Quick answer
- Ensure your HDMI cable is compatible with ARC.
- Check that both your TV and receiver have ARC enabled in their settings.
- Make sure the HDMI cable is connected to the correct ARC port on both devices.
- Restart both the TV and receiver after making changes.
Symptoms
You might experience the following issues if the ARC feature on your Onkyo TX SR494 is not functioning properly:
- No sound from the TV to the receiver.
- The receiver does not recognize the TV as an audio source.
- Audio drops intermittently or is distorted.
- The TV remote does not control the receiver volume.
Quick checks
Before diving into a detailed troubleshooting process, perform these quick checks:
- Confirm that your HDMI cable supports ARC. A Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable is recommended for optimal performance.
- Make sure you are using the HDMI port on your TV that is labeled as ARC.
- Check that both devices are powered on and connected properly.
- Verify that the correct input is selected on your receiver.
Step-by-step fix
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Power Cycle Devices: Turn off both your TV and Onkyo receiver. Unplug them from the power source for about 30 seconds, then plug them back in and turn them on.
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Check HDMI Connections: Ensure that the HDMI cable is securely connected to the HDMI ARC port on both the TV and the receiver. If necessary, disconnect and reconnect the cable.
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Enable ARC on TV: Go to your TV settings. Look for the audio settings and ensure that HDMI ARC is enabled. This is often found under "Sound" or "Audio Output."
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Enable ARC on Receiver: Access the Onkyo receiver settings. Navigate to the HDMI settings and ensure that the ARC function is turned on.
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Update Firmware: Check for any firmware updates for both your TV and Onkyo receiver. Keeping your devices updated can resolve compatibility issues.
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Test Audio: Once you’ve made the above adjustments, test the audio by playing something on your TV. Adjust the volume using your TV remote to see if it controls the receiver.
If it still doesn't work
If you’ve followed all the steps and ARC is still not functioning, consider the following:
- Try a different HDMI cable to rule out a faulty cable. A Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (paid link) is recommended.
- Consult the user manual for both your TV and receiver for any model-specific settings.
- Contact customer support for either device for further assistance.
FAQ
Q: What is HDMI ARC?
A: HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) allows audio to travel both ways between your TV and receiver, enabling you to use your TV remote to control the receiver's volume.
Q: Can I use any HDMI cable for ARC?
A: While standard HDMI cables may work, it's best to use a cable that supports ARC features, such as a Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.
Q: Why does my TV not recognize the receiver?
A: This could be due to incorrect settings, a faulty HDMI cable, or compatibility issues. Double-check your connections and settings.
Q: What if my sound is still not working?
A: Ensure that the correct input is selected on your receiver and check for any additional audio settings that may need adjustment.
Q: Can I use ARC with streaming devices?
A: Yes, as long as the streaming device is connected to the TV via an HDMI port that supports ARC.