Note: The Sony STR-DN1080 supports HDMI ARC only — it does not support eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). If you need eARC for lossless Dolby Atmos (TrueHD), you will need a newer receiver. The STR-DN1080 can still decode lossy Dolby Atmos via Dolby Digital Plus over ARC from compatible streaming apps.
Quick answer
- Ensure your HDMI cable is compatible with ARC; a Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable is recommended.
- Check that your TV and audio receiver both support ARC.
- Make sure the ARC feature is enabled in both the TV and receiver settings.
- Restart both devices to refresh the connection.
Symptoms
- No audio output from the receiver when using ARC.
- Audio is out of sync with the video.
- The receiver displays an error message or no signal.
- The TV does not recognize the audio receiver.
Quick checks
- Verify that your HDMI cable is connected securely to the ARC port on both the TV and the receiver.
- Check if your TV and receiver firmware is up to date.
- Ensure that the correct input source is selected on the receiver.
- Look for any settings related to HDMI control (CEC) and ensure they are enabled.
Step-by-step fix
- Check the HDMI cable: Make sure you’re using a Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. If in doubt, consider replacing it with one from this link: Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (paid link).
- Enable ARC on your TV: Go to your TV’s settings menu, find the HDMI settings, and ensure that ARC is enabled.
- Enable ARC on the receiver: Access the settings on your Sony STR-DN1080. Look for HDMI settings and make sure ARC is activated.
- Restart devices: Power off both the TV and the receiver. Unplug them for about 30 seconds, then plug them back in and turn them on.
- Test the connection: Play a video or audio file that you know has a high-quality audio track and check if the sound is coming through the receiver.
If it still doesn’t work
- Try connecting a different HDMI device to the ARC port on your TV to see if the issue persists.
- Check if there is a firmware update available for your devices and install it.
- Consider resetting the receiver to factory settings, but make sure to back up your settings first.
FAQ
Q: Does the STR-DN1080 support eARC?
A: No. The Sony STR-DN1080 supports standard HDMI ARC only, not eARC. For lossless Dolby Atmos (TrueHD), you need a receiver with eARC support. The STR-DN1080 can still decode lossy Dolby Atmos (Dolby Digital Plus) delivered over ARC from compatible streaming apps.
Q: Can I use a regular HDMI cable for ARC?
A: While a regular HDMI cable may work for standard ARC, it’s recommended to use a Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable for the best results.
Q: Why is my audio still out of sync?
A: Audio sync issues can be caused by processing delays in the receiver or the TV. Check for any audio delay settings in both devices.
Q: What should I do if my TV doesn’t support ARC?
A: If your TV does not support ARC, you can connect your source device directly to the receiver and use another cable (optical or HDMI) from the receiver to the TV, but note that optical cannot carry Dolby Atmos.