Technology glossary

HDMI eARC

An enhanced audio return channel that sends high-bit-rate audio from a TV or monitor to an audio system over one HDMI cable.

eARC arrived with HDMI 2.1 and supersedes the earlier ARC. It sends audio from sources connected to the display, or from built-in apps, back to an AV receiver or soundbar over the same HDMI cable.

According to HDMI Licensing Administrator it can carry uncompressed 5.1 and 7.1 audio, 192 kHz / 24-bit audio and formats including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS:X. Whether a format actually passes through depends on the source, the display and the audio system.

Devices using this technology

Alienware AW3226Q — Nova Black Alienware AW3226Q; manufacturer front three-quarter image with a game on screen.

Monitors · 2026

Alienware AW3226Q

A flat 4K OLED gaming monitor. RGB-stripe subpixels aim to give text cleaner edges; features include a 165 Hz refresh rate, USB hub and headphone output. USB-C cannot receive video from a laptop.

Hisense UR9S 65-inch — Front view of the Hisense 65UR9S from the manufacturer gallery. The on-screen content, EISA award badge and feature boxes belong to the manufacturer’s promotional layout.

Televisions · 2026

Hisense UR9S 65-inch

The 65UR9S is an RGB MiniLED TV whose backlight LEDs each carry separate red, green and blue diodes. Its matte anti-reflection surface targets bright rooms. Three HDMI 2.1 inputs support variable refresh up to 170 Hz; the operating system is VIDAA.

Televisions · 2026

LG OLED evo AI G6 55

A 55-inch 4K OLED TV with pixel-level light control and up to 165 Hz VRR from a compatible PC.

Samsung R95H 65-inch — Samsung R95H 65-inch (MRN65R95HAFXZA), front view; the "Micro RGB" text on screen is part of the manufacturer's promotional image; centre stand.

Televisions · 2026

Samsung R95H 65-inch

The R95H is a Samsung Micro RGB television whose backlight uses red, green and blue LEDs. The 65-inch model is 4K with a matte Glare Free surface and 4K 165 Hz on all four HDMI inputs; there is no Dolby Vision. Independent tests highlight its wide colour coverage and high brightness, while black levels sit slightly behind OLED and blooming can show in very dark scenes.

Samsung S95H 55-inch — Samsung S95H QN55S95HAFXZA, 55-inch class; front view with metal frame and two feet.

Televisions · 2026

Samsung S95H 55-inch

A 4K OLED TV for films and gaming, with a matte anti-reflective surface and four HDMI inputs on the TV itself. A 165 Hz input needs a compatible PC. The S95H name alone does not guarantee the same panel or design across sizes and model codes.

Televisions · 2026

Sony BRAVIA 7 II 75-inch

BRAVIA 7 II lights an LCD panel with red, green and blue LEDs and controls the backlight in zones. Unlike OLED, its image pixels do not emit their own light. There are four HDMI inputs, but VRR is limited to inputs 3 and 4; eARC audio also uses input 3.

TCL C8L 65-inch — Front view from the manufacturer’s 65C8L gallery. TCL shares this body image across 65–85-inch sizes.

Televisions · 2026

TCL C8L 65-inch

C8L divides the small LEDs behind its LCD panel into zones to control bright and dark areas separately. The 65-inch version accepts 4K at 144 Hz for PC gaming; its 288 Hz accelerator does not mean 4K at 288 Hz.

LG OLED evo C5 55-inch (OLED55C54LA) — 55-inch LG OLED55C54LA.

Televisions · 2025

LG OLED evo C5 55-inch (OLED55C54LA)

A 55-inch 4K OLED TV. Pixel-level lighting preserves black levels in dark scenes. Compatible PC inputs support 144 Hz; broadcast and console output limits still apply.

Televisions · 2025

TCL QM8K 65-inch (65QM8K)

The 65-inch version of TCL's 2025 North American flagship Mini LED TV. It offers a QD-Mini LED backlight, a WHVA panel, 144 Hz VRR, Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+, plus Bang & Olufsen audio. Tests praise brightness and colour coverage; off-axis contrast loss, HDR tone tracking, the sound and only two HDMI 2.1 inputs are criticised.

Sources

  1. HDMI.org: Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)