Shop E Store Take full advantage of your audiovisual team understanding what exactly EARC is
Unless an experienced enthusiast of audiovisual systems, configuring a home film system can be like solving a puzzle without the box lid.
In the always changing panorama of the HDMI standards, you will often find yourself doing an intense search on Google, trying to decipher acronyms and specifications, and finding out if your AV equipment will work well.
The increasingly common HDMI EARC is undoubtedly a standard that has left perplexed even the largest nerds (that is, people like me) by configuring new audio and TV equipment, such as the excellent Sonos Arc Ultra.
If you don’t know exactly what EARC is, then it has come to the right place to unravel the mystery.
Here is a quick guide to understand HDMI EARC….
What is HDMI EARC?
HDMI EARC means improved audio return channel. It is an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) update, designed to transmit high -resolution audio formats with a significantly improved bandwidth.
EARC is an integral part of the HDMI 2.1 specification and if it is not sure of what that means exactly, read our complete HDMI guide.
What is the difference between ARC and EARC?
Key distinctions are reduced to three things: bandwidth, audio quality and compatibility.
- Bandwidth: The normal old ARC has a limit of 1 Mbps, which means that the audio, even the surround sound, is compressed. However, if that little EA adds the mixture, we will see a 37 Mbps channeling, which allows uncompressed and high-resolution audio, from the last formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS: X, as well as Dolby Truehd, DTS-HD Master. Uncompressed audio and PCM.
- Audio formats: EARC admits a broader range of formats, including Dolby Truehd and DTS-HD Master Audio. With ARC, you are often limited to Dolby Digital or DTS.
- Lip synchronization: While ARC includes optional lip synchronization correction, EARC demands it, which guarantees a better audio and video synchronization so you don’t have those annoying moments in which the actor’s mouth is updated with his words during the film.
How to use HDMI EARC
- Verify compatibility with EARC: Both their television and their speakers need HDMI ports enabled for EARC. Look for an EARC label or consult the specifications. Almost all modern, mid -range televisions will offer an EARC option, as are the sound bars and AV systems.
- Choose the correct HDMI cable: An ultra -speed HDMI cable is ideal, although standard or high -speed HDMI cables with Ethernet usually also work. To get better results, opt for certified ultra high speed cables, although it is not necessary to spend a lot of money. You can get HDMI 2.1 decent and high speed cables for less than $ 20.
- Configure your TV settings: Be sure to enable EARC in the TV configuration menu. Depending on the brand, this can be labeled as HDMI audio format or digital sound output and is not always activated by default.
- Connect peripherals: Make sure devices such as games and transmission boxes are connected to HDMI 2.1 ports for optimal audio transfer. The latest generation consoles, such as PS5 and Xbox Series S/X, offer HDMI 2.1.
HDMI EARC Compatibility with previous versions
The good news is that EARC is compatible with previous versions of ARC devices.
You can connect an arc sound bar to a TV compatible with EARC and will continue to listen to sound; although limited to the compressed audio capabilities of ARC. The opposite is also true, but the benefits of EARC will be lost.
Why do you need EARC
For audio enthusiasts, EARC is essential. Release all the potential of your sound system, providing immersive and uncompressed audio. Either a sound bar Sonos Arc or a 7.1 channel receiver, EARC guarantees that you do not miss quality.
If you are investing in a high-end home movie configuration or plans to see a large amount of 4K Blu-Rays and transmission content enabled for Atmos, EARC should be a priority. Even for occasional users, the improved audio and the reduction of configuration problems make it worth considering when updating your equipment.
The future of HDMI EARC
With HDMI 2.1 increasingly frequent, EARC is prepared to become the standard for home audio.
Brands such as LG, Samsung and Sony are already integrating multiple ports compatible with EARC into their most recent televisions, while brands like Denon, Onkyo and Sonos are also great EARC champions.
So, the next time you update your home film system, keep EARC in mind. It is not just another technological acronym, it is actually quite important to make sure to obtain the best possible audiovisual performance.
Frequent questions about HDMI EARC
Yes, but to obtain the best performance, it is recommended to use a high speed HDMI cable. Many standard or high -speed HDMI cables with Ethernet will also work, but they may not admit all EARC capabilities.
An ARC device connected to a port enabled for EARC will continue to function, but will be limited to ARC compressed audio capabilities. You will not obtain the complete benefit of the uncompressed audio formats of EARC.
Not necessarily. EARC is part of the HDMI 2.1 specification, but not all HDMI 2.1 devices include EARC support. Always verify product specifications to confirm compatibility.
If you have a high-end audio configuration or plan to use uncompressed audio formats as Dolby Truehd or DTS-HD Master Audio, it is worth updating EARC. Guarantees higher audio quality and better synchronization.
No, EARC is specific to HDMI. Optical and Bluetooth connections do not support the same high -resolution audio formats or the same bandwidth offered by EARC.
