Streaming from a TV

For the record, worth noting most newer TVs and many streamers (like sound bars) support hdmi e/arc. That’s probably the latest and greatest interface to use between TV and sound system. I run it from my Samsung Smart TV to a Cambridge Evo 150 for example.

More:

eARC, or Enhanced Audio Return Channel, is a feature introduced with the HDMI 2.1 specification that significantly improves the audio capabilities of HDMI connections. Here are the key points about eARC:

1. **High-Quality Audio Transmission**: eARC allows for the transmission of high-resolution audio signals without compression, ensuring that the original audio quality is preserved when sent from a TV to an audio receiver or soundbar [[1]](https://www.samsung.com/latin_en/support/tv-audio-video/what-is-earc-and-how-to-set-on-samsung-smart-tv/)[[3]](https://www.samsung.com/levant/support/tv-audio-video/what-is-earc-and-how-to-set-on-samsung-smart-tv/).

2. **Support for Advanced Audio Formats**: It supports a wide range of high-bitrate audio formats, including uncompressed 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound, as well as advanced formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. This capability enables a more immersive audio experience, akin to that found in movie theaters [[2]](https://www.hdmi.org/spec21sub/enhancedaudioreturnchannel).

3. **Simplified Connectivity**: eARC simplifies the connection process between devices. It allows audio from various sources (like cable, satellite, or streaming services) to be sent to an audio receiver or soundbar through a single HDMI cable, reducing cable clutter and complexity [[2]](https://www.hdmi.org/spec21sub/enhancedaudioreturnchannel).

4. **Improved Bandwidth and Speed**: One of the main advantages of eARC over the previous Audio Return Channel (ARC) is its increased bandwidth and speed, which are essential for handling high-quality audio formats [[3]](https://www.samsung.com/levant/support/tv-audio-video/what-is-earc-and-how-to-set-on-samsung-smart-tv/).

5. **Ease of Setup**: Setting up eARC on compatible devices, such as Samsung Smart TVs, typically involves connecting the HDMI cable to the appropriate ports and adjusting settings in the TV's menu to enable eARC mode [[3]](https://www.samsung.com/levant/support/tv-audio-video/what-is-earc-and-how-to-set-on-samsung-smart-tv/).

In summary, eARC enhances the audio experience by allowing for high-quality, uncompressed audio transmission, supporting advanced audio formats, and simplifying device connectivity.

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Learn more:
1. [What eARC is and how to set on Samsung Smart TV](https://www.samsung.com/latin_en/support/tv-audio-video/what-is-earc-and-how-to-set-on-samsung-smart-tv/)
2. [HDMI ARC - What is eARC? Audio Return Channel](https://www.hdmi.org/spec21sub/enhancedaudioreturnchannel)
3. [What eARC is and how to set on Samsung Smart TV | Samsung Jordan](https://www.samsung.com/levant/support/tv-audio-video/what-is-earc-and-how-to-set-on-samsung-smart-tv/)

Differences between toslink and hdmi e/arc:

When comparing eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) and Toslink (also known as optical audio), there are several key differences and advantages to consider. Here’s a breakdown of how they stack up against each other:

### Audio Quality
- **eARC**: Supports high-resolution audio formats, including uncompressed 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound, as well as advanced formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. This capability allows for a more immersive audio experience, making it ideal for modern home theater setups [[1]](https://www.cablematters.com/Blog/HDMI/hdmi-arc-vs-optical?srsltid=AfmBOoqRb9LFFPf-H9cXoUHJq4ccPvnOttIbGrdJMS8vu1BspfOkTGmS)[[2]](https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/learn/opitical-vs-hdmi).
- **Toslink**: Generally supports compressed audio formats and can handle up to 5.1 surround sound, but it does not support uncompressed audio or advanced formats like Dolby Atmos. This limits its effectiveness for high-end audio systems [[1]](https://www.cablematters.com/Blog/HDMI/hdmi-arc-vs-optical?srsltid=AfmBOoqRb9LFFPf-H9cXoUHJq4ccPvnOttIbGrdJMS8vu1BspfOkTGmS)[[3]](https://www.vcelink.com/blogs/focus/hdmi-arc-vs-optical?srsltid=AfmBOopoDZpBYcFlhpsWSSnWZGj20-1sKqash-JTAEQHO6cSHA4iwAGQ).

### Bandwidth and Speed
- **eARC**: Offers significantly higher bandwidth compared to Toslink, which allows it to transmit high-bitrate audio without compression. This is crucial for maintaining audio fidelity, especially with high-definition content [[2]](https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/learn/opitical-vs-hdmi)[[3]](https://www.vcelink.com/blogs/focus/hdmi-arc-vs-optical?srsltid=AfmBOopoDZpBYcFlhpsWSSnWZGj20-1sKqash-JTAEQHO6cSHA4iwAGQ).
- **Toslink**: Has a lower bandwidth, which restricts its ability to transmit high-quality audio signals. It is typically limited to standard audio formats and does not support the latest high-definition audio technologies [[1]](https://www.cablematters.com/Blog/HDMI/hdmi-arc-vs-optical?srsltid=AfmBOoqRb9LFFPf-H9cXoUHJq4ccPvnOttIbGrdJMS8vu1BspfOkTGmS).

### Connectivity and Setup
- **eARC**: Simplifies the connection process by allowing audio and video signals to be transmitted through a single HDMI cable. This reduces cable clutter and makes setup easier, especially in complex home theater systems [[2]](https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/learn/opitical-vs-hdmi)[[3]](https://www.vcelink.com/blogs/focus/hdmi-arc-vs-optical?srsltid=AfmBOopoDZpBYcFlhpsWSSnWZGj20-1sKqash-JTAEQHO6cSHA4iwAGQ).
- **Toslink**: Requires a separate optical cable for audio, which means you will typically need additional cables for video connections (like HDMI). This can complicate setups and lead to more cable management issues [[1]](https://www.cablematters.com/Blog/HDMI/hdmi-arc-vs-optical?srsltid=AfmBOoqRb9LFFPf-H9cXoUHJq4ccPvnOttIbGrdJMS8vu1BspfOkTGmS)[[3]](https://www.vcelink.com/blogs/focus/hdmi-arc-vs-optical?srsltid=AfmBOopoDZpBYcFlhpsWSSnWZGj20-1sKqash-JTAEQHO6cSHA4iwAGQ).

### Compatibility
- **eARC**: Designed for modern devices, eARC is found on many new TVs, soundbars, and AV receivers. It is backward compatible with standard ARC, but to take full advantage of its features, both devices must support eARC [[2]](https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/learn/opitical-vs-hdmi)[[3]](https://www.vcelink.com/blogs/focus/hdmi-arc-vs-optical?srsltid=AfmBOopoDZpBYcFlhpsWSSnWZGj20-1sKqash-JTAEQHO6cSHA4iwAGQ).
- **Toslink**: While still widely used, Toslink is more common in older devices. It can connect to a variety of audio equipment, but its limitations in audio quality make it less suitable for high-end systems [[1]](https://www.cablematters.com/Blog/HDMI/hdmi-arc-vs-optical?srsltid=AfmBOoqRb9LFFPf-H9cXoUHJq4ccPvnOttIbGrdJMS8vu1BspfOkTGmS)[[3]](https://www.vcelink.com/blogs/focus/hdmi-arc-vs-optical?srsltid=AfmBOopoDZpBYcFlhpsWSSnWZGj20-1sKqash-JTAEQHO6cSHA4iwAGQ).

### Conclusion
In summary, eARC is the superior choice for modern audio setups, offering better audio quality, higher bandwidth, and simplified connectivity compared to Toslink. If you are looking to maximize your audio experience with the latest formats and technologies, eARC is the way to go. However, if you are using older equipment or need a simple audio connection, Toslink may still be a viable option.

---
Learn more:
1. [HDMI ARC vs. Optical - Which Is Better?](https://www.cablematters.com/Blog/HDMI/hdmi-arc-vs-optical?srsltid=AfmBOoqRb9LFFPf-H9cXoUHJq4ccPvnOttIbGrdJMS8vu1BspfOkTGmS)
2. [Optical vs HDMI: Which Is Better? - RTINGS.com](https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/learn/opitical-vs-hdmi)
3. [HDMI ARC vs Optical: What are the Differences? - VCELINK](https://www.vcelink.com/blogs/focus/hdmi-arc-vs-optical?srsltid=AfmBOopoDZpBYcFlhpsWSSnWZGj20-1sKqash-JTAEQHO6cSHA4iwAGQ)

there are converters out there that can convert eARC (HDMI) to TOSLINK etc.  check your tv as well, many also have optical/coax out. 

Great Summary @mapman !  Certainly eARC over HDMI can carry the higher resolutions and formats, and can be very smart and clever when hooking components.  But I have had issues with incompatibility on some TV's.  For my simple video watching, Toslink direct from TV to DAC or Streamer works great for killer 2 channel with imaging that bests many center channel set ups; and it is bomb proof. 

@glennewdick  I see little advantage of converting Toslink to HDMI, unless you are missing the Toslink digital input.  Am I missing something?

Happy Holidays All!

fastfreight,

@glennewdick  I see little advantage of converting Toslink to HDMI, unless you are missing the Toslink digital input.  Am I missing something?

Happy Holidays All!

I was refering to go from HDMI out of your TV converted to optical for your DAC. I think i missread your post sorry.