HDMI ARC and eARC use the HDMI audio return channel to send sound from a compatible TV to a soundbar, while eARC supports higher audio bandwidth for formats such as uncompressed audio and immersive sound. For soundbar installations, choose a high-speed HDMI cable that supports eARC when both the TV and soundbar offer eARC, while a standard ARC connection may meet the needs of systems using basic or compressed audio.

Check that your TV and soundbar both have HDMI ports labeled ARC or eARC, then confirm that the cable lists ARC or eARC support and meets the video and audio capabilities your system requires. For longer runs, review the cable’s construction and installation rating, and make sure its length suits the planned connection without putting strain on the ports.

For a soundbar mounted below a wall-mounted TV or placed in a cabinet, a 1.5- to 2.25-meter HDMI cable often provides enough reach for a clean connection, while 0.75-meter cables may suit closely positioned equipment. Measure the cable path, including vertical drops and routing behind the TV, then choose a longer option, such as three or five meters, when the components sit farther apart or require extra slack.

Long HDMI ARC cables can suit in-wall soundbar installations when they support ARC or eARC and carry the required audio and video signals over the installation distance. For concealed runs, look for an in-wall-rated cable, such as a hybrid fiber-optic design for longer distances, and verify that the TV and soundbar support the same ARC format.