The easiest way to connect any new TV to a new soundbar or receiver is using a single HDMI cable and the Audio Return Channel feature. This lets simplifies the connection process and minimizes the number of different cables you need. Nearly all modern TVs and audio gear (that has HDMI anyway) has either ARC or the newer eARC. While you can use an optical cable, HDMI is easier and offers additional features like Dolby Atmos.
For most people, a single HDMI cable is all you need to run between your TV and soundbar. While it should be as easy as that sounds, sometimes it isn't. I'll cover all that, but first: the basics.
Do you need ARC?
To be fair, many people don't need ARC. If you only listen to audio using your TV's speakers and don't have a receiver or soundbar, the feature is superfluous. The point of ARC is to send audio created by or switched through your TV to an external audio device, namely a soundbar or receiver.
Because the sound on most TVs is terrible, we strongly recommend getting at least a soundbar to improve the TV experience. Check out our guide on how to buy a soundbar and soundbar vs. speakers for more.
If you have a soundbar or receiver of fairly recent vintage that has HDMI, it probably has ARC, too. Here's how it works.
On the left is a traditional non-ARC setup, requiring an HDMI cable from an Xbox to be connected to the audio system, another to send the video to the TV, and an optical cable to send the TV apps audio back to the audio system. With ARC, the HDMI cable connected to the TV can send the TV audio back to the audio system. A two-way street, if you will. HDMI Licensing/CNET
Can you use ARC?
Check the HDMI connections on the back of your TV, soundbar or receiver. If the HDMI port has ARC, it should be marked as such. Both your TV and the soundbar or receiver must have ARC for it to work. Often, only one port will have ARC or eARC, and on TVs, it's usually the first or third.
Note the tiny ARC label on the HDMI out of this receiver. An HDMI-equipped soundbar would look similar. Onkyo
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