Can you use HDMI ARC and optical audio at the same time?

Answered by Jason Smith

It is possible to use HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and optical audio at the same time, but not all televisions allow for this dual connection. HDMI ARC is a feature that allows audio to be sent from a TV to an external sound system through the HDMI cable, eliminating the need for a separate audio cable. On the other hand, optical audio uses a fiber optic cable to transmit audio signals.

While some TVs have both HDMI and optical ports available, they may not support simultaneous use of both connections. This means that if you connect both an HDMI ARC cable and an optical cable to the TV, it will automatically switch to the one that was inserted last. This is because the TV recognizes the most recently inserted cable as the active connection and ignores the other.

The reason for this limitation is often due to the way the TV’s audio settings are designed. When you connect an HDMI ARC cable, the TV expects the audio signals to be sent through this channel and will prioritize it over the optical connection. Similarly, if you connect an optical cable, the TV will switch the audio output to the optical connection.

It’s important to note that not all TVs have this limitation, and some may allow for simultaneous use of both HDMI ARC and optical audio connections. However, you should consult your TV’s manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm whether this is possible with your specific model.

If you do find yourself in a situation where you want to use both HDMI ARC and optical audio connections simultaneously, there are a few workarounds you can try. One option is to use an HDMI ARC extractor or audio splitter. These devices can separate the audio signals from the HDMI ARC connection and allow you to connect both HDMI ARC and optical cables to your sound system or audio receiver.

Another option is to use an audio receiver or soundbar that has multiple audio inputs, including both HDMI ARC and optical connections. In this case, you would connect the HDMI ARC cable to the TV and the optical cable to the audio receiver or soundbar. The audio receiver or soundbar can then handle the switching between the two audio sources.

While it is technically possible to use HDMI ARC and optical audio at the same time, many TVs do not support this dual connection and will automatically switch to the most recently inserted cable. If you need to use both connections simultaneously, you may need to explore alternative solutions such as using an HDMI ARC extractor or audio splitter, or using an audio receiver or soundbar with multiple audio inputs.