Is it better to run HDMI through the receiver?

Yes, running HDMI through a receiver is usually better because you can use one to combine, really simplify switching between sources, and make the audio sound much better with the advanced formats.

Will HDMI ARC work on any TV?

No, HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) requires both the TV and the attached device (soundbar, receiver, etc.) to have ARC. Check your TV's specifications to confirm compatibility.

Is HDMI 2.0 enough for eARC?

No, though, HDMI 2.0, no eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). Lossless audio formats require higher bandwidth, and EARC requires HDMI 2.1.

Can you hear the difference with a DAC?

Yes, a DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) really makes a difference because it converts digital to analog, so the sound is not so distorted and is much clearer and more detailed.

Can HDMI transmit audio without ARC?

Yes, HDMI can transmit audio without ARC. Regular HDMI connections can carry sound from the source (a Blu-ray player) to a TV or receiver, but not ARC's two-way, back-and-forth chatter.

Can A DAC Decode EARC? [Is This Possible?]

In this article, I’ll explain whether Can A DAC Decode EARC? EARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), present on the latest TVs and sound systems, can transmit high-quality, lossless audio. Then again, without Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs), there would be no way of listening to digital audio. DACs are required to convert the digital audio back into the analog form to be heard through speakers and other audio equipment. Let’s explore whether this compatibility is possible.

Table of Contents

Can A DAC Decode EARC?

A DAC cannot decode eARC signals directly because eARC is an HDMI-related technology developed to carry lossless audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS between devices that support HDMI such as televisions and audio systems. Most DACs aren’t equipped to handle HDMI ports and only work with digital optical, coax, or USB connections, and eARC cannot transmit through those ports.

You could put an HDMI audio extractor or a voice converter in the chain to stream audio out of eARC and into a format the DAC understands. That’s going to allow an eARC device to transmit audio to the DAC, but it will be a matter of sending audio, not of losing eARC’s signals.

What Is eARC?

Enhanced Audio Return Channel, or eARC, is an upgraded form of Audio Return Channel (ARC) that enables high-quality audio streams to be sent from a TV to an external audio system, such as a soundbar or AV receiver, via an HDMI cable. Introduced with the HDMI 2.1 standard, eARC significantly improves the audio capabilities of ARC by supporting high-resolution and uncompressed audio formats.

ARC / eARC Enabled DAC

The HDMI ARC Audio Extractor, 192 KHz DAC Conversion is an audio processor that decodes HDMI ARC audio. ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) are HDMI features that allow audio to travel from a TV to a sound system, like a soundbar or receiver, through a single HDMI cable.

ARC: Allows digital audio to flow between a TV and a sound system, such as a soundbar or receiver, making audio connections simpler.
eARC: ARC plus, which takes advantage of HDMI 2.1’s increased bandwidth to work with more high-definition audio formats. eARC can handle advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS.

Considerations When Using ARC And eARC

Not all HDMI cables support eARC’s full capabilities. High-speed HDMI cables with Ethernet are recommended.
Newer HDMI cables are backward-compatible with older equipment, but connecting them won’t bring better sound to these older systems.
If you have audio problems, make sure that the audio output settings of the TV or the source device are set correctly. Search for a setting to toggle between “bitstream” and “PCM” to see what works best with your setup.

HMDI eARC Vs Toslink Into DAC For 2 Channel Setup

With a 2-channel audio system, HDMI eARC and Toslink (optical) present a trade-off that is dependent on the use of a DAC.

HDMI eARC

The other is HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), which carries more bandwidth and can thus pass through uncompressed audio formats and high-res audio like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

For a two-channel system, eARC can deliver superior audio because it’s able to carry a complete, lossless audio signal. Not every DAC comes equipped with HDMI eARC ports, however, so you may still need an HDMI audio extractor to extract the signal in a format that your DAC can work with.

Toslink (Optical)

Toslink (aka optical audio) is, among other things, very compatible with a large number of DACs, and it can transmit uncompressed stereo audio, which is a common reason to choose it for 2-channel systems.

Nevertheless, Toslink is bandwidth-constrained relative to HDMI eARC and generally doesn’t handle sophisticated formats such as Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD. In the case of true stereo, Toslink is still capable of carrying audio of good quality, but it won’t be quite as clean or detailed as an uncompressed HDMI eARC stream.

Can HDMI ARC Be Converted To eARC?

No, HDMI ARC cannot be directly converted to eARC. ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) are two separate features of the HDMI protocol that work at different bandwidth levels.

So, ARC (HDMI 1.4 or 2.0 only) will support only a smaller number of audio formats (it can’t do compressed 5.1, for example) because of a lack of bandwidth. It is more bandwidth-friendly (much more so, in fact – and only on HDMI 2.1 ports), and it can pass through lossless audio too – Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and even object-based ones like Dolby Atmos.

HDMI (e)ARC Audio Quality And Implementation

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) allow audio to be sent from a TV to an external sound system using a single HDMI cable, but they vary in terms of audio quality and features.

HDMI ARC carries compressed sound like Dolby Digital and DTS, and uncompressed stereo audio. Because ARC has a limited bandwidth, it can’t transmit high bit-rate advanced formats like Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio, so it’s only adequate for basic surround sound setups, but not for high-definition audio.

HDMI eARC (enhanced audio return channel), which came with HDMI 2.1, provides much more bandwidth, enough to transport lossless audio formats, such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, and DTS.

That makes eARC a good choice for systems where sound is important. And while we’re on the topic of synchronization, eARC also features automatic lip-sync correction to help keep the sound and the sight in sync.

Implementation Considerations: To get the best out of eARC, you’ll need both a TV and a sound system that has eARC support, and it’s advisable to use high-speed HDMI cables with Ethernet in them to avoid performance degradation. Simple HDMI cables will suffice for ARC in most cases, but won’t unlock eARC’s superior audio.

HDMI And DACs Not evolving

Neither HDMI nor DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) have kept pace with each other, mainly because HDMI was created as a digital standard to transmit high-definition video and audio, whereas DACs are intended to transform digital audio signals into the analog format required to drive speakers or other analog audio equipment.

Can You Use Dolby Atmos With A DAC?

Yes, Dolby Atmos is possible with a DAC. The Dolby DAC3202, for example, lets the entire system play with legacy amplifiers in Dolby Atmos setups. Something that encodes the audio signals, the digital, and back to analog to be run through amps.

To fully enjoy Dolby Atmos, an audio system that supports it is essential. This could be a Dolby Atmos-equipped soundbar, speaker system, or AV receiver. Some headphones are also specifically tuned for Dolby Atmos. A digital-to-analog converter, or DAC, is an audio enhancer that converts digital audio files into analog sound waves.

How To Decode HDMI eARC Audio? (And Dolby Atmos If Possible)

To decode HDMI eARC audio, including Dolby Atmos if applicable, you’ll require:

Compatible TV and Receiver

Make sure your TV and audio receiver or soundbar have an HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). EARC is a more powerful version of ARC (Audio Return Channel) that can transmit better audio, such as Dolby Atmos and other high-bitrate audio formats.

Use a High-Speed HDMI Cable

To transmit high-bitrate audio with confidence, use an Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable, which has sufficient bandwidth for eARC.

Connect and Enable eARC on Your Devices

Pair up your eARC-compatible devices through the HDMI eARC port on your TV and your receiver. For your TV and your receiver, visit the settings and switch on eARC. On some TVs, you may need to set the audio output format to ‘eARC’ or ‘Passthrough’ in the settings.

Configure Audio Output for Dolby Atmos

Audio settings on the TV’s menu must be set to Dolby Atmos, if available, or to Auto or Bitstream for the audio output. With these settings, the receiver will be able to decode Dolby Atmos or similar high-fidelity audio formats.

On the audio receiver or soundbar, select the input that receives the eARC signal and set it to decode Dolby Atmos (or another surround sound format supported by your setup).

Check Your Source Content

Ensure the content you’re playing, such as a movie or game, supports Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos is available on many streaming services and Blu-ray discs, though you might have to check to see if it’s included in any given title.

Can I Get Dolby Atmos Without eARC?

Yes, Dolby Atmos can be accessed without eARC in certain situations. HDMI ARC can transmit Dolby Atmos in the compressed Dolby Digital Plus format, which is what many streaming providers support. But for uncompressed Dolby Atmos (TrueHD), you’ll want eARC because of its increased bandwidth.

Does A Dolby DD+/Atmos/eARC HDMI To Analog Extractor Exist?

Yes, some HDMI audio extractors use Dolby Digital Plus (DD+ and Dolby Atmos, which change HDMI audio to analog outputs. But an extractor that fully supports eARC and Dolby Atmos in TrueHD format is a bit harder to come by. The vast majority of extractors handle Dolby Atmos only in compressed DD+ format.

Does HDMI ARC Run Audio Through The TV’s Internal DAC Before Passing It Back To The Receiver?

Not always, because in the case of HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), you’ll have to have your TV and your sound system with it.

How HDMI ARC Functions?

HDMI ARC facilitates bidirectional audio transmission between your TV and an external audio system, like a soundbar or home theater receiver. This ability eliminates other wire requirements and improves the audio quality because it can transmit high-definition audio formats.

How to Connect HDMI ARC?

On an HDMI ARC connection between a TV and a receiver, you’d put one end of the HDMI cable into the TV’s HDMI ARC port and the other into an HDMI ARC-compatible port on the receiver. As soon as they recognize each other, then the stupid devices should be able to link up and stream some audio.

Exploring HDMI eARC

HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) is broader than ARC and can pass through compressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos. This enhancement leads to improved audio quality and minimizes latency, resulting in a more immersive listening experience.

Integrated AMP With eARC, Dolby, Sub Cross Control

Some integrated amplifiers now come with eARC support, allowing direct HDMI audio input, including Dolby Atmos. Subwoofer crossover control depends on the model, so you’d have to look and see if the integrated amp even has subwoofer management controls.

Can A TV With Atmos Decoding Capabilities Replace The A/V Receiver?

No, you can’t, A TV with Atmos decoding can output Dolby Atmos to compatible soundbars or external speakers, but it usually lacks the power and connectivity of an A/V receiver. A receiver provides greater control over audio channels, processing, and connections, making it a more sensible choice for advanced audio systems.

Is There A HDMI eARC Audio Extractor With USB Out?

Currently, eARC audio extractors with USB output are rare. The majority of extractors are for HDMI to analog or optical out. If you need a USB connection, then get something else, such as a USB DAC with another audio source.

Will My AVR Decode Atmos From My TV’s HDMI ARC Port?

Yes, a lot of AVRs decode Dolby Atmos, as long as your TV transmits Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus via HDMI ARC. However, for uncompressed Atmos, you would need HDMI eARC.

TV Audio Into DAC Via eARC Or Better

Although HDMI eARC can pass high-resolution digital audio to an external DAC, more DACs accept digital audio via optical or coaxial input than via HDMI. If good sound is important, find a receiver that supports eARC, or an audio system that has HDMI inputs.

Does A DAC Improve TV Sound?

Yes, an external DAC can make a TV sound better. DAC will do the audio conversion at a higher quality than the TV’s internal DAC. However, a DAC alone won’t provide surround sound like Dolby Atmos, so it’s best used for stereo systems.

How Does HDMI ARC Work?

It is possible to send audio back and forth over a single HDMI cable using HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), which can transmit audio from the TV to the receiver or soundbar. This setup is simpler for hooking up audio and could even sound better for connected home theatres.

What Do You Need To Use HDMI ARC?

To use HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), you’ll require:

HDMI ARC-Compatible Devices: Your TV needs to be equipped with HDMI ARC, and so does the audio device (a soundbar or AV receiver). Look for an HDMI port labeled ‘ARC’ on both units.
Right Setup: Run the HDMI cable inside the HDMI ARC port for your TV and the HDMI ARC port to your audio device
Enable ARC Settings: Go to your TV’s audio menu, then go to your audio device’s audio menu, and enable ARC. That could involve turning on CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) settings as well.
Configure Audio Output: Be sure to route the sound on your TV to the audio output, so it is coming out of your HDMI ARC connection.

Do I Need New HDMI Cables To Use eARC?

Yes, you would also require an HDMI cable with the latest specifications to take full advantage of eARC:

HDMI 1.4 or better: HDMI 1.4 can control the simple ARC, however eARC needs the introduced audio bandwidth of HDMI 2.1.
High-Speed HDMI Cable: This kind can handle eARC, but might not have the bandwidth needed for high-bitrate audio codecs, or high frame-rate video.
Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable: This cable is great for eARC because it’s a completely HDMI 2.1 spec cable that supports all of the features of HDMI 2.1, including the high-bandwidth audio.
High-Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet: Even this type can do eARC, but maybe not as freely as Ultra High-Speed.

To see if your TV has eARC, look for ‘ARC’ or ‘eARC’ on a label on an HDMI port, or in your TV’s user manual. You’ll also likely have to turn on eARC in your TV’s audio options.

Conclusion

To conclude, I hope you will get this answer Can A DAC Decode EARC? Although a DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) cannot decode eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) signals as such, it is possible to make this happen.

EARC, which transmits premium, lossless audio over HDMI, demands a certain set of abilities not common in many standard DACs, which rarely have HDMI ports and instead rely on digital optical, coax, or USB.

Whether you’re aiming for immersive surround sound or crisp stereo audio, understanding the compatibility between eARC and DACs is essential in creating a top-notch audio setup.