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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 HDMI port labeled TV OUT (ARC/eARC). 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
Check the labels on both devices and their manuals before connecting anything. ARC and eARC work only when both ends support the feature and the cable connects the designated ports; an ordinary HDMI port is not necessarily an audio-return port.
| Connection | Use it when | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI ARC/eARC | The TV and soundbar or receiver both have compatible, labeled ports. | One HDMI cable returns TV audio to the audio system. eARC supports higher-bitrate audio formats, but the actual formats available depend on the TV, source, audio system, and content. |
| Optical digital audio | ARC/eARC is unavailable or unsuitable and both devices have optical ports. | It can carry TV audio, but HDMI-dependent features such as power interlock and TV-remote volume control may not work, as Sony Support explains in its guide to connecting a soundbar to a TV. |
| Analog audio | Neither compatible ARC/eARC nor optical is available, but both devices have matching analog audio terminals. | Sony lists analog audio as a further fallback; check the manuals for the terminals and setup details. |
Connect the TV and soundbar or receiver with HDMI ARC/eARC
- On the TV, find the HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC.
- On the soundbar or receiver, find the HDMI output labeled TV OUT (ARC/eARC) or an equivalent label specified in its manual.
- Connect those two ports with an HDMI cable.
- In the TV’s audio settings, change the audio output from the TV speakers to an audio system or external speakers. The menu wording varies by manufacturer and model.
- If sound does not start automatically, select the TV audio input on the soundbar or receiver.
HDMI Licensing Administrator describes eARC as a way to send TV audio from broadcast, satellite, streaming, or connected source devices to an AVR or soundbar over one HDMI cable. Its stated eARC 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, as well as audio up to 192 kHz and 24-bit. These are format capabilities of eARC, not a guarantee that a particular setup will play every format: check the manuals and supported formats for each device and the source content. See HDMI Licensing Administrator’s eARC overview.
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- Confirm that the TV has an optical digital audio output and the soundbar or receiver has an optical input.
- Connect the TV’s optical output to the audio system’s optical input.
- Set the TV’s audio output to the external system and select its optical input if needed.
Optical is a fallback, not a way to retain every HDMI feature. In particular, Sony Support says that when a soundbar is connected only by optical, functions requiring an HDMI connection—such as power interlock and volume control with the TV remote—will not be available.
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Decide where to connect consoles, players, and streaming devices
There are two common layouts. HDMI Licensing Administrator describes both eARC arrangements in its eARC overview.
Connect sources to the TV
Connect consoles, players, and streaming devices to the TV, then connect the TV’s ARC/eARC port to the soundbar or receiver. The TV serves as the source hub and returns audio to the audio system over that connection.
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Connect sources to the receiver or soundbar
Connect sources to HDMI inputs on the receiver or soundbar, then connect its HDMI output to the TV’s ARC/eARC port. This can reduce the number of cables running to a wall-mounted TV. Before choosing this arrangement, confirm that the audio system’s video pass-through supports the source and TV’s required resolution, refresh rate, HDR, and gaming features. Compatibility varies by model.
Choose an HDMI cable for the signal path
For a TV-to-soundbar or TV-to-receiver ARC/eARC connection, follow the equipment manuals. The cable requirement depends on the signals carried across the complete setup, especially if video from a source passes through the receiver or soundbar. Do not buy a premium cable solely for better sound quality.
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If you route high-bandwidth video through an AVR, check the capabilities of the source, AVR, TV ports, and cable together. HDMI Licensing Administrator’s HDMI 2.1b overview identifies support for 4K at 120 Hz and Ultra High Speed HDMI cables with 48 Gbps capability. Those are specification capabilities, not a guarantee that every device or cable in a particular chain supports them. Sony notes that its basic TV-to-soundbar HDMI cable is sold separately.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot a TV with no sound through the audio system
- Verify the ports: Make sure the TV’s labeled ARC/eARC port connects to the audio system’s matching TV OUT ARC/eARC port. Confirm that both devices support the feature.
- Check audio output and input selection: Set the TV output to an external audio system and select TV audio on the receiver or soundbar if necessary.
- Try optical if available: If ARC/eARC will not activate and both devices have optical ports, use the optical connection instead, understanding that some HDMI-based control features may be lost.
- Review pass-through support: If sources connect to the AVR or soundbar, check that it supports the video format, refresh rate, HDR, and gaming features you need.
For exact port names and menu paths, consult the manuals for the specific TV and audio system. Sony’s support instructions are Sony-specific, and menu labels and procedures vary among manufacturers and models.
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