HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is a feature that allows you to connect your Vizio sound bar to your TV with a single HDMI cable and enjoy high-quality audio from both devices. However sometimes HDMI ARC may not work properly and cause various issues such as no sound audio delay or remote control problems. In this article we will show you how to fix Vizio sound bar HDMI ARC not working with some simple steps and tips.
Key Takeaways
| Problem | Solution |
| No sound from sound bar | Check HDMI cable and connection update firmware change audio output on TV power cycle devices reset to factory settings |
| Audio delay or out of sync | Adjust audio delay settings on TV or sound bar use PCM audio format reroute HDMI cables |
| Remote control not working | Enable CEC setting on TV and sound bar use Vizio SmartCast app or sound bar remote |
How to Fix No Sound from Vizio Sound Bar HDMI ARC
One of the most common issues with HDMI ARC is that there is no sound coming from the sound bar even though the TV is showing that it is connected. This can be very frustrating especially if you want to enjoy your favorite movies or shows with better sound quality. Here are some possible solutions for this problem:
- Check HDMI cable and connection: Make sure that the HDMI cable is firmly plugged into both the sound bar and the TV. You must ensure that the HDMI cable is plugged into the port labeled “HDMI ARC” on your Smart TV. If your TV doesn’t have this port you will not be able to use the ARC feature. Also check for any damage to the HDMI cable. If there are any signs of wear and tear it is best to replace the cable.
- Update firmware: You should also check that your Vizio sound bar has the latest firmware installed. Firmware updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements. Also make sure that your Smart TV also has the latest firmware installed. You can usually find the firmware update option in the settings menu of your devices.
- Change audio output on your TV: If you have set up the sound bar for the first time there are great chances that the Audio Output on your TV is set to internal speakers. You should turn off the internal speakers of your TV and then change the TV audio output to HDMI. Similarly you would have to change the input of the sound bar to HDMI using the remote.
- Power cycle devices: If the issue persists the next step is to power cycle the soundbar and the TV. To do this power off and unplug both devices from their power outlets. Press any button on the soundbar for a few seconds to discharge any residual power. After 30 seconds plug both devices back into their power outlets and turn them on.
- Reset to factory settings: As a last resort you can try resetting both devices to their factory settings. This will erase all your customized settings and preferences so make sure you have a backup of them before proceeding. To reset your Vizio sound bar press and hold the Bluetooth and Volume Down buttons on the soundbar for 10 seconds until you see all LED indicators flash twice. To reset your Smart TV refer to your TV’s user manual for instructions.
How to Fix Audio Delay or Out of Sync with Vizio Sound Bar HDMI ARC
Another common issue with HDMI ARC is that the audio and video are not in sync meaning that there is a noticeable delay or lag between what you see on the screen and what you hear from the sound bar. This can ruin your viewing experience and make it hard to follow dialogues or actions. Here are some possible solutions for this problem:
- Adjust audio delay settings on TV or sound bar: Most TVs and sound bars have an option to adjust the audio delay or lip sync settings in their menus. You can try increasing or decreasing this value until you find a match between the audio and video signals. Usually a value between 0 ms and 200 ms works well for most cases.
- Use PCM audio format: Sometimes the audio delay or out of sync issue may be caused by an incompatible audio format between your devices. For example if you are connecting a Blu-ray player or a gaming console to your TV via HDMI ARC they may be sending Dolby Digital or DTS audio signals that your sound bar may not support. In this case you should change the audio output format of your input device to PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) which is a simple and universal format that works with most devices.
- Reroute HDMI cables: If none of the above solutions work you may need to reroute your HDMI cables to avoid any interference or signal degradation. For example if you have multiple devices connected to your TV via HDMI ports you may want to connect them directly to your sound bar instead of using HDMI ARC. This way you can avoid any potential conflicts or delays between the devices. However this may require you to use more HDMI cables and switch inputs on your sound bar manually.
How to Fix Remote Control Not Working with Vizio Sound Bar HDMI ARC
One of the benefits of HDMI ARC is that it allows you to control the sound bar with your TV or media remote without having to use multiple remotes. However sometimes the remote control may not work with the sound bar meaning that you cannot adjust the volume mute or switch inputs. Here are some possible solutions for this problem:
- Enable CEC setting on TV and sound bar: CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is a feature that allows devices to communicate and control each other via HDMI. For HDMI ARC to work properly you need to enable CEC on both your TV and sound bar. You can usually find this option in the settings menu of your devices under names such as HDMI Control Anynet+ Simplink or Bravia Sync. Note that different brands may have different names for this feature.
- Use Vizio SmartCast app or sound bar remote: If you cannot enable CEC on your devices or if it still does not work you can use the Vizio SmartCast app on your smartphone or tablet to control your sound bar. You can download the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store and follow the instructions to pair it with your sound bar. Alternatively you can use the remote that came with your sound bar to control it.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Q: What is the difference between HDMI ARC and eARC?
A: HDMI ARC and eARC are both features that allow audio signals to travel in both directions along the HDMI cable. However eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) is an improved version of ARC that supports higher bandwidth and higher quality audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. eARC also provides better compatibility and synchronization between devices.
Q: How do I know if my TV and sound bar support HDMI ARC or eARC?
A: You can check the labels on the HDMI ports of your TV and sound bar to see if they support HDMI ARC or eARC. Usually the port will have an “ARC” or “eARC” label next to it. You can also check the specifications or user manuals of your devices to confirm their compatibility.
Q: How do I connect other devices to my TV and sound bar via HDMI ARC or eARC?
A: You can connect other devices such as Blu-ray players gaming consoles or streaming boxes to your TV and sound bar via HDMI ARC or eARC by using the available HDMI ports on your devices. However you need to make sure that the audio output format of your input device matches the audio input format of your sound bar. For example if your input device sends Dolby Digital audio signals your sound bar should also support Dolby Digital audio input. Otherwise you may experience no sound or audio delay issues.