Modern TVs are equipped with HDMI technology. Its presence can be judged by the labels on the TV box, by the connectors, and the settings menu. Sounds from various external devices (set-top boxes, players, etc.) are sent to the TV via HDMI wires. However, it also makes it possible to capture the audio signal of the household appliances themselves. This is done through ARC technology.
Let compare and discuss HDMI Arc Vs eARC.
HDMI Arc Vs EArc
HDMI ARC
HDMI technology has replaced SCART. At a certain point in time, it allowed you to connect the TV to various external devices. However, at first, such ports were only input ports. That is, the TV could receive signals from consoles, game consoles, and other external devices.
A dedicated port is required to send audio to these devices. This is what HDMI ARC technology is required for. This is, so to speak, an advanced version of HDMI. In addition, it can also receive signals.
This technology helps eliminate lip-sync problems. They have occurred when using optical/coaxial wires. In addition, modern complexes have a CEC setting. It makes it possible with one remote control to control not only the TV, but also other connected devices. So, HDMI ARC is capable of functioning with CEC as well.
One remote control plus no additional wires. Convenient, comfortable and outwardly everything looks great. We can say that ARC technology is a “cable killer”. Plus – the reverse audio channel allows you to use the capabilities of the sound system 100%.
disadvantages HDMI ARC
Yes, they are present. TV manufacturers may decide not to include certain features in the standard. They consider them unnecessary and/or unnecessary. So a non-standard standard is obtained, which leads to problems when devices of different brands are integrated. For example, an LG soundbar is connected to a Sony TV.
Therefore, we recommend that you find information on the Internet or carefully study the manual. In order not to be disappointed in the sound later. Otherwise, you will expect Dolby 5.1, but you can hear stereo!
If your TV supports HDMI ARC technology, it will be equipped with a corresponding connector on the panel, HDMI OUT (ARC). The settings will take place in auto mode. As soon as you connect the soundbar to the TV through the desired connector, the broadcast will immediately go to it. As far back as HDMI 1.3, there was no sync issue. And now more advanced 2.0 / 2.1 are used. Therefore, the transmission will be without delay.
Read Differences between DTv Vs ATv.
HDMI eARC
HDMI technology appeared at the beginning of this century. However, with the powerful development of the television industry, requirements for audio quality began to grow. Therefore, in 2013, HDMI 2.0 technology appeared. It was needed to support 4K UHD TVs with a refresh rate of 60 frames/sec. After updates, the technology began to support HDR and HLG capabilities.
With the advent of modern TVs, the demands for 4K video and high-quality audio have grown even more. HDMI 2.1 is now on the market. It provides support for:
- 4K at 120fps;
- 8K at 60fps;
- Video 10K.
HDMI 2.1 bandwidth up to 48Gbps.
Therefore, ARC has been updated to an extended version of eARC. It has more bandwidth. This technology is the best choice for surround sound support and provides high quality for different audio formats:
- Dolby Atmos;
- Dolby TrueHD;
- DTS: X;
- DTS Master.
This means that the high-quality audio signal can be transmitted to the speaker/home theater receivers. HDMI cables are capable of sending/receiving audio signals at a speed of 1 Mbps. For eARC, the speed will increase up to 38 times. In terms of quality, this technology is capable of simultaneously broadcasting data for 8 channels (192 kHz / 24 bit).
HDMI Forum officials say the new technology:
- Simplifies the connection of various components to the TV;
- Will make the management of the system convenient;
- Provides high quality audio;
- Will be compatible with new formats.
Comparison between DVB T2 Vs DVB T.
What TV has eARC?
HDMI 2.1 technology and eARC are supported by the TVs of the Japanese manufacturer Sony and the South Korean company LG.
For example, Sony’s TV series AG9, AF9, ZF9, and ZG9 can be noted. The first 3 episodes are 4K and the last is 8K.
The situation is similar with LG OLED TVs. Here 4 series (W9, E9, C9, B9) with 4K resolution and one (Z9) – with 8K, support eARC technology.
What can we advise you? If you are not particularly concerned about eARC, you shouldn’t change your old TV. If you want to enjoy the new standards right now, then we warn you that you will have to fork out a lot. In any case, in the next year or two. The technology is new, so TVs equipped with these ports will be expensive.
