HDMI eARC and no sound
The usual reasons a soundbar or receiver goes quiet when it's plugged into your TV, and what to try first.
You plug a receiver into your TV, and the picture works but the sound doesn't. Or it works from the TV's own apps and goes quiet when you switch to a streaming box. It's usually one of a few things.
Check the port first
On most TVs only one HDMI port is labeled ARC or eARC. Your receiver has to go into that one, and into the output on the receiver labeled the same way.
Check the TV's audio output setting
Open the TV's sound menu and look for the audio output. It needs to be set to the HDMI ARC option, not "TV speakers" or "Optical." Some TVs also have a separate setting to turn eARC on.
Turn on HDMI control
This is called CEC, but TV makers rename it: Anynet+, Bravia Sync, Simplink, and so on. Turn it on for the TV, then for the receiver. It lets the two talk to each other.
Power-cycle in order
- Turn everything off.
- Unplug the TV and receiver for a minute.
- Plug the TV back in and turn it on.
- Turn on the receiver.
This resets the handshake between them, and it fixes more cases than you'd expect.
Try a different cable
If the cable is old, swap it. For eARC, use one labeled Ultra High Speed or Premium High Speed. If you've had trouble with a very long cable, try a shorter one.
Streaming box passes sound only as stereo
If sound works from the TV's apps but not your box, set the box's audio output to "Auto" or "Dolby Digital" instead of "PCM stereo only."