Is HDMI ARC or optical better for a soundbar?
HDMI ARC, if both the TV and soundbar have it: one remote controls the volume and it carries better sound formats, including Dolby Atmos. Optical is the fallback when either one doesn't have ARC.
Checked 7th November 2026.
Worth knowing
- In everyday stereo or 5.1 sound, most people can't hear a difference between the two.
- eARC goes further than ARC, carrying lossless sound from devices plugged into the TV.
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