Do Samsung TVs Have HDMI Arcs? (And How to Use Them)

Using your Samsung TV for video games, streaming shows, and playing music can quickly create a web of tangled cords. To address this issue, engineers created something called an “HDMI Arc.” This basically routes media directly to your TV without having to fumble with AUX cords and other cables. But do Samsung TVs have this option?

Many Samsung TVs have HDMI Arcs. This routes all audio and video from an output device to your TV. To use it, users will need to connect HDMI cables 1.4 or higher between the two devices.

Continue reading to learn more about using your HDMI Arc and what it means for your smart home experience. If you’re unsure as to whether your specific model comes with this feature, check out your user manual.

Do Samsung TVs Have HDMI Arcs?

Most TVs (including Samsung TVs) come with HDMI Arcs built right in. However, if you’re looking to enhance your sound quality, you can purchase an HDMI Arc online.

You may also purchase an external HDMI Arc if you’re using an older TV or sound system.

How Do I Know if My TV Has an HDMI Arc?

If you’re not sure whether your TV has an HDMI Arc built-in, check your TV’s input and output ports. They should be located either on the bottom or back of the device. Underneath the HDMI port, it should say HDMI (ARC).

This is really your best option for determining whether your TV comes with this feature. However, alternatively, if you don’t feel like inspecting your TV’s HDMI ports, you can:

• Check your user manual. The booklet that came with your TV should list its input ports, including whether it has HDMI Arc.
• Scroll through your input settings. By accessing the input menu on your Samsung TV, it may say HDMI (Arc) when making your selection.

How to Connect HDMI Arc on Samsung TV

To set up your HDMI Arc, you’ll need three things: your Samsung TV, HDMI cord, and speaker. The HDMI Arc port should already come installed on your Samsung TV.

Before starting, make sure that your TV and speaker are connected to a power source. From here:

1. Locate the HDMI IN on the back of your TV.
2. Using either end, plug in the HDMI to this port.
3. Locate the HDMI OUT on your speaker.
4. Plug the HDMI into this port.

Now, when you turn on your TV, the sound should automatically come out of your speaker.

Troubleshooting Setting Up Your Samsung TV’s HDMI Arc

If you have any problems using HDMI Arc on your Samsung TV, consider how the following options could address the problem:

Use a Different HDMI Cord

CNET reports that the latest HDMI version is 2.1. So, when you purchase an HDMI cable from most retailers, it’ll likely run at that speed.

However, if you’re using an older HDMI cable (one that’s 1.3 or less), it won’t work with your Samsung HDMI Arc. You’re better off using a different, more updated one.

Make Sure You Have Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) Enabled

This feature allows your HDMI cord to “talk” to your TV. To enable this setting:

1. Press the home button on your Samsung remote control.
2. Access your TV’s settings.
3. Choose “General Menu,” then “External Device Manager.”
4. Navigate to Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC).
5. Press “Enter” on the remote to turn it on.

Turn on Your TV’s Receiver

This option generally works if you have a TV that’s more than four years old. To turn on your TV’s receiver:

1. Press “Home” on your remote.
2. Go to “Settings.”
3. Press “Sound.”
4. Press “Speaker Settings.”
5. Choose “Receiver (HDMI)” from the drop-down list.

Reset Your Speaker

If this is your first time using your speaker with an HDMI Arc, try resetting it before turning on the TV. The instructions for resetting your speaker depend on what device you have.

If you have a Samsung Soundbar, for example, resetting it involves the following steps:

1. Power off your TV and soundbar.
2. Hold down on the “+” and “-” buttons for five seconds.
3. Power on your TV and soundbar.
4. Press the home button on your remote.
5. Select “Settings.”
6. Change the sound output to your soundbar.

Unplug the Cables, Then Plug Them Back In

Unplugging the HDMI cable, then plugging it back in basically clears your TV and audio system’s cache. Be careful when you do this; if you apply too much force when removing the cord, you risk damaging the connectors.

How Are HDMI Arcs Used on Samsung TVs?

The purposes of HDMI Arcs are to reduce cords and streamline your entertainment system.

Audio comprises something called “channels.” The more audio channels a speaker allows, the more vibrant and layered the sound. Per Samsung, HDMI Arcs support the following audio formats on their TVs:

• PCM (two-channel). This is for two-channel, digital audio tracks. It’s commonly used with CDs and DVDs.
• Dolby Digital (up to 5.1 channels). This delivers five channels of sound, commonly seen in feature films.
• DTS Digital Surround sound (up to 5.1 channels). Thisis commonly seen in Samsung TVs produced before 2018. It’s also very similar to Dolby Digital in that it produces five layers of sound, but it delivers less compressed sound.

The ideal option for you largely depends on what speaker you’re using.

Final Thoughts

Most Samsung TVs on today’s market come with HDMI Arcs. Using this feature is as easy as connecting your speaker to your TV using an HDMI cable. If this doesn’t work, consider how the troubleshooting methods above could benefit you.