eARC vs Optical: Which Audio Connection is Better?
Discover why eARC is superior to optical connections for audio quality, bandwidth, and device control.
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eARC is generally better than optical for audio quality. eARC supports higher bandwidth, allowing it to transmit uncompressed audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, which optical cannot handle. Additionally, eARC ensures lip-sync correction and allows for control of connected devices using HDMI CEC. Optical is more limited in bandwidth and is usually restricted to compressed formats like Dolby Digital. For the best audio experience, eARC is the superior choice.
FAQs & Answers
- What are the benefits of eARC over optical audio? eARC supports higher bandwidth, uncompressed audio formats, and device control, making it a superior choice for audio quality.
- Can optical audio support Dolby TrueHD? No, optical audio is limited to compressed formats like Dolby Digital and cannot handle uncompressed audio formats like Dolby TrueHD.
- What is HDMI CEC and how does it relate to eARC? HDMI CEC allows for control of connected devices via HDMI, and eARC supports this feature for seamless device interaction.
- Is eARC backwards compatible with older HDMI devices? Yes, eARC is designed to be backwards compatible with standard ARC and older HDMI devices, ensuring broad usability.