HDMI ARC vs Optical: Which Offers Better Sound Quality?

Are you wondering which is better between HDMI ARC and Optical for your entertainment needs? Both are designed to enhance your audio experience, but they differ in various aspects, from sound quality to video resolution.

As most TVs, gaming consoles, home theatres, and soundbars use one of these two mediums, it's important to make an informed decision before purchasing.

This article simplifies this complex concept and explains why HDMI and Optical were introduced. It also provides insights into which one you should choose.

Additionally, you'll learn about the potential dangers of using a fiber optic cord in your home. Read on to discover everything you need to know about HDMI ARC vs Optical.

Understanding HDMI ARC: 

If you're familiar with HDMI, then you might have come across the term HDMI ARC. But what exactly is it?

ARC stands for Audio Return Channel. It's a feature that allows you to connect your TV and audio system with a single High-Speed HDMI cable, eliminating the need for separate audio cables.

Most modern TVs have multiple HDMI inputs, and one of them is typically labeled as ARC. You can verify this claim by checking your TV's input labels.

If you have a newer TV, it might even have eARC, which stands for Enhanced Audio Return Channel. All HDMI standards are designed for ease and comfort, and HDMI ARC is no exception.

The goal of HDMI ARC is to reduce the number of cables between your TV and external audio devices like home theatre systems or soundbars. However, it's worth noting that there are different types of HDMI cables for various devices.

Do You Need HDMI ARC?

Whether you need HDMI ARC or not depends on your preferences. If you're satisfied with the built-in speakers of your TV, then you don't need it. However, if you want to experience near-cinema sound quality, you'll need to connect a soundbar or home theatre system.

Since the purpose of HDMI ARC is to transfer audio from your TV to an external audio device, you'll require an HDMI ARC cable.

Understanding the Functionality of HDMI ARC

HDMI ARC operates by transmitting the audio-video signal to an ARC compatible receiver. It allows for a streamlined audio experience by consolidating the audio output from multiple devices into a single medium, such as a soundbar.

This feature is particularly useful when you have multiple devices connected to your TV. For example, if you have an Xbox One, Fire TV, and Apple TV connected, the audio signal will still be sent back to the ARC output connected to the soundbar.

However, it's important to note that there can be occasional issues with ARC functionality. To ensure smooth operation, make sure that Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) is enabled on your TV.

When installed with the proper settings, the HDMI cord can deliver optimal performance.

How to Set Up an HDMI ARC Connection

Setting up an HDMI ARC connection is a straightforward process if you follow these seven steps in the correct order:

1. Locate the HDMI ARC port on your television.
2. Connect an HDMI cable to the port.
3. Turn on the TV by pressing the power button.
4. Turn on your audio device.
5. Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into your audio device's ARC port.
6. Disable "TV Speakers" in your TV's settings.
7. Set up ARC or HDMI CEC in your TV's settings.
Once you've completed these steps, verify that the sound is emanating from your audio device's speakers.

Understanding the Differences Between HDMI ARC and Digital Optical

To comprehend Digital Optical, it's essential to understand how it works. In simple terms, Digital Optical uses light to transmit signals from one device to another. This is why you might see a light coming out of one end of the Digital Optical cable.

TOSLINK is another term commonly associated with Digital Optical because it uses Toslink Connectors. Toslink and CD audio format share the same age, dating back to 1983. It was initially incorporated into high-end CD players and later adopted by home theatres due to its success and wide acceptance by consumers.

Despite its popularity, many devices still use Digital Optical, including satellite TV or cable, digital video recorders (DVRs), UHD Blu-ray players, media streamers, game consoles (Xbox, PS4, etc.), DVD players, home theatre receivers, televisions, vehicle stereo receivers, soundbars, audio processors, and receiver/preamps.

However, Digital Optical has some limitations that are worth noting.

Limitations of Digital Optical and Its Superior Audio Quality

One of the biggest limitations of Digital Optical is that it doesn't support high resolutions like HDMI does. However, when it comes to audio, Digital Optical is unbeatable.

It provides crystal clear multi-channel surround sound, uncompressed PCM audio, and compressed 5.1 to 7.1 surround systems, delivering crisp sound quality that takes your audio experience to the next level. In terms of audio quality, Digital Optical is like Thanos.

When deciding between HDMI ARC vs Digital Optical, it's worth considering these five key differences that highlight the unique functions of each. Keep these differences in mind when purchasing your entertainment system.

Understanding the Differences Between HDMI ARC and Digital Optical

1. What are the limitations of Digital Optical Cable?

Digital Optical cables are limited to transferring only digital audio signals, unlike HDMI which can process both audio and video signals. However, if you are an avid music lover, Digital Optical is a great choice for transferring audio signals. This is why it is still commonly used in devices such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and televisions. It offers a simple and easy way to connect a source to a single output.

2. Superiority Of HDMI

HDMI has several advantages over Digital Optical cable. While both can support high-end audio signals, HDMI's ability to support higher resolutions gives it an edge. HDMI ARC supports a 5.1 surround sound channel with enhanced sound quality, and modern versions of HDMI, such as 2.0 and 2.1, ensure compatibility with modern technologies.

HDMI supports various technologies, such as Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, DTS HD, and Dolby Digital Plus, which greatly enhance sound quality and can create an immersive audio experience. HDMI 2.1 cables can even enable 7.1 surround sound, making it the preferred choice for high-end audio systems.

Dolby Atmos emits light sound waves that make the audio experience more vivid, taking you to another dimension. If you are a fan of music or movies, HDMI is the way to go.

3. HDMI ARC Vs. Optical: Built Differences

HDMI and optical cables have different constructions. Digital Optical Cable, or Toslink, uses fiber optics technology to transport signals from the source to the input. It is effectively made of refined, processed glass, which ensures a continuous flow of signal and reduces the chances of signal integrity loss along the cable.

In contrast, HDMI loses vibrancy as the cable length increases. HDMI cables are often constructed of copper, which requires strong shielding to ensure a high-quality, interruption-free connection. Optical cables do not require such an extra layer of protection.

However, using Digital Optical cables can create a mess of cables around your devices, which can be inconvenient. This is something to keep in mind when choosing between HDMI and Digital Optical cables.

4. HDMI is All-Rounder: Ready for Every Test.

One prominent difference between HDMI and Digital Optical cable is that HDMI is an all-rounder, as it has both audio and video channels, while Digital Optical cable can only transmit audio signals. This distinction has made HDMI the preferred choice.

With HDMI, you can link one cable to bond your media sources, such as a Blu-ray player or gaming console, to an external A/V system, and another cable to link the external A/V system to a television. This two-way communication reduces the number of wires to a minimum. Ethernet-enabled HDMI cables have also become popular.

However, Digital Optical cables contain tiny pieces of sharp glass and can harm you if mishandled. Breakage can spread invisible glass around your living space, and in the worst-case scenario, the pieces can enter the stomach through food, causing internal bleeding. Due to this lethality, most Optical cables carry warning signs and disclaimers.

Now that you understand what an HDMI Arc is, how it works, and why it is superior to Digital Optical Cable, let's address some frequently asked questions.

5. HDMI ARC VS. Digital Optical: How Length Can Be Problematic?

The length of the HDMI cable can impact transmission quality, while Digital Optical maintains quality at a longer length. Digital Optical cables can stretch up to 50ft, while an HDMI cable of just 15ft can raise concerns about disruption in audio and video.

However, to overcome this shortcoming, HDMI has proposed solutions. Active HDMI cables carry an internal processor to boost signals and either carry power from the external power supply or the connector of the port. Passive HDMI cables are standard HDMI cables that are not very long and cannot ensure the smooth flow of data at a longer distance. An active 2.1 HDMI cable will retain complete signal communication at a considerable length.

It's important to note that this should not lead you to doubt the efficacy of HDMI. HDMI supports modern sound technologies such as Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, and uncompressed audio up to 7.1 channels, making it better than Digital Optical, which only supports Dolby Digital and up to 5.1 channels of uncompressed audio.

When buying a new A/V receiver or soundbar speaker, be sure they support both HDMI ARC and Digital Optical. HDMI ARC is still a new feature introduced in 2009, and many new models lack an HDMI ARC input port. Having a device that accepts both HDMI ARC and an optical cord is the ideal option.

However, some TVs have been reported to have reduced audio output via ARC, and they even turn 5.1 audio channels from 6 to 2, losing depth and immersion. The quality of audio and video thus depends on your TV's make and model. If your device is well-made, a mediocre HDMI ARC will perform well.

Active HDMI Cable

An active HDMI cable incorporates an internal processor to enhance signal strength. It has the capability to carry power either from an external power supply or through the connector of the port.

Passive HDMI Cable 

Passive HDMI cables are the standard HDMI cables that are commonly used due to their affordability. However, they are not suitable for longer distances as they cannot guarantee a smooth flow of data.

Passive HDMI cables are the standard, affordable option that many people use. However, they are not suitable for longer distances as they cannot guarantee a smooth flow of data.

An active 2.1 HDMI cable is capable of meeting both tasks and can retain complete signal communication even at considerable lengths.

If higher bandwidth is not urgently required, or if an HDMI ARC connection is sufficient instead of HDMI eARC, an HDMI passive cable can reach up to 25 feet before signal integrity is compromised.

According to Minisopuru, HDMI ARC is widely preferred for its ability to deliver high-quality audio and visuals on laptops, PCs, and Consoles. While Digital Optical connectors are still useful, they may become less popular in the coming years. Uni's research aims to assist users in making informed and cost-effective choices when it comes to upgrading their devices.