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soundbar no sound from tv hdmi arc

Ask By Josh P.2,311 views

new soundbar hooked up with hdmi arc and tv shows connected but no sound comes out. optical works but i want arc. tried different cable too

Brand
Sony
Model
HT-S400
Connection
HDMI Or Optical
Sample Rate
48 kHz
Output Channels
2 channels
No Sound And Output DeviceSoundbar
Tool used in this discussionSound TestQuick left, right and stereo check for any speakers or headphones
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Short Answer

For HDMI ARC to work, the soundbar must use the TV's ARC port, and the TV audio output must be set to the soundbar or HDMI ARC. Turn on HDMI-CEC and power cycle both.

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Callum Sterling
Callum SterlingAudio Team
Surround Sound Auditor · 4+ years experience · Answered Oct 4, 2026

Sound over HDMI ARC needs three things: the soundbar plugged into the HDMI port labelled ARC or eARC, the TV audio output set to HDMI ARC, and HDMI control (CEC) enabled on both devices.

A "connected" message on the TV only means the handshake worked, not that sound is being sent. A full power cycle often repairs a stuck handshake.

Step By Step Fix
  1. Move the HDMI cable to the TV port labelled HDMI ARC or eARC
  2. In the TV sound settings set Audio Output to HDMI ARC or the soundbar
  3. Turn on HDMI-CEC, called Anynet+, Simplink or Bravia Sync by brand, on the TV and the soundbar
  4. Unplug the TV and soundbar for 60 seconds and plug them back in
  5. Set the TV digital audio format to PCM if a Dolby setting gives silence
  6. Play the Sound Test from a connected device to verify the channels
Sources
  1. Bluetooth SIG: Bluetooth Technology

Checked by Min-Seok Kim on . How we verify answers

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Community Replies 4

  • Lauren MitchellCommunity Member

    make sure its plugged into the hdmi port labeled arc, not a regular one. got me too

  • Kevin AndersonCommunity Member

    also turn on hdmi cec in the tv settings and power cycle both

  • Josh PetersonCommunity Member

    arc port plus cec fixed it, thanks y'all

  • Henry JacksonCommunity Member

    Mine only worked on the HDMI port marked ARC. Also check that the soundbar input is set to ARC or TV.

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Callum Sterling
Written and tested by

Callum Sterling

Surround Sound Auditor at Sound Test

Callum Sterling is the Surround Sound Auditor on the Sound Tester Audio Team. Focused on checking 5.1/7.1 spatial positioning accuracy, Dolby Atmos channel mappings, and sound leakage. Runs gaming headset audio troubleshooting threads on X (Twitter). On Sound Tester he answers surround sound, soundbar and HDMI ARC discussions, and checks channel placement with the Surround Sound Test.

5.1 and 7.1 surroundDolby Atmos mappinggaming headsets
  • 15 answers on Sound Test
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Each answer is written by the specialist closest to the topic and checked by a second team member. How we verify answers

Answers are free general guidance from the Sound Tester Audio Team and community. They are not medical advice. For hearing loss, ringing or ear pain, see a doctor or audiologist. Opening a device can void its warranty, so check the maker's support first for hardware faults.

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