has an optical digital audio output and the soundbar or receiver has an optical input.
- Connect those ports with an optical audio cable.
- Choose the external audio output in the TV settings and select the optical input on the audio system, if needed.
Optical can provide TV audio, but it does not preserve HDMI-dependent functions such as power interlock and volume control from the TV remote, according to Sony Support. If neither ARC/eARC nor optical is usable, check whether the devices have compatible analog audio terminals.
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Decide where to connect consoles, players and streaming boxes
Connect sources to the TV
Plug consoles, players and streaming boxes into the TV, then connect the TV’s eARC port to the AVR or soundbar. The TV serves as the source hub and returns audio over eARC. This is one of the layouts described by the HDMI Licensing Administrator.
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Connect sources to the AVR or soundbar
Plug the source devices into the AVR or soundbar, then connect its HDMI output to the TV’s eARC port. This layout can reduce the number of cables running to a wall-mounted TV. Before choosing it, verify that the audio system’s video pass-through supports the source and TV’s required resolution, refresh rate, HDR and gaming features. Pass-through support varies by model; check the receiver or soundbar specifications. HDMI Licensing Administrator describes both eARC layouts.
Troubleshoot missing sound or video limitations
- No sound over ARC/eARC: Confirm that both devices support the same return-audio feature and that the cable connects the labeled ARC/eARC ports. Sony notes that ARC/eARC cannot activate if only one device is compatible. Sony ARC/eARC troubleshooting.
- The sound system does not switch inputs: Select its TV audio input manually, then check the TV’s sound-output setting.
- ARC/eARC still does not work: If both devices have optical ports, try an optical connection and select that input. Be aware that HDMI-based control features may no longer work. Sony’s soundbar connection guidance.
- Video loses resolution, refresh rate, HDR or gaming features through the AVR: Check pass-through support for every device in the chain, including the AVR, source, TV ports and cable. HDMI Licensing Administrator identifies HDMI 2.1b capability for 4K at 120 Hz and Ultra High Speed HDMI cables rated for 48 Gbps; these are specification capabilities, not assurances that every connected product supports them. HDMI Licensing Administrator: Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable.
Choose a cable for the signal path
For ordinary ARC/eARC audio, use a cable that meets the requirements in the manuals for your devices. Sony notes that the HDMI cable is sold separately. If video passes through the AVR, match the cable and every device in the chain to the video format you intend to use. The HDMI Licensing Administrator identifies Ultra High Speed HDMI cables with 48 Gbps capability for HDMI 2.1b’s higher-bandwidth features, including 4K at 120 Hz. Do not assume a more expensive cable improves sound by itself. Sony Support; HDMI Licensing Administrator.
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