What is HDMI ARC and what are its benefits?

The use of HDMI -High-Definition Multimedia Interface- has become standardized in recent years. It is increasingly common to use devices on a daily basis -televisions, consoles, projectors, computers...- that incorporate this connection to guarantee stable, high-quality video and audio transmission using a single cable.

However, and as a reward for its evolution, the world-famous HDMI connection has been improving over time since the launch of its version 1.0 to reach the current 2.1; and also as a bonus track for our audiophile hearts, it has left us along the way those HDMI “special audio edition” -if you understand the joke- such as ARC -from v1.4- or eARC -from 2.1-, to complicate our lives a little less and enjoy the sound much more.

Although the history of HDMI is enough for many posts, in this new installment of the VULKKANO blog , we are going to focus on explaining what HDMI ARC is and what its advantages are , so that you can get the most out of the TV-Speaker duo - always checking that both devices have this connection - and start to experience the qualities of this connection first-hand.

HDMI ARC: What is it?

HDMI ARC -Audio return channel- is a specific function of HDMI technology that allows us to use a single HDMI cable to connect audio devices, such as a pair of active speakers to the television, for example, and achieve a return of the same. That is, if the standard HDMI simultaneously transmits audio and video digitally, the ARC goes a step further and allows us to send audio in both directions , simplifying and facilitating the interconnection between our speakers and the TV.

Advantages of using HDMI ARC

The technical advantages of HDMI ARC are many, but if we focus on the practical aspects, we will see that the result is fantastic.

First of all, and as we indicated at the beginning, ARC means “audio return” which makes us guess that we will not need to use other connections such as optical to enjoy our set of speakers and television at the same time. If before the rear panel of our TV was a mess of cables, with HDMI ARC everything is much cleaner and easier to install.

Although it is common for speakers to include remote controls, another key feature of ARC is the ability to use the remote control on our television to manage functions such as raising and lowering the volume or turning on the device with a single remote, putting ease of use first.

And if we talk about audio, which is what interests us the most, you will agree with me that considering the purchase of speakers entails a great responsibility, especially if we want to enjoy a top experience without leaving home. Well, here the HDMI ARC also shows off its good work, since it is capable of transmitting surround digital audio formats such as Dolby Digital , Dolby Digital Plus and DTS present in all the streaming platforms that eagerly await our “sofa moment” every night.

The technical advantages of HDMI ARC are many, but if we focus on the practical aspects, we will see that the result is fantastic.

VULKKANO Speakers with HDMI ARC

When we set out to create our range of “A” active speakers and “T” desktop speakers , one of the main wishes of the entire team was that most of them would integrate HDMI connectivity, so... said and done!

Getting an affordable active system with this type of connection is rare on the market, however our speakers house this connection on their rear panel so you can build your own home cinema system , saving on external components and space. The ease of Plug & Play is such that it is worth exploring if you have finally decided to escape the terrible output sound of televisions. We promise that once you try it, you won't be able to resist...

In summary…

Having explained the definition and advantages of HDMI ARC, we will summarize the following points:

• HDMI ARC is the connection that has allowed a better interconnection between audio and video through a single cable and in two directions.

• The quality of HDMI ARC vs optical is higher thanks to its bandwidth capacity to transmit multi-channel digital audio such as Doby Digital, DTS 5.1 or Dolby Digital Plus.

• Possibility of controlling the sound with a single remote.

• It fulfills the objective of improving the sound quality of the TV as long as the speakers and television have this connection.

With all this, we hope to have helped to resolve your doubts regarding HDMI ARC, and above all, to encourage you to visit our catalogue of speakers, subwoofers and accessories to raise the level of your listening experience. Don't miss the rest of our blog articles!