Quick Answer
- Ensure your TV and Onkyo receiver are ARC-compatible.
- Check that you're using a high-speed HDMI cable; consider a Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (paid link).
- Verify that HDMI-CEC is enabled on both devices.
- Restart both the TV and receiver to refresh the connection.
Symptoms
You may experience one or more of the following issues when trying to use ARC on your Onkyo TX NR686:
- No audio from the TV through the receiver.
- The TV does not recognize the receiver as an audio device.
- The ARC feature seems to be disabled or unresponsive.
- Audio drops intermittently or is out of sync.
Quick Checks
Before diving into a detailed fix, perform these quick checks:
- Confirm that the HDMI cable is securely connected to the ARC HDMI port on both the TV and the receiver.
- Ensure that the TV's audio output settings are set to use the receiver.
- Look for any firmware updates for both the TV and the receiver that may resolve compatibility issues.
- Check the settings in your TV's menu for any options related to ARC or HDMI-CEC.
Step-by-Step Fix
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Identify the HDMI Ports: Make sure the HDMI cable is plugged into the correct ARC-enabled port on both the TV and the Onkyo receiver. This is usually labeled as "HDMI ARC" on both devices.
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Enable HDMI-CEC: Go to your TV's settings menu and enable HDMI-CEC (it may be called a different name depending on the brand, like Anynet+ for Samsung or Simplink for LG). This allows the devices to communicate properly.
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Check Audio Settings: On your Onkyo receiver, navigate to the audio settings and ensure that the input source is set to the correct HDMI input where the TV is connected.
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Restart Devices: Power off both the TV and the Onkyo receiver. Unplug them from the wall for about 30 seconds, then plug them back in and power them on.
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Test the Connection: Once both devices are on, try playing audio from the TV. Check if the sound is now coming through the Onkyo receiver.
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Adjust Audio Format: If you still have issues, check the audio format settings on both the TV and the receiver. Some formats may not be compatible with ARC.
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Update Firmware: If problems persist, visit the manufacturer's website to check for any firmware updates for both your TV and the Onkyo receiver. Follow the instructions to update if necessary.
If It Still Doesn't Work
If you have followed all the steps above and ARC is still not functioning, consider the following:
- Try using a different HDMI cable to rule out cable issues.
- Test the receiver with a different TV or the TV with a different receiver to identify where the problem lies.
- Consult the user manual for both devices for any specific troubleshooting tips related to ARC.
FAQ
Q: What is ARC?
A: ARC stands for Audio Return Channel, which allows audio to be sent back from the TV to the receiver through the same HDMI cable used for video.
Q: Can I use any HDMI cable for ARC?
A: No, it's recommended to use a high-speed HDMI cable to ensure proper audio and video quality.
Q: What should I do if my TV doesn't have an ARC port?
A: If your TV doesn't support ARC, you may need to use an optical cable for audio output to the receiver.
Q: Why does my audio cut out intermittently?
A: This can be caused by a poor HDMI connection, incompatible audio formats, or issues with the HDMI cable.
Q: How can I check if my devices support ARC?
A: Look for the HDMI ports labeled "ARC" on both the TV and the receiver. You can also check the user manuals for specifications.