Identify the return connection
eARC sends television audio to compatible external audio equipment over the return-audio HDMI route. Samsung’s support guide requires supported hardware and the appropriate connection. A soundbar producing audio over another cable does not establish that eARC is configured.
Locate the eARC-labelled TV or One Connect port and the corresponding soundbar or receiver connection. Check the exact model manuals rather than assuming every HDMI socket or every Samsung TV supports the same return feature.
Enable the relevant controls
Samsung’s example enables Anynet+ for HDMI control and sets HDMI eARC Mode to Auto in the television’s audio expert settings. Menu location varies by model and software. Use that example to identify the function, then follow the actual TV’s manual.
Choose the soundbar’s documented TV/eARC source and check the television sound output. The video input selected for a player and the audio destination selected for the TV are separate choices.
Test one source at a time
Begin with a familiar programme from the TV’s own supported route. Confirm sound at a moderate level, then compare an external HDMI source if that is part of the setup. A successful internal-app test does not prove every external-source format passes through unchanged.
If ordinary audio works but a specific soundtrack does not, identify that format and the connected equipment’s support. Do not infer a universal codec capability from the word eARC alone.
Preserve a clear diagnosis
If the return route fails, keep a record of port labels, output selection and whether direct TV speakers work. Samsung also documents isolating other connected HDMI devices for some connection problems; use the relevant procedure for the exact symptom.
This is a configuration guide grounded in Samsung’s US support example. European models can use different menu layouts and capability combinations. No physical TV, soundbar or programme format has been tested here.
Questions answered
Does every HDMI port provide eARC?
No. Use the port labelled and specified for the return-audio feature.
Does eARC guarantee every soundtrack format?
No. Check the source, TV processing and receiving equipment’s supported formats.
Sources & further reading
Official references for the subjects discussed. Service terms and device software can change.