Onkyo receivers often lose sound from TV apps through HDMI ARC due to incorrect configuration settings or HDMI board hardware issues. The TX-NR and TX-SR series require specific ARC and CEC settings to properly receive audio from your TV's built-in streaming apps.
Quick Answer
- Enable ARC: Setup → Hardware → HDMI → Audio Return Channel → ON
- Enable CEC: Setup → Hardware → HDMI → CEC → ON
- Use HDMI OUT MAIN only (disconnect HDMI OUT SUB if connected)
- Set TV audio output to Bitstream/Passthrough for surround sound
- Power cycle both devices - unplug for 60 seconds after changes
Symptoms
- No sound from Netflix, Prime Video, or other TV apps
- Receiver displays "ARC" but remains silent
- TV speakers work but receiver doesn't receive audio
- Intermittent audio dropouts during streaming
- Receiver shows input signal but no sound output
Quick Checks
- Verify HDMI cable connects TV's ARC/eARC port to receiver's HDMI OUT MAIN
- Check if TV speakers are muted or set to external audio
- Confirm receiver input is set to "TV/ARC" or "ARC"
- Test with TV's built-in test tone or different streaming app
- Look for "ARC" display on receiver's front panel
Step-by-Step Fix
- Access receiver's setup menu using the remote or front panel
- Navigate to Setup → Hardware → HDMI
- Set Audio Return Channel to ON
- Set CEC (Control) to ON
- Go to Setup → Source/Input → Input Assignment
- Verify HDMI inputs are properly assigned to correct ports
- Navigate to Setup → Audio → Audio Adjust
- Set Lip Sync to Auto (or manual if sync issues persist)
- On your TV, access audio settings
- Set audio output to Bitstream or Passthrough for surround sound (PCM for stereo)
- Ensure TV's ARC/eARC is enabled in HDMI settings
- Power off both devices completely
- Unplug both devices for 60 seconds
- Power on receiver first, then TV
- Select TV/ARC input on receiver
If Sound Still Doesn't Work
Update receiver firmware - If your Onkyo model is from 2021 or newer (TX-NR5100, TX-NR7100, etc.), check Onkyo's support site for firmware updates. Older models (TX-NR646, TX-NR696, TX-SR606, etc.) are no longer receiving firmware updates.
Try different HDMI cable - Use High Speed HDMI 2.0 or newer. Older cables cause intermittent ARC problems.
Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable (paid link)
Check for HDMI board failure - TX-NR696 and TX-NR797 models have known HDMI board issues. Symptoms include clicking sounds, no video passthrough, and intermittent signals. This requires professional repair or replacement.
Reset receiver to factory defaults - Hold SETUP button while powering on. Reconfigure all settings from scratch.
Test with different TV audio format - Try switching to PCM in TV settings to confirm the connection works. If PCM produces sound but Bitstream/Auto doesn't, the issue is format negotiation. Note: PCM disables Dolby Atmos and surround — switch back to Bitstream/Auto once testing is done.
Thinking About Upgrading Your AV Receiver?
If your receiver is causing recurring HDMI, eARC, or audio issues, it may be worth evaluating whether a newer model solves the problem at the hardware level. Our best AV receivers under $500 guide covers current picks with HDMI 2.1, eARC, and Dolby Atmos — including the Denon AVR-S770H and Yamaha RX-V4A which handle modern 4K/120Hz passthrough reliably.
FAQ
Why does my Onkyo receiver show ARC but no sound comes out? The receiver detects the ARC connection but isn't properly configured to process the audio signal. Enable both ARC and CEC in the HDMI settings, then set your TV's audio output to Bitstream.
Should I use HDMI OUT MAIN or SUB for ARC? Always use HDMI OUT MAIN for ARC connections. The SUB output doesn't support Audio Return Channel and can cause conflicts.
My TX-NR696 has clicking sounds and intermittent ARC - is this fixable? This indicates HDMI board failure, a common issue with this model. Firmware updates provide temporary relief, but the board typically needs replacement.
What TV audio setting works best with Onkyo receivers? Use Bitstream or Passthrough for surround sound formats like Dolby Digital and DTS. Use PCM only if you experience compatibility issues or prefer stereo output.
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