Imagine playing The Last of Us II on your PS5, whose intricate sound design brings the game's tense and emotional atmosphere to life, and hearing every footstep, whisper, and ambient sound with crystal-clear precision. Or the fast-paced action of Call of Duty: Warzone on Xbox Series X/S, as every gunshot, explosion, and movement in full, uncompressed glory gives you a significant edge over your opponents with precise audio positioning and clarity.

As gaming technology advances, so do the demands for superior audio and visual experiences for AAA games on gaming consoles or PCs. In competitive games, audio cues can mean the difference between victory and defeat, and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) is emerging as one of the most popular technology features among gamers. eARC provides high-quality audio transmission critical for fully immersive gaming, and this article will explore what eARC is, why it is beneficial, and how to set it up with your PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or PC.

eARC is an advanced version of the Audio Return Channel (ARC) audio link found in HDMI connections. It enables transmission of high-bitrate audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, allowing uncompressed full-resolution audio signals to pass through the monitor and be sent directly to external audio devices such as a soundbar via HDMI, simplifying setup and delivering richer, more detailed soundscapes for deeper immersion in AAA titles.

The benefits of eARC in gaming are manifold. It supports uncompressed audio to prevent the degradation of sound quality transmission, which is particularly important for AAA games that rely heavily on atmospheric sound effects and intricate audio details to create compelling experiences. eARC also reduces audio latency, which is equally important as video response time and crucial in games where timing is everything. Reduced latency means that the sound you hear is more closely synchronized with the action on the screen, giving you a competitive edge in fast-paced games.

eARC simplifies setup by reducing the number of required cables. Unlike traditional setups that require multiple cables to connect the monitor and sound system, eARC can transmit audio directly from the monitor to the sound system through a single 「Ultra High Speed」 HDMI cable, decluttering the gaming space and streamlining the setup process.

In terms of audio quality, eARC is a game-changer, supporting higher bandwidth and the latest high-bitrate audio formats up to 192kHz, 24-bit, and uncompressed 5.1 and 7.1, as well as 32-channel lossless audio formats. eARC is also compatible with advanced audio standards such as DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD, DTS: X and Dolby Atmos, providing high-fidelity sound that matches the stunning visuals of immersive AAA gameplay and enhancing overall gaming experiences.

Futureproofing is another critical advantage of eARC. As audio and video technologies continue to evolve, eARC ensures that your setup remains compatible with the latest formats and standards, minimizing the need to upgrade cables or connections, providing long-term value, and keeping your gaming rig ahead of the curve.

Setting up unparalleled AAA gaming experiences with eARC comprises the following three simple steps: First, verify that your soundbar or speaker system supports eARC, which most modern sound systems do. Next, connect the HDMI 2.1 output port on your console or PC to the HDMI 2.1 input port on your monitor. Then, link the HDMI 2.1 eARC output port on your monitor to the HDMI eARC/ARC port on your sound system. It is crucial to use a certified high-speed HDMI cable with Ethernet or an 「Ultra High Speed」 HDMI cable for HDMI 2.1 to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.

Once the physical connections are established, configure the eARC settings on your BenQ gaming monitor by opening the OSD menu and navigating to Audio → Output → eARC. Similarly, adjust your sound system’s eARC settings by enabling CEC/ARC on the soundbar and switching to the eARC/ARC input, which is typically done automatically.

After configuring the settings, power on your devices and start your gameplay. With everything properly set up, you will enjoy a more immersive audiovisual experience for AAA games. BenQ’s eARC gaming monitors offer additional HDMI-related features that enhance your experience, such as the ability to control the volume of your soundbar directly from your eARC gaming monitor via the CEC protocol. This makes not only the setup process convenient but also the control and enjoyment of your audiovisual experience more intuitive and seamless.

eARC is an essential feature for serious gamers aiming to elevate their AAA gaming experiences. Offering uncompressed, high-bitrate audio transmission and support for advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS: X Audio, eARC ensures every sound detail, from subtle environmental cues to explosive effects, is delivered with unrivaled clarity and precision. With simplified connectivity, superior audio quality, and futureproofing capabilities, eARC significantly enhances immersion and performance in gaming. With BenQ MOBIUZ monitors featuring eARC, gamers can experience clear audio, rich atmospheric sound, and precise directional cues while playing intense games on your PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or PC, bringing your virtual adventures to life like never before.

Why is my soundbar not producing any sound?

1.     Check HDMI cable connections to ensure that the HDMI cables are correctly connected.

·       Verify that the HDMI 2.1 output port on your console or PC is connected to the HDMI 2.1 input port on your monitor.

·       Connect the HDMI 2.1 eARC output port on your monitor to the HDMI eARC/ARC port on your soundbar or audio system.

·       Use a certified high-speed HDMI cable with Ethernet or an ultra high-speed HDMI cable for HDMI 2.1 to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.

2.     Verify Cable Directionality

·       Some HDMI cables require a specific connection direction. Ensure that both ends of the HDMI cables are correctly oriented according to their directional indicators.

Why is the sound choppy?

1.     Check the version and/or quality of the HDMI cables used. Ensure you are using only certified high-speed HDMI cables with Ethernet or ultra high-speed HDMI cables.

Why can't I produce Dolby Atmos audio?

1.     Check the monitor’s settings menu to ensure it is configured correctly by opening the OSD menu and navigating to Audio → Output → eARC.

2.     Verify that your soundbar supports Dolby Atmos.

3.     Ensure you are using certified high-speed HDMI cables with Ethernet or ultra high-speed HDMI cables.

How do I identify an ultra high-speed HDMI cable?

What are the audio-out spec differences between SPDIF vs. ARC vs. eARC?