Even if you think that there is only one type of HDMI connector for your smart TV, the truth is that you are wrong. It is clear that a large majority of devices already have a port for this type of connector, be it a television, a console, a PC, etc. However, it is important to know that there are different types of HDMI to use them correctly, as is the case that we will see below.
And it is that, the fact of misusing a connector of this type, can cause problems to appear with the HDMI of the Smart TV or the device to which we have connected this cable. For example, one of the options that a large majority of users do not use correctly is the type of HDMI that has to be used to direct the sound from your TV to the sound device . Specifically, we refer to the HDMI ARC.
Are you misusing HDMI ARC?
Not all HDMI connectors are connected to the same input port. Therefore, depending on where you have connected it, you will be misusing it all the time. Therefore, although they all have the same function of transmitting audio and video on our Smart TV, the truth is that we will find one different from the others, since not all of them are the same .
Usually we will be able to see the difference. More than anything, because it is labeled on televisions. In this way, we will be able to differentiate the correct port from the rest. Therefore, keep in mind that it is the HDMI ARC connector , which will normally be labeled as follows: ” HDMI (ARC) “. In addition, this type has quite interesting features and is found on all modern televisions such as Smart TVs. To make it clearer, here is an image that will be of great help:
As we can see, this ARC functionality is only available through a specific port of the device, in this case a Smart TV. Another important point is that, to improve sound quality , the ideal is that we use an HDMI 1.4 or higher cable.
Even in recent years we have seen how televisions with HDMI eARC ports have begun to be marketed. Basically it is an improved version that allows us to enjoy a movie in Dolby Atmos on our Smart TV player or on a platform like Netflix together with HDMI 2.1.
Supported audio formats
Although there are now fewer barriers to connecting the sound bar, console or 5.1 receiver to our Smart TV, the truth is that the compatible audio formats must always be taken into account. So these will be the ones that support HDMI ARC right now:
- PCM (2 channels).
- Dolby Digital (up to 5.1 channels).
- DTS Digital Surround (up to 5.1 channels).
In this way, we will not have any type of problem when it comes to improving the sound quality , as long as the audio format is compatible with this type of HDMI connector in particular. If not, we could experience audio issues.