How Does A HDMI Arc Adapter Work: What, How and In depth Facts

In this article, we’ll get to know How Does A HDMI Arc Adapter Work and the subsequent concepts. An HDMI Arc adapter is an interface between the Arc enabled devices and the devices that don’t support HDMI. 

Sometimes, we have two systems, out of which one does not support HDMI Arc. In that case, we need a third device that connects both the devices. These are called HDMI Arc adapters or audio extractors. The adapters arrange a conversion from HDMI input to RCA, coaxial cable, headphone jack, etc.

What are the necessary conditions of using an HDMI Arc adapter?

HDMI Arc adapters are multipurpose components that can convert one input to multiple outputs. But these adapters don’t work in every situation. Following are the constraints of using an HDMI Arc adapter-

  • The soundbar or speakers of the TV supports only the optical(Toslink) port. In this case, we must choose an HDMI Arc adapter with optical output.
  • The cable box also lacks the ports that the TV doesn’t have. Here, we don’t have any other option without the HDMI Arc adapter.
  • The TV does not have an RCA connector. Then we need an HDMI Arc adapter or extractor with a 3.5 m.m. jack. 
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Close view of an HDMI Arc Adapter, Image credits : Amazon.in
How Does A HDMI Arc Adapter Work
Image credits: AliExpress

What are some disadvantages of the HDMI Arc adapter?

While HDMI Arc adapters are cost-effective, easy to use, and cater to many functions, they have very few downsides as well. The primary issue is the sound quality that might not be as good as proper Arc connection. The other problems are-

  • Mostly, HDMI Arc adapters are automatic but cheaper ones come with a manual switch. So, we need to flip the switch to operate the machine.
  • Some HDMI Arc adapters have only one or two ports. We should never opt for those adapters without the optical and 3.5 m.m. jack.
  • HDMI arc adapters need external power. Therefore, we have to use some extra cables.

How Does A HDMI Arc Adapter Work- FAQs

What does an HDMI ARC adapter do?

The HDMI Arc adapter basically adds a set of output audio ports onto the TV set. We can use this adapter with TV streaming devices, Blu-ray, Cable boxes, gaming consoles, etc. 

An HDMI Arc adapter can be handy when we want to use older sound systems with new HDMI components. Of course, the old systems can’t produce as good audio as the new ones. But it is good enough. This way, we can keep recycling electronic devices and avoid the hassle of buying new things every time.

How do I use an HDMI ARC adapter?

We are taking an example of the Avantree HDMI audio extractor here. Only the Toslink (optical) port on the adapter can work in this mode. Below mentioned steps are the ways of using the HDMI Arc adapter-

  • Connect the converter to the power source.
  • Take an HDMI cable and plug one end to the converter’s Arc port and the other end to the system’s Arc port. 
  • Plug the external speaker into the Toslink output port on the adapter. 
  • Click the Arc button. If the Arc indicator light turns green, then the job’s done.
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Image credits: Avantree.com

Can I use HDMI ARC as a regular HDMI?

Seldom, our TV sets are labeled with “ARC” on the top of the HDMI port. ARC is an improved technology, and it refers to “Audio Return Channel.”. Arc helps in simplifying the system by sending the audio back to the TV.

All the HDMI cables can be utilized backward, i.e., we can use non-Arc ports. All HDMI cables are the same and perform similar functions. So if we plug in a generic HDMI cable to an HDMI Arc port, it will behave as regular HDMI. HDMI cables are all-in-one components that can switch in between standard HDMI and HDMI Arc.

Read more on…HDMI vs HDMI Arc: Exhaustive Comparison And Detailed Facts And FAQs

How do I know if my HDMI cable is ARC?

The cable is the same for regular HDMI or HDMI Arc. It is the ports that differ. If the HDMI port on the TV or the soundbar is marked with the “Arc” word printed on it, then we can identify the cable as an Arc cable. From 2009, most of the TVs have Arc port.

HDMI cables are just a specific type of wire. They don’t have any version or particular function such as Arc. Arc refers to the ports on the systems. HDMI cables come with standards such as 1.4, 2.0, or 2.1, etc. No cable is mainly designed for the “Arc” feature. We need to check if the TV port or the soundbar port is Arc enabled.