Introduction

On the hunt for enhanced audio experiences, many consumers are turning to Audio Return Channel (ARC) for seamless integration between their televisions and audio devices. However, the excitement may quickly turn to frustration when an older AV receiver proves to be unARCed-compatible. This article explores the limitations and potential workarounds to bridge the gap, guiding you through understanding the ARC technology and alternative solutions to achieve the same functionality.

Understanding ARC Technology

ARC, or Audio Return Channel, is a feature that allows digital audio to return from a television to an AV receiver via a single HDMI cable. This feature has gained popularity for its convenience, but the reality is that certain AV receivers do not support it. In such cases, you might feel stuck, unable to take advantage of your new TV's HDMI ARC output. But fear not, for there are solutions and alternatives to consider.

Workarounds for ARC Compatibility

While there is no straightforward way to make an old AV receiver ARC compliant, there are several workarounds that can help you achieve a similar functionality:

Using Optical or Coaxial Audio Cables

If your TV and AV receiver both support optical TOSLINK or coaxial audio outputs, you can bypass ARC altogether. Connecting your TV to the AV receiver using these cables will enable you to send audio from the TV to the receiver. This method ensures that you maintain the convenience of modern HDMI connections while achieving an ARC-like experience.

HDMI Audio Extractor

Another effective workaround is using an HDMI audio extractor that supports ARC. The extractor connects to the HDMI output of your TV and can be linked to your AV receiver via an optical or analog audio cable. By using this setup, you can benefit from ARC for audio while keeping your existing AV receiver. This is a practical solution for those who frequently use features that require ARC.

Upgrading Your AV Receiver

For long-term efficiency and seamless integration, consider upgrading to a newer AV receiver that supports eARC Enhanced Audio Return Channel. eARC is a more advanced version of ARC, offering better audio quality and compatibility with modern televisions. This upgrade ensures that you can fully leverage the features of your new TV and enjoy enhanced audio performance.

Connecting Streaming Devices

If you rely on streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick, you can connect these directly to your AV receiver. This approach bypasses the need for an ARC-compatible AV receiver altogether. Streaming devices provide a versatile connection, allowing you to stream high-quality audio directly to your AV receiver.

Reassurance: The Essence of ARC

The question “Can an old AV receiver be made ARC compliant” is often met with a straightforward “no.” However, this answer might not be as significant as it seems. All ARC does is add sound that was previously carried by an optical cable and push it back via the HDMI cable. It’s a convenience feature, not an essential one. The sound formats and quality between ARC and optical are identical, and both offer the same audio experience.

Key Points to Consider

ARC is simply a method to eliminate the need for a separate optical cable, offering a more integrated solution.

The audio quality and formats are consistent between ARC and optical, making them interchangeable for most users.

Control of external sound bars or amplifiers is handled by HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), not ARC.

Ensure that your TV is set to the “Home Theater” mode to enable HDMI control and volume adjustments.

In case of the AV receiver being off during a session, the TV will revert to internal speakers, requiring a reset to Home Theater mode.

Digital audio resolution is not affected by changing the signal level, as it doesn't scale like analogue audio.

If your TV only supports ARC without optical, an audio stripper box can duplicate the digital signal and make it available on an optical connection.

In conclusion, while an old AV receiver cannot be made ARC compliant, there are several practical solutions to bridge the gap. By exploring these alternatives, you can ensure that you enjoy the best audio experience possible, whether it’s through traditional optical connections, HDMI audio extractors, or upgrading to a newer AV receiver.