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Use HDMI eARC when both your TV and soundbar or AV receiver support it. Use ordinary HDMI ARC when eARC is unavailable. Use optical when ARC/eARC is missing, unreliable, or causing HDMI-control problems.
HDMI is not automatically better sounding than optical when both carry the same stereo or compressed 5.1 signal. Its main advantages are support for more audio formats, TV-remote volume control, automatic power and input control, and greater upgrade headroom.
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The quick decision
| Your equipment or goal | Best connection |
|---|---|
| TV and soundbar/receiver both have eARC | HDMI eARC |
| Both have ARC, but not eARC | HDMI ARC |
| No ARC/eARC, or HDMI control is unreliable | Optical |
| You need TrueHD Atmos, DTS:X, or multichannel PCM and the TV will not pass it through | Connect the source directly to a compatible soundbar or AVR |
Check the exact ports and specifications on both devices. A TV advertising Dolby Atmos may support Atmos from its own apps but still fail to pass every Atmos format from an external player, console, or computer.
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ARC, eARC, and optical in plain English
HDMI ARC means Audio Return Channel. It sends sound from the TV back to a soundbar or AV receiver through the HDMI cable connected to the TV’s ARC-labeled port. It also normally works with HDMI-CEC, allowing the TV remote to control volume and often power.
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- [👆 Attention ⚠️]-----:1. Ensure Your HDTV support eARC/ARC function. 2. Ensure the adapter is powered on. 3. Ensure the HDMI ARC Cable is Connected to the HDTV eARC/ARC Interface 4. Ensure the HDTV is in eARC/ARC Audio Output (Use the TV's Remote Control to Turn it on). 5. Please Connect the HDMI port with the eARC/ARC Mark and Make sure the eARC/ARC Function is Enabled on your TV 6. Please Set the Audio Formats to PCM.
HDMI eARC means Enhanced Audio Return Channel. It is the higher-bandwidth successor to ARC, designed for uncompressed and lossless multichannel audio as well as improved format negotiation and lip-sync handling. Sony describes eARC as supporting bandwidth of approximately 37 Mb/s; see Sony’s eARC guidance and HDMI.org’s eARC explanation.
Optical, also called TOSLINK or optical S/PDIF, sends digital audio through a fiber-optic cable. It is simple and dependable, but has much less capacity and does not provide HDMI-CEC control.
These are connection methods, not audio formats. The result also depends on the TV, source device, app, selected audio setting, soundbar or receiver, codec, and firmware.
ARC versus eARC versus optical
The following is a typical capability comparison, not a guarantee for every model.
| Capability | Optical | HDMI ARC | HDMI eARC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stereo PCM | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Digital 5.1 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DTS 5.1 | Often, if both devices support it | Often, if both devices support it | Yes, subject to device support |
| Dolby Digital Plus | Generally no | Yes, when supported by the TV and soundbar | Yes |
| Streaming Dolby Atmos over Dolby Digital Plus | No | Often, on compatible equipment | Yes |
| Multichannel PCM | No or limited to stereo | Generally limited | Yes |
| Dolby TrueHD | No | No | Yes |
| Lossless Dolby Atmos based on TrueHD | No | No | Yes |
| DTS-HD Master Audio | No | No | Yes |
| DTS:X | No | No | Yes |
Device support still matters. Some TVs pass Dolby formats but not DTS, and some soundbars accept fewer formats than the connection itself can carry. Consult the exact manuals for both products.
Is HDMI ARC better than optical?
Usually, HDMI ARC is the better everyday choice when both devices support it. It provides one-cable TV audio, TV-remote volume control, automatic power behavior, and access to formats such as Dolby Digital Plus that optical generally cannot carry.
Optical can sound effectively identical to ARC when both are carrying stereo or ordinary compressed 5.1. It may be the better practical choice when the TV lacks ARC, the soundbar is older, or HDMI-CEC causes unwanted input switching and power behavior.
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- 【4K HDMI Audio Converter】This hdmi audio extractor supports extracting audio from HDMI sources to HDMI monitors, optical 5.1CH devices, L/R stereo audio or 3.5mm AUX audio devices. It supports use by connecting only the optical audio output, L/R stereo audio out or the 3.5mm stereo audio output without connecting the display. A Type-C 5V cable must be connected to provide power for proper operation(Note: Do not connect a TV as a signal source directly to the HDMI IN port or it will not work)
- 【HDMI ARC Audio Extractor】In ARC mode(Backward compatible with ARC), connect your TV’s HDMI ARC/eARC port to the “HDMI OUT” port to send audio to external speakers. (Tips: Enable CEC on your TV, set the DIP switch to “TV” mode, and use an HDMI cable with ARC/eARC support.)
- 【Triple Operating Modes】1. PASS Mode: Automatically mirrors your TV’s native audio. Optical output supports all multi-channel formats.(Note: Analog R/L & AUX ports support 2.0 PCM only; non-PCM inputs will cause digital buzz/noise); 2. R/L Mode: Universally downmixes all formats (PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD) into standard 2.0 PCM. Delivers synchronized stereo sound across R/L, AUX, and Optical ports simultaneously; 3. SPDIF Mode: Dedicated multi-channel surround sound mode. Optical output supports all premium bitstream audio formats. (Note: Analog ports require PCM input to function; other formats will result in a static hum).
- 【4K@60Hz High Resolution】Supports up to 4K@60Hz with 24-bit, 30-bit, and 36-bit color. Backward compatible with 4K@60Hz 4K@30Hz, 2K@120Hz, and 1080P. Please make sure your source, monitor, HDMI cable all support 4K60Hz resolution in order to finally achieve the highest 4K60Hz resolution
- 【Wide Compatibility】Works with Blu-ray/DVD players, TV boxes, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, PS3/4/5, Xbox, PC, laptops, and more HDMI devices. Contact us anytime—our support team is available 24/7.(Supports HDR, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, DTS 7.1/5.1CH, HLG, VRR and other functions.)
So the difference is not that HDMI always sounds better. HDMI is generally more capable and more convenient; optical can be simpler and more reliable for a basic system.
The important Dolby Atmos distinction
Can regular ARC carry Dolby Atmos?
Sometimes. Streaming services commonly deliver Atmos in compressed Dolby Digital Plus with Atmos metadata. Compatible TVs and soundbars can often pass and decode that signal over regular ARC. Sonos explains this use of Dolby Digital Plus over ARC in its Dolby Atmos TV guidance.
Regular ARC cannot carry lossless Atmos based on Dolby TrueHD. It is also not suitable for every Dolby MAT configuration used by some consoles and streaming devices.
For ARC Atmos to work, the TV’s ARC port, TV software, audio settings, source, app, and soundbar must all support the same delivery method. Set the TV to Pass Through, Bitstream, or the manufacturer’s equivalent rather than forcing PCM when maximum format compatibility is the goal.
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For normal TV-to-soundbar use, do not choose optical if Atmos is a requirement. Optical cannot carry Dolby Digital Plus Atmos, Dolby TrueHD Atmos, or Dolby MAT. It is generally limited to stereo PCM and compressed formats such as Dolby Digital 5.1, with DTS depending on the equipment.
A soundbar can advertise Dolby Atmos as a processing capability while still being unable to receive an Atmos signal over optical. The soundbar’s decoding features and the cable’s capacity are separate questions.
Why eARC is different
eARC can transport higher-bandwidth formats including uncompressed 5.1 or 7.1, Dolby TrueHD, lossless Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DTS:X, provided the source, TV, soundbar or receiver, settings, and cable are all suitable.
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- HDMI ARC Audio Converter: HDMI Audio Extractor can return the sound from ARC-enabled TVs to the optical, coaxial, L/R channel and 3.5mm headphone jacks of the adapter through the HDMI ARC interface, which is a perfect solution to the compatibility problem of the interface between the TVs and audio systems.
- Digital to Analog Audio Converter: Featuring coaxial and optical (Toslink/SPDIF) digital audio inputs, this converter transforms digital PCM/LPCM signals into analog audio output, compatible with various audio devices. Through the switching key on the panel of the device, you can quickly select the input mode, easy and convenient operation. (Note: DAC only supports PCM input format, does not support decoding function)
- Simultaneous Audio Output: ARC Audio Extractor simultaneously outputs audio from the optical, coaxial, L/R, and 3.5 mm headphone ports. Please set the audio output to PCM or LPCM before use.(Note: Not compatible with Dolby AC3/Dolby Digital Plus, etc.)
- High Sampling Rate Support: Supports up to 192kHz audio sampling rate, compatible with 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz and 192kHz sampling rates, as well as 24-bit SPDIF input bitstream to ensure high-fidelity audio output and bring a clear and detailed sound quality experience.
- Wide Compatibility: Compatible with HDTV with ARC function and standard HDMI source devices. No driver or software required, plug and play, compatible with Amplifier/Sound bar/ DVD/ HD player/ Blu-ray/, cable/satellite box, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC/laptop and more.
Both ends must support eARC to receive eARC’s full benefits. An eARC TV connected to an ARC-only soundbar is limited to ARC capability; an eARC soundbar connected to an ARC-only TV is similarly limited. HDMI.org also advises readers not to assume universal ARC/eARC backward compatibility, so verify the exact models.
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Streaming, discs, games, and local media
- TV apps and ordinary streaming: ARC is often sufficient, including compressed Dolby Digital Plus Atmos where every device supports it.
- Blu-ray and local media: eARC is preferable for lossless Dolby TrueHD Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, or DTS:X.
- Gaming and PC use: eARC provides more flexibility for multichannel PCM and other high-bandwidth output.
- External sources through the TV: The TV may convert, limit, or block the source’s audio before returning it over ARC or eARC.
If the TV cannot pass the desired format, connect the source directly to an HDMI input on a compatible soundbar or AV receiver, then send video to the TV. This is often the solution for TrueHD Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby MAT, or multichannel PCM.
Which cable do you need?
For ordinary ARC, use an HDMI cable between the TV port labeled ARC or eARC/ARC and the soundbar or receiver port labeled HDMI OUT, TV OUT, ARC, or eARC.
For eARC, a reputable High Speed HDMI cable with Ethernet is a sensible minimum recommendation, unless the manufacturers specify another cable class. Do not assume an expensive “8K” cable improves sound quality. The important factors are verified compatibility, correct construction, and reliable operation. See Sony’s eARC cable guidance.
For optical, remove the protective caps, connect the TV’s optical output to the soundbar’s optical input, and do not force the plug. A short, correctly fitted, reasonably made TOSLINK cable is sufficient; an expensive audiophile optical cable is unnecessary for these digital formats.
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- Find the TV’s HDMI port labeled ARC, eARC, or eARC/ARC.
- Connect it to the soundbar or receiver’s HDMI ARC/eARC or HDMI OUT/TV OUT port.
- Enable HDMI-CEC on both devices. Brand names include LG Simplink, Samsung Anynet+, Sony BRAVIA Sync, and Philips EasyLink.
- Set the TV audio output to HDMI ARC/eARC, Audio System, or the equivalent.
- Set digital audio output to Pass Through, Bitstream, or Auto when appropriate.
- Select TV ARC/eARC as the soundbar input.
- Enable eARC in the TV menu if it is not set to Auto.
- Play known surround or Atmos content and check the soundbar display or app for the incoming format.
Menu labels vary by brand, model, region, and firmware. For example, LG’s setup guidance shows that ARC operation may require Simplink/CEC to be enabled; it is not a universal menu path for every television.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to set up optical
- Remove the protective caps from both ends of the optical cable.
- Connect the TV’s optical/digital audio output to the soundbar or receiver’s optical input.
- Select Optical or Digital Audio on the soundbar.
- Set the TV audio output to Optical.
- Choose PCM for maximum compatibility, or Bitstream/Dolby Digital if the soundbar supports compressed surround.
Optical normally does not provide HDMI-CEC volume control. Use the soundbar remote or its own control system unless your TV and soundbar offer a separate compatible control feature.
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- 【3 modes】2.0CH, 5.1CH and PASS mode. Select 3.5mm stereo output, please use 2.0CH mode. Select optical output, please use 5.1CH mode. When you use the first and two modes and find that no audio and video signal is output, use the pass mode.
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Troubleshooting common problems
No sound
- Confirm the cable is in the TV’s ARC/eARC port, not an ordinary HDMI input.
- Confirm the soundbar is set to TV ARC/eARC rather than Optical, Bluetooth, or another input.
- Enable CEC on both devices.
- Set the TV to Audio System or HDMI output instead of TV Speakers.
- Power-cycle the TV and soundbar after changing ARC settings.
- Try another suitable HDMI cable and check for firmware updates.
The soundbar only reports PCM or stereo
The TV may be set to PCM, the source may actually be stereo, or the TV may not pass the source’s surround format. The soundbar may also lack support for the incoming codec. Try Pass Through, Bitstream, or Auto, but use the exact terminology provided by the manufacturer.
Atmos is advertised but does not appear
- Confirm that the title and subscription include Atmos.
- Confirm that the source, TV app, TV passthrough, and soundbar support the same Atmos format.
- Do not use optical.
- Check whether the signal is Dolby Digital Plus Atmos, which may work over ARC, or TrueHD/MAT Atmos, which generally requires eARC or a direct source connection.
- Make sure the TV is not forcing PCM or stereo.
- Check the soundbar’s incoming-signal display rather than a virtual-surround mode label.
HDMI keeps switching inputs or powering devices on and off
This is usually an HDMI-CEC interaction, not an audio-bandwidth problem. Disable and re-enable CEC, disconnect other HDMI devices temporarily, power-cycle the chain, or try another cable. If integrated control is less important than reliability, optical can avoid many CEC interactions. A source connected directly to the soundbar or receiver may also bypass the TV’s problematic passthrough behavior.
Lip-sync delay
eARC has improved lip-sync support compared with ordinary ARC and optical, but it cannot eliminate every delay. Try the TV’s AV-sync control, compare internal TV apps with an external source, disable unnecessary sound-enhancement modes, and test Pass Through or Bitstream instead of PCM. If only one app or source is affected, the problem may be source-specific.
DTS does not work
DTS support is particularly model-dependent. Some TVs pass Dolby formats but not DTS from connected sources, while some soundbars support DTS over optical or ARC. Check the exact specifications for the TV, source, and soundbar rather than relying on the connection type alone.
What to look for when buying
- New TV and soundbar: HDMI ARC is the minimum sensible connection; eARC is preferable for long-term flexibility.
- Atmos is the goal: Choose HDMI ARC/eARC, not an optical-only soundbar. If you want lossless Atmos, require eARC or a suitable direct HDMI input.
- Older TV or basic 5.1: Optical remains a practical and inexpensive choice.
- Multiple sources: Check whether the soundbar or AVR has HDMI inputs, especially if the TV cannot pass the formats you need.
- CEC problems: Optical may be the simplest workaround, although you may lose TV-remote volume and automatic power behavior.
Do not buy solely because a product says “Dolby Atmos.” Check the exact HDMI ports, supported codecs, passthrough behavior, and whether the speakers and room can produce convincing height effects. Connection support alone does not guarantee overhead sound.
Bottom line
Choose eARC for the broadest format support, including lossless Atmos, DTS:X, and multichannel PCM. Choose ARC for most TV-app and streaming setups, including compatible compressed Dolby Digital Plus Atmos. Choose optical for older or simpler systems that need stereo or compressed 5.1, or when HDMI-CEC is causing trouble. If the TV cannot pass a demanding source format, connect that source directly to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver.
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