Quick answer
- Ensure your TV and Onkyo receiver both support ARC (Audio Return Channel).
- Use a high-quality HDMI cable that supports ARC functionality. Consider a Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (paid link).
- Check that the HDMI cable is connected to the correct HDMI ARC port on both devices.
- Make sure ARC is enabled in both the TV and receiver settings.
Symptoms
You may experience one or more of the following symptoms if the ARC feature isn't working:
- No sound from the TV through the Onkyo receiver.
- The TV does not recognize the Onkyo receiver as an audio output device.
- Audio is only playing through the TV speakers, not through the connected sound system.
- The receiver displays an error message related to HDMI or ARC.
Quick checks
Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, perform these quick checks:
- Verify that both devices are powered on.
- Ensure that the HDMI cable is securely connected at both ends.
- Check for any firmware updates for both the TV and the Onkyo receiver.
- Restart both the TV and the Onkyo receiver to refresh the connection.
Step-by-step fix
- Check HDMI Connections: Make sure the HDMI cable is plugged into the HDMI ARC port on both the TV and the Onkyo receiver. Refer to your device manuals for the specific ports.
- Enable ARC on the TV: Go to your TV's settings menu, find the audio settings, and ensure that ARC is enabled.
- Enable ARC on the Onkyo Receiver: Access the Onkyo receiver's setup menu, navigate to HDMI settings, and enable the ARC feature.
- Select the Correct Input: On the Onkyo receiver, select the HDMI input that corresponds to the TV connection.
- Adjust Audio Settings: In the TV audio settings, set the audio output to the receiver (may be labeled as "External Speakers" or similar).
- Test the Connection: Play audio or video content on the TV and check if the sound is now coming through the Onkyo receiver.
If it still doesn't work
If you've followed the steps above and ARC is still not functioning, consider these additional troubleshooting steps:
- Try a different HDMI cable to rule out a faulty cable.
- Test the ARC functionality with another HDMI device to see if the issue persists.
- Reset both the TV and the Onkyo receiver to factory settings as a last resort.
FAQ
Q: What is ARC?
A: ARC (Audio Return Channel) allows audio to be sent from the TV back to the receiver through the same HDMI cable used for video.
Q: Can I use regular HDMI cables for ARC?
A: While regular HDMI cables may work, it's recommended to use high-speed HDMI cables that support ARC for the best performance.
Q: Does my TV need to support eARC for ARC to work?
A: No, eARC is an enhanced version of ARC, but standard ARC will work with any compatible device.
Q: Why is my Onkyo receiver not detecting the TV?
A: Ensure that both devices are connected to the correct HDMI ports and that ARC is enabled on both the TV and receiver.