Quick answer
- Ensure your TV and Onkyo receiver are ARC-compatible.
- Use a certified HDMI cable that supports ARC features.
- Check the HDMI settings on both the TV and receiver.
- Restart both devices to refresh the connection.
Symptoms
You may experience one or more of the following issues when the ARC feature is not functioning on your Onkyo TX-SR608:
- No audio from the TV to the receiver.
- The receiver does not recognize the TV as an audio source.
- The TV remote does not control the receiver volume.
- The ARC option is grayed out or unavailable in the settings.
Quick checks
Before diving into more complex troubleshooting, try these quick checks:
- Verify that the HDMI cable is securely connected to the HDMI ARC port on both the TV and the receiver.
- Make sure that the TV is set to the correct HDMI input where the receiver is connected.
- Check that your TV’s audio output settings are configured to use ARC.
- Ensure that any CEC settings (often labeled as HDMI-CEC, Anynet+, or similar) are enabled on both devices.
Step-by-step fix
- Turn off both devices: Power down your TV and Onkyo receiver completely.
- Disconnect the HDMI cable: Unplug the HDMI cable from both the TV and the receiver.
- Inspect the HDMI cable: Check for any visible damage. If you suspect the cable may be faulty, consider replacing it with a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable for optimal performance (Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (paid link)).
- Reconnect the HDMI cable: Plug the HDMI cable back into the HDMI ARC port on the TV and the receiver.
- Power on the devices: Turn on the TV first, then power on the Onkyo receiver.
- Adjust settings: Go into your TV’s audio settings and ensure ARC is enabled. Similarly, check the Onkyo receiver settings to confirm that ARC is activated.
- Test the connection: Play audio from the TV and see if it outputs through the receiver.
If it still doesn't work
If you've followed the steps above and the ARC feature is still not functioning, consider the following:
- Ensure both devices have the latest firmware updates installed.
- Try using a different HDMI cable or port if available.
- Consult the user manuals for any specific settings related to ARC for both your TV and receiver.
FAQ
Q: What is ARC?
A: ARC stands for Audio Return Channel, allowing audio to be sent from the TV back to the receiver through the same HDMI cable used for video.
Q: Can I use any HDMI cable for ARC?
A: Not all HDMI cables support ARC. It's best to use a certified HDMI cable that specifically mentions support for ARC features.
Q: Why is my TV remote not controlling the receiver volume?
A: This could be due to CEC settings not being enabled on either the TV or the receiver. Check the settings on both devices.
Q: What if my TV doesn't have an HDMI ARC port?
A: If your TV lacks an ARC port, you may need to use an optical audio cable or consider upgrading to a TV that supports ARC.