How to Connect TV Audio to Receiver | One Cable, Best Sound

Connect TV audio to a receiver by running one HDMI cable between the ARC-labeled ports on both devices.

TV speakers lack the muscle for movies and music, and the how to connect TV audio to receiver question usually comes down to a single choice: HDMI ARC or eARC. Both send sound from the TV back down the HDMI cable to your AV receiver, replacing the need for a separate optical or RCA cord. When both devices support ARC, it delivers the best balance of sound quality and convenience. Here is how to wire it up, enable the right settings, and fix the mistakes that keep the audio silent.

HDMI ARC vs. eARC: Which Connection Works For You?

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is the standard way to send TV audio back to a receiver over one HDMI cable. It has existed since 2009 and works with virtually every modern TV and receiver that carries an ARC-labeled port. eARC is the newer version, tied to HDMI Specification 2.1 on receivers, and it unlocks far higher audio capacity.

The meaningful difference is bandwidth. ARC supports standard compressed 5.1 audio but lacks the headroom for the highest-quality formats like Dolby Atmos from Blu-ray or streaming services.

The right pick depends on your gear:

• Best for most setups: HDMI ARC covers 5.1 surround sound and is enough for cable boxes, game consoles, and standard streaming.
• Best for audiophiles: eARC carries the full-quality audio formats that object-based sound systems need.
• Fallback when neither exists:

How To Connect TV Audio To Receiver With ARC or eARC

Connecting an ARC system takes two steps: plug in the cable, then flip on the control settings on both devices. The order matters less than using the right ports.

1. Plug the HDMI cable into the TV’s HDMI (ARC) port and the receiver’s HDMI (ARC) port. If both support eARC, use the eARC-labeled ports. The port is usually marked on the back of each device.
2. Turn on HDMI Control on the receiver and Control for HDMI on the TV. These settings are often buried in the HDMI or CEC menu on each device.
3. Select the audio output. On the TV, choose the audio system as the sound output instead of the internal speakers.
4. For eARC only: Set the TV’s eARC mode to Auto so the receiver gets the full-bandwidth connection.

When it works, you’ll hear the TV’s audio through your speakers instantly. When you switch the TV on, the receiver should wake up and follow commands from the TV remote — that’s HDMI-CEC working as intended.

Common Mistakes And Why Sound Stays Silent

Most connection problems come down to a handful of repeat offenders. Here’s what to check when nothing plays.

Wrong HDMI port. Plugging into any random HDMI port breaks ARC entirely. The cable must sit in the ports specifically labeled ARC or eARC, which are usually just one specific port on each device. Missing software updates. The receiver should have the latest firmware installed before first use, and a stale version can cause dropouts or total silence. Low-quality cables. Cables not labeled high-speed may not pass ARC’s signal properly, so swap in a certified high-speed HDMI cable if you suspect trouble.

If either the TV or receiver lacks ARC support, you’ll need an optical or analog audio cable as a bridge. Connect the TV’s DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL) to the home theater system’s optical input. This works for 5.1 audio but skips the one-remote control convenience that ARC provides.

Optical also has a hard limit: it cannot carry the advanced audio formats that eARC handles, so don’t expect Dolby Atmos from an optical connection. For a receiver shopping decision, the top-rated audio receivers for TV setups list breaks down which models support eARC and which skip it.

TVs That Support eARC

eARC support on TVs is common but not universal. Most major brands now include eARC on mid-range and premium sets.

Even so, a TV with eARC gains nothing if the receiver predates HDMI 2.1. The receiver must carry an eARC-labeled port, so verify both ends before buying cables. If you already own a receiver without eARC, ARC still works and handles 5.1 audio perfectly well.

For most people, HDMI ARC is the answer. It delivers surround sound, keeps the TV remote in charge, and uses the cable you already own. eARC only matters if you chase lossless formats, and the difference is invisible to casual viewers.