Short Answer: Yes, you can use an HDMI ARC with your LG TV.
HDMI is a well-known digital connector for a wide range of entertainment devices, including televisions and projectors.
If you bought your LG television after 2009, it most certainly features HDMI ARC. Any TV purchased in the previous several years has HDMI ARC because it’s now a standard feature in all LG TVs. An HDMI cable must be purchased separately in order to use this feature.
What difference does it make now that you know your LG TV has HDMI ARC? Perhaps you had no idea this functionality existed, let alone how and why to use it.
Now, let’s dive deeper into some of the details.
What’s an HDMI arc?
An HDMI ARC connector transfers audio and video over a single channel from the source to a display or speaker. It acts as an open conduit for making AV connections.
As a result, you can now watch videos in the highest possible resolution, such as 4K, 8K, and even High-Definition Reality.
HDMI ARCs are used with Smart TVs that have built-in apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and so on. You’ll need both visual and aural transmission. It’s also required when using a game console, set-top box, or even Spotify.
HDMI connects a video source, such as a TV, with an audio source, such as a soundbar or speaker system. As a result, Dolby Sounds gives the best visual reception.
What’s an HDMI eARC?
HDMI eARC stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface Enhanced Audio Return Channel. It’s a more advanced version of the HDMI ARC function included with HDMI 2.1.
eARC increases the speed and bandwidth of the connection, allowing for higher-quality audio transmission. It broadcasts 32 channels of audio at 192kHz at a rate of 38 Mbps using uncompressed data transmissions.
eARC requires an HDMI 2.1 features cable to function properly, so any older HDMI cables that you may have laying around won’t work.
How do I know if my LG TV has ARC?
Look at the back of your LG TV to find the HDMI ARC connector. HDMI is a legitimate port label that can be easily identified, whereas any other port may indicate that it supports ARC.
A device with an HDMI 14 connector, for example, will have ARC because it was manufactured in 2009.
LG is a pioneer in the development of HDMI ARC ports, so expect to see them in all recently-made LG TVs.
The LG OLED55C8PUA, a 65-inch high-quality TV from 2018, is one of the LG TV models that support HDMI ARC.
Speaking of LG TVs, if you’ve ever wondered why LG screens appear so dark, check out my other article that covers why that’s so.
HDMI ARC not working (Quick Troubleshooting)
Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide for HDMI ARC that’s not working:
- Unplug the HDMI cable and plug it back in after at least 3 seconds
- Restart your LG TV
- Turn on HDMI-CEC
- Change the sound settings on your TV
- Change ARC/eARC setting or TV audio input mode to “Auto” or “On”
How do I enable HDMI ARC?
Follow these steps to enable the ARC features on your device:
- Press the Menu or Home button on the remote. You should see the menu displayed on your TV screen.
- Go to Settings.
- Press Enter.
- Choose HDMI Control or CTR. HDMI.
- Press Enter.
- Choose ON or CONTROL ON.
- Press Enter.
Can I use a regular HDMI cable for ARC?
Yes, you can use a regular HDMI cable for ARC.
You can use any HDMI cable for ARC but it could be a problem for you if you move to an eARC because of different cable requirements, as mentioned above.
FAQs
How can I switch from HDMI to HDMI ARC?
ARC is typically supported by all HDMI cables. However, you can connect the HDMI cable from one end to the ARC HDMI input and the other end to the output, such as the Soundbar or audio receiver. Remember to turn off the power before connecting cables and other items.
Does HDMI ARC activate the Soundbar?
Yes, HDMI ARC activates the Soundbar.
Connect an HDMI connection from the output port to the HDMI ports on the Soundbar and TV, then adjust the soundbar settings to D.IN mode by pressing the source button on the remote control. After a couple of seconds, the Soundbar’s source will automatically switch to ARC.
Do LG televisions turn off automatically?
If you don’t use your LG TV or remote control for an extended period of time, the TV will turn off automatically. This is a feature to save power. To conserve power, you can also adjust the screen’s brightness or set it to automatically adjust itself based on the surrounding light.
Your LG TV’s brightness will be affected by the “energy saving” feature. When enabled, it will be less bright.
Why is my TV not displaying my HDMI?
If your TV is not displaying your HDMI connection, you may not have turned on the right input.
In order to receive the correct HDMI connection, you have to choose the HDMI input in your TV. Most remotes usually have an input button where you can choose your preferred input setting. You can scan through the different setting options until you find “HDMI”.
Why am I getting no HDMI signal?
You can check if your HDMI cable is properly connected to your TV.
You can also try disconnecting the HDMI cable for at least a few seconds, restarting or resetting your TV. If this doesn’t work and you suspect you HDMI cable may be the problem, try replacing your HDMI cable to see if you can get an HDMI signal with a new cable.
If this also fails, the problem may be with your LG TV.
Conclusion
- LG televisions were among the first to support eARC and ARC HDMI connections.
- While the ARC option is fairly common in LG TVs and is easily identifiable, locating an eARC is more difficult.
- As a result, knowing whether the HDMI port is 2.1 certified is sufficient to determine whether the HDMI is eARC-enabled.
- In order to enjoy amazing visuals and beautiful sounds, you should use HDMI eARC with the most recent model of LG TVs.