HDMI ARC or eARC has no sound

ARC (Audio Return Channel) sends audio from a TV to a compatible audio system over an HDMI connection; eARC is the enhanced version. Sony states that both the TV and audio system must support ARC for ARC to work. If only one device supports it, use a compatible alternative such as optical audio only if both manuals support that route. Do not infer eARC support from a device having HDMI 2.1 features generally; check the model specifications and port labels.

1. Check the TV and soundbar/receiver manuals for ARC or eARC support and locate the port specifically labeled ARC/eARC on each device.

   A valid ARC path connects the TV’s ARC/eARC port to the audio system’s ARC/eARC output/TV port as the manuals describe.

   If that does not help: If either device lacks compatible return audio, ARC cannot be enabled for that pair; check a documented optical or other supported connection.

2. Reseat the HDMI cable at both ends and confirm it is connected to the labeled ports, not simply any HDMI input/output.

   A secure, correctly routed cable rules out the most basic connection mismatch.

   If that does not help: If the link remains silent, test with a known-good cable of the type recommended by the device makers, changing no other setting at the same time.

The TV may still be set to internal speakers, while the soundbar may be listening to Bluetooth, optical, or another HDMI source. Manufacturer wording differs: “Audio system,” “External speaker,” “TV ARC,” and similar labels may refer to different points in the route. Samsung’s ARC troubleshooting says to use the TV’s ARC port, enable its Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) option for the described setup, and select the soundbar’s D.IN input; Sony also calls out selecting the audio system as the TV’s speaker output. These are maker-specific examples, not universal menu instructions.

1. Set the TV sound output to the connected audio system using the model-specific instructions.

   If the TV changes output or shows a connected-audio-system indicator, the TV has detected some part of the link.

   If that does not help: If the option is unavailable or the sound system is not listed, recheck ARC support, port choice, CEC settings, and the manual.

2. Set the soundbar/receiver input to TV, ARC, eARC, or the input specified by its maker.

   If the audio device changes to a TV ARC/eARC status, check the TV speakers and test a built-in app.

   If that does not help: A displayed connection status does not guarantee audio-format compatibility; continue with a format test only if the manufacturer recommends it.

3. Check that HDMI-CEC is enabled on both devices if their ARC instructions require it; brand names for CEC differ.

   CEC can support device discovery and control for some ARC arrangements.

   If that does not help: Do not enable unrelated HDMI controls broadly. If the connection still fails, record the exact CEC state and contact the manufacturer.

1. Temporarily select TV speakers or disconnect the soundbar as the TV maker instructs, then play a built-in app or broadcast.

   If TV speakers produce sound, focus on the ARC/eARC link, external audio input, or supported audio format.

   If that does not help: If TV speakers are also silent, troubleshoot general TV audio before focusing on ARC. The ARC connection may not be the only issue.

2. Reconnect the sound system and test a TV-generated sound test if your model offers one.

   A stable test through TV speakers and silence through ARC narrows the issue to the external route; an abnormal TV test warrants TV support.

   If that does not help: A sound test may bypass some app or HDMI formats, so it cannot prove every content path works.

Some soundbars and receivers do not decode every format sent by a TV. Sony recommends PCM for certain ARC/eARC troubleshooting cases where the connected audio system does not support the program’s DTS or Dolby format. This is a diagnostic option, not a universal best setting: PCM can change surround or passthrough behavior. Check the manuals for the TV, receiver, and source before changing digital output, and restore the original value if the result is worse.

1. If both manufacturers document a supported basic format test, temporarily choose that format and replay the same built-in TV content.

   If audio returns, a format-compatibility issue becomes more likely; check the devices’ supported formats and available firmware.

   If that does not help: Return to the prior setting if there is no improvement. Do not change source, cable, CEC, and format together.

2. Check whether the problem occurs with a built-in TV app as well as an external HDMI source routed through the audio system.

   TV-app audio tests the return path; an issue only from a connected source may involve that source’s output or the receiver routing.

   If that does not help: If neither path works after documented checks, give the TV and sound-system makers the complete signal path.

If the audio system never detects ARC/eARC on a verified compatible pair after cable and settings checks, ask each manufacturer which device should be tested next. Samsung’s support sequence uses another compatible TV as an isolation check where one is readily available; most households do not need to buy equipment or repeatedly swap cables. If the TV reports an error, overheats, or has physical port damage, stop and request service.

• No sound from a TV or audio system using ARC/eARC — checked 2026-10-24
• No sound from Samsung soundbar — checked 2026-10-24
• eARC on Samsung TV and soundbar — checked 2026-10-24

Does any HDMI port on my TV support ARC?

No. The return-audio feature is normally limited to a port labeled ARC or eARC, and the connected audio device must support the compatible feature. Check both product manuals.

Can ARC work if my soundbar has eARC and my TV has ARC?

Compatibility depends on the devices and supported formats. Check both manuals for backward compatibility and use the connection options they document; do not assume every eARC feature is available over an ARC-only TV.

Should I change Digital Audio Output to PCM?

Only as a model-supported diagnostic when the audio system may not support the current format. It can affect surround or passthrough, so record the current setting and restore it if the test does not help.