If your Denon receiver suddenly stopped sending sound over eARC or ARC from built-in TV apps, you're not the only one dealing with this issue. HDMI-CEC, eARC, and app updates all interact in strange ways, so a small change in one place can mute the whole setup.
Quick answer
• Power off everything and unplug TV and Denon receiver for 60 seconds • Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable between TV eARC/ARC port and Denon receiver • Power on TV first, then Denon receiver • Toggle HDMI-CEC and ARC off and on in both device menus • Check audio format settings — try "Auto" or Dolby Digital instead of PCM only
Symptoms
• Denon receiver shows "TV Audio" but no sound comes out • Sound works from external devices but not TV apps • Audio cuts in and out during streaming • Receiver display doesn't show Dolby Digital or PCM indicators • TV audio randomly switches back to internal speakers
Quick checks
• Confirm HDMI connection — Cable must be in the ARC or eARC-labeled port on your Denon receiver • Use a certified high-speed cable — Old or damaged HDMI cables cause eARC drop-outs • Set TV audio output — Go to TV sound settings and select external receiver/soundbar option • Check Denon receiver volume — Ensure it's not muted and set to correct input • Disable Bluetooth audio — TV may route sound to paired Bluetooth devices instead of eARC
Step-by-step fix
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Power everything off completely Turn off TV and Denon receiver, then unplug both from power for 30-60 seconds to clear HDMI control state.
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Disconnect the HDMI cable Unplug the cable between TV eARC/ARC port and Denon receiver while devices are powered off. Wait a few seconds.
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Reconnect HDMI cable firmly Plug cable back into eARC/ARC port on TV and ARC-enabled input on Denon receiver. Avoid adapters or wall plates.
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Power on in correct order Turn on TV first and let it boot to home screen, then power on Denon receiver. HDMI-CEC systems are picky about power-on sequence.
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Test with a streaming app Open Netflix or YouTube and play a video. Watch Denon receiver's front panel for Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, or PCM indicators.
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Reset HDMI-CEC and ARC On TV: Settings → Audio → HDMI-CEC (disable, then re-enable) On Denon: Setup → Video → HDMI Control (turn off, then on)
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Adjust audio format settings Try TV Settings → Audio → Digital Output → Auto or Dolby Digital instead of PCM. Some Denon models are picky about multichannel PCM.
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Test multiple apps Verify sound works in at least 2-3 different streaming apps. Check individual app audio settings if only one fails.
If it still isn't working
Simplify the setup — Disconnect all other HDMI devices from TV and Denon receiver, then repeat the power-cycle process with only these two devices connected.
Check for firmware updates — Update both TV and Denon receiver firmware, as eARC compatibility improves with newer versions.
Document the problem — Note your exact TV model, which HDMI port you're using, what the Denon display shows, and which apps fail. This helps support teams diagnose faster.
Consider professional help — If eARC issues persist across multiple cables and resets, contact Denon support or a professional installer for warranty evaluation.
FAQ
Why does eARC work with external devices but not TV apps? TV apps use different audio processing than external HDMI inputs. The TV's internal audio routing may have different format restrictions or HDMI-CEC behavior.
Which HDMI cable do I need for eARC? Use a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. Regular high-speed cables work for basic ARC but may cause drop-outs with eARC's higher bandwidth requirements.
Should I use ARC or eARC on my Denon receiver? Use eARC if both your TV and Denon receiver support it — eARC handles more audio formats and is generally more reliable than standard ARC.
Why does power-on order matter for eARC? HDMI-CEC devices negotiate control and audio routing during startup. Powering the TV first ensures it's ready to send the proper eARC handshake signals when the receiver boots up.