Does this affect sound quality in soundbars?

Yes, this (HDMI ARC vs eARC) will affect the sound quality of sound bars or home audio equipment. In the home entertainment world, audio plays a crucial role in enhancing the viewing experience. To get the best sound output from the soundbar or home theater, we have to establish the right kind of audio connection, particularly when we need to select a soundbar, main specification would be the HDMI arc eARC, so what should we choose now to get the best audio output? And what was the difference between HDMI ARC and eARC two types of HDMI outputs? So let us explore HDMI arc eARC.

What is the purpose of HDMI?

HDMI (‘ high definition multimedia interface ‘) came into existence in early 2003. The purpose of HDMI is to transfer HD audio and video data to TVs and soundbars or amplifiers through a source. Before HDMI came into existence, analog ports and analog VGA cables were used. Data transfer rates for analogue VGA are lower (around 600 MBPS) compared to HDMI, and analogue VGA does not support full HD resolution. The evolution of HDMI cables cleared the path for newer audio and video technologies like 4K and 8K with higher frame rates at 120 Hz, Dolby Digital, and DTS in the audio department. So for these higher frame rates, higher resolutions, and high-definition audio, the HDMI arc came into existence with an update known as hDMI 1.4. This upgrade of HDMI continued up to HDMI eARC, with even more solid audio and video capabilities.

So what does optical cable do, and is there any alternative to HDMI?

The optical cable also supports Dolby Digital and DTS Digital. The main difference between optical and HDMI is that HDMI can transfer both audio and video data, whereas optical only supports audio formats. Optical cannot pass through any video formats, for example, 2K, 4K, etc.
There are many alternatives to HDMI cables like 3.5mm Jack, display ports, DVI, VGA, and Thunderbolt, which are used for Apple devices, USB-C, and wireless display technologies like Chromecast and Apple Airplay. Depending on the devices you use, the connection depends on those factors. Even though there are many alternatives to HDMI, it is still the most versatile single-cable option and the most used option around the world to connect with modern equipment.

HDMI ARC

Arc is an audio return channel that is used to establish a connection between your TV and Sound Bar or any other audio system like an AV receiver. With the help of a single HDMI ARC cable, both audio and video signals can be transmitted between your TV and the connected audio device. Visually, there is no difference between the traditional HDMI cable and the HDMI arc cable, but the manufacturer will mention the port as an arc if it is an HDMI arc cable. HDMI arc cable is widely available on many modern TVs and sound bars. To keep it simple, the HDMI arc cable will support Dolby Digital and DTS, which are compressed versions of Dolby Atmos and DTS-x and DTS-HD. This means the audio signal that passes through this cable is in lossy format.

HDMI eARC

HDMI eARC (enhanced audio return channel) is the upgraded version of HDMI arc. The limitations of arc are addressed in HDMI eARC, and you can experience a more enhanced and robust audio experience. Key advantages of HDMI eARC are that it supports uncompressed or lossless audio formats like Dolby ATMOS, DTS HD-master audio, DTS-X, DTS Virtual X, and IMAX-Enhanced, and there might be a chance to upgrade to upcoming formats. If you are passionate about experience in high-end audio, HDMI eARC is the best bet to place. With eARC, you will get support for atmos channels, which means the sound waves come from all directions, including from the ceiling.

Why eARC is better than ARC 

The main difference lies in bandwidth and data transfer rates, so the higher the bandwidth and data rate, the more audio data will be transferred through these cables, which leads to higher-quality audio and lossless audio files (no compression of audio), and hence more audio formats will be supported through eARC.

And you have to keep in mind that the latest version of HDMI is HDMI 2.1.

Is HDMI ARC/eARC cable enough to enjoy all the audio formats?

The answer is no. But you have to remember that to enjoy these formats, your inbuilt apps on your TVs and connected devices like cable boxes, gaming consoles, fire sticks, etc. should also support these formats to pass through the HDMI ARC cable. Before purchasing any audio equipment, you have to cross-check these points

Audio equipment-

Cross-check that your soundbar or AV receiver supports arc or eARC. The latest and high-quality audio equipment will support lossless and object-based audio formats.

TV or Projectors-

Verify your TV or projector specifications and whether your TV supports eARC or ARC. New TV models will support eARC, but older models may support Arc once cross-check before you make any informed choice.

Content

If you’re a movie buff and watch a lot of TV shows and movies, many OTT platforms or apps will support regular 5.1. ARC works fine, but depending on the content, some movies and shows may support Dolby Atmos 5.1, 7.1, depending upon the move specs, and DTS-X 5.1, 7.1, and the list goes on depending upon the speaker and subwoofer setup.

Some movies and shows support only 2.1; then, whether Arc or eARC, either one will work flawlessly.

Price vs. Audio Quality

HDMI eARC caters to audiophiles and enthusiasts who desire the highest audio quality, whereas HDMI ARC is easier and cheaper. Choose accordingly based on your priorities.

Future-Proofing

If you’re investing in a new future-proof home theater setup, opting for eARC is a wise choice. It ensures you can take full advantage of advanced audio technologies as they become more prevalent.

Conclusion

Both HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC are useful technologies that can enhance the audio quality of your home theater. ARC simplifies connections and performs well for simple audio needs, whereas eARC provides high-fidelity audio and supports sophisticated audio formats for a more immersive watching experience. High-quality audio comes with HDMI eARC at a premium. The audio quality will considerably affect your experience, so consider that when choosing. Your decision should also take into account the specifics of your needs and the resources at your disposal.