Dirac Live is a revolutionary digital room correction technology designed to optimize the sound quality of your audio system. By analyzing your listening environment and applying precise digital filters, Dirac Live can correct acoustic imperfections, such as room resonances, frequency response imbalances, and phase distortions.
How Does Dirac Live Work?
Measurement: Using a calibrated measurement microphone, Dirac Live captures the acoustic characteristics of your room.
Analysis: The software analyzes the measured data to identify areas where the sound needs improvement.
Correction: Dirac Live applies a series of digital filters to compensate for the room’s acoustic flaws.
Benefits of Using Dirac Live:
Improved Sound Quality: Experience a more accurate and immersive soundstage.
Enhanced Bass Response: Enjoy tighter, more controlled bass without excessive boominess.
Reduced Room Reflections: Minimize unwanted echoes and reverberation.
Optimized Frequency Response: Achieve a balanced sound across the entire frequency spectrum.
Personalized Listening Experience: Tailor the sound to your specific preferences.
Dirac Live in Action:
Dirac Live is integrated into a variety of audio products, including:
AV Receivers: Many high-end AV receivers incorporate Dirac Live to optimize their sound performance.
Soundbars: Some soundbars utilize Dirac Live to improve their sound quality, especially in smaller rooms.
Hi-Fi Amplifiers: Certain amplifiers offer Dirac Live as an optional upgrade to enhance their soundstage.
Is Dirac Live Worth It?
If you’re serious about audio quality and want to get the most out of your home theater or music listening system, Dirac Live is definitely worth considering. By addressing the acoustic limitations of your room, Dirac Live can significantly elevate your listening experience.
Home automation has revolutionized the way we live, bringing convenience, efficiency, and a touch of luxury into our daily routines. One of the standout areas where automation shines is in the home cinema. Imagine controlling your entire entertainment setup with just one device — the Control4 Halo Remote. Let’s dive into how this cutting-edge remote can transform your home cinema experience.
What is the Control4 Halo Remote?
The Control4 Halo Remote is a powerful, intuitive device that gives you seamless control over your home automation system. It consolidates the functionality of multiple remotes into one sleek, easy-to-use device. With the Halo Remote, you can control your TV, audio system, lighting, climate, and even security systems with just a few clicks.
Why Choose the Control4 Halo Remote for Your Home Cinema?
1. Ultimate Convenience
Gone are the days of juggling multiple remotes to manage your home cinema. The Halo Remote simplifies your setup, allowing you to control everything from one device. Whether you want to dim the lights, adjust the volume, or switch between streaming services, it’s all at your fingertips.
2. Intuitive Interface
The Halo Remote features a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The high-resolution touchscreen displays your controls clearly, making finding and using the functions you need simple. The ergonomically placed buttons ensure comfortable use even during long movie marathons.
3. Customizable Settings
One of the standout features of the Control4 Halo Remote is its customization capabilities. You can personalize the remote to suit your preferences, setting up shortcuts for your favorite functions and creating custom scenes. For instance, with a single command, you can activate a “Movie Night” scene that dims the lights, lowers the blinds, and starts your favorite streaming service.
4. Voice Control Integration
The Halo Remote is compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This means you can control your home cinema with voice commands, adding an extra layer of convenience. Imagine saying, “Alexa, start movie night,” and watching your entire setup come to life.
5. Enhanced Control Over Media
With the Halo Remote, you have unparalleled control over your media. Browse your movie and music libraries, select your favorite streaming services, and control playback all from one device. The remote’s powerful search function makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, whether it’s a specific movie, TV show, or song.
Setting Up Your Control4 Halo Remote
Step 1: Connect to Your Control4 System
Ensure your Control4 system is set up and running. Connect the Halo Remote to your system by following the on-screen instructions. The process is straightforward and typically takes just a few minutes.
Step 2: Customize Your Remote
Once connected, customize the remote to fit your needs. Set up shortcuts for your most-used functions and create scenes that automate multiple actions. Don’t forget to integrate your voice assistant for added convenience.
Step 3: Explore and Enjoy
Take some time to explore the features of your new remote. Familiarize yourself with the interface and discover all the ways you can control your home cinema. Soon, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Home cinema projectors have revolutionized the way we experience movies, TV shows, and gaming in our living spaces. Offering larger-than-life images and a cinematic feel, they can turn any room into a personal theater. If you’re considering upgrading your home entertainment setup with a projector, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of home cinema projectors.
Why Choose a Home Cinema Projector?
Immersive Experience: Projectors provide a much larger screen size compared to traditional TVs, making you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.
Space-Saving: Unlike big-screen TVs, projectors can be discreetly mounted on the ceiling or wall, freeing up valuable floor space.
Versatility: They are not limited to movies alone. Enjoy sports, gaming, and even presentations on a grand scale.
Key Factors to Consider
Resolution:
1080p (Full HD): Suitable for most users, providing clear and detailed images.
4K (Ultra HD): Ideal for those who want the highest resolution and are using the projector in a well-lit room.
Brightness:
Measured in lumens, higher brightness is essential for clear images, especially in rooms with ambient light.
2,000 – 3,000 lumens: Works well in darker rooms.
3,000+ lumens: Better for rooms with more light.
Contrast Ratio:
This measures the difference between the darkest blacks and the brightest whites.
A higher contrast ratio delivers more vibrant and life-like images.
Throw Distance:
This is the distance between the projector and the screen.
Short-Throw Projectors: Can project large images from a short distance, perfect for small spaces.
Long-Throw Projectors: Require more space but are ideal for larger rooms.
Lens Shift and Keystone Correction:
Lens Shift: Allows you to adjust the image without moving the projector.
Keystone Correction: This helps correct any distortion if the projector is at an angle.
Setting Up Your Home Cinema
Choosing the Right Screen:
Fixed Screens: Best for a dedicated home theater room.
Retractable Screens: Ideal for multi-use rooms, can be rolled up when not in use.
Painted Wall: A budget-friendly option, though not as perfect as a proper screen.
Sound System:
Projectors often come with basic built-in speakers, but for an immersive experience, invest in a quality sound system.
Soundbars: Simple and space-saving.
Surround Sound Systems: Offer the best audio experience.
Room Environment:
Control the lighting with blackout curtains or shades to enhance the picture quality.
Arrange seating to ensure everyone has a good view of the screen.
Mounting the Projector:
Ceiling mounts keep the projector out of the way and provide a clear line of sight.
Make sure the projector is positioned correctly to avoid any image distortion.
Top Projector Recommendations for 2024
Epson Home Cinema 5050UB:
4K enhancement technology.
High brightness and contrast ratio.
Excellent color accuracy.
BenQ HT3550:
True 4K resolution.
HDR-PRO technology.
Cinematic color.
Optoma UHD50X:
4K UHD resolution.
High refresh rate for gaming.
Impressive brightness.
Sony VPL-XW7000:
Native 4K resolution.
High dynamic range.
Outstanding image clarity and detail.
LG BU50:
4K UHD laser projector.
5000 luminess.
Versatile and user-friendly.
Conclusion
Investing in a home cinema projector is a fantastic way to elevate your home entertainment experience. By considering factors like resolution, brightness, contrast ratio, and setup requirements, you can find the perfect projector to transform your living room into a captivating cinema. Whether you’re watching the latest blockbuster, cheering for your favorite sports team, or diving into an immersive video game, a home cinema projector offers an unparalleled viewing experience.
In today’s fast-paced world, the allure of a home cinema experience has never been stronger. Whether you’re a movie enthusiast, a gaming aficionado, or simply seeking a cozy space to unwind with loved ones, a well-designed home cinema can transform your entertainment experience. And at the heart of every exceptional home theater lies the cornerstone of visual immersion: the cinema screen.
With a myriad of options available on the market, selecting the ideal home cinema screen can be a daunting task. From size and aspect ratio to material and technology, each factor plays a crucial role in shaping your viewing pleasure. So, let’s embark on a journey to explore the key considerations when choosing the perfect home cinema screen.
1. Size Matters: The size of your screen sets the stage for your cinematic adventure. Consider the dimensions of your room, viewing distance, and seating arrangement to determine the optimal screen size. While larger screens deliver a more immersive experience, ensure it complements your space without overwhelming it.
2. Aspect Ratio: Selecting the right aspect ratio enhances the authenticity of your viewing experience. Whether you prefer the traditional 16:9 widescreen format for modern content or the classic 2.35:1 Cinemascope for a cinematic feel, ensure compatibility with your projector or display device.
3. Screen Material: The material of your cinema screen significantly impacts picture quality and viewing angles. Opt for high-quality materials like matte white or woven acoustically transparent fabric to ensure uniform brightness, minimal hot spotting, and superior color reproduction.
4. Gain and Viewing Angles: Consider the screen gain and viewing angles to optimize brightness and contrast levels across your seating area. A moderate gain of 1.0 to 1.3 is suitable for most environments, while wider viewing angles ensure an immersive experience from every seat in the house.
5. Fixed Frame vs. Motorized: Choose between a fixed frame or motorized screen based on your preferences and space constraints. Fixed frame screens offer a sleek, permanent solution with minimal setup, while motorized screens provide versatility and convenience at the touch of a button.
6. Ambient Light Rejection (ALR) Technology: Combat ambient light interference with ALR technology, which enhances contrast and color saturation in brightly lit environments. ALR screens utilize specialized materials and coatings to preserve image integrity and clarity, making them ideal for multipurpose rooms or living spaces with ample natural light.
7. Budget and Quality: While it’s tempting to splurge on the latest technology, strike a balance between your budget and desired quality. Invest in reputable brands known for superior craftsmanship, durability, and customer support to ensure long-term satisfaction and value for your investment.
8. Professional Installation: Ensure optimal performance and seamless integration with professional installation services. Certified technicians possess the expertise to calibrate your screen, projector, and audio system for optimal performance, acoustics, and visual fidelity.
In conclusion, the perfect home cinema screen is not merely a passive backdrop but a gateway to unparalleled entertainment experiences. By considering factors such as size, aspect ratio, material, and technology, you can curate a cinematic oasis tailored to your preferences and lifestyle. So, embark on your journey to cinematic bliss, and let the magic unfold within the comfort of your own home.
Welcome to the world of luxury entertainment right in the comfort of your own home! In Dubai, where opulence and extravagance are part of everyday life, having a home cinema is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a cinephile or simply enjoy hosting movie nights with friends and family, a home cinema in Dubai is the epitome of entertainment indulgence. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about creating the ultimate home cinema experience in Dubai, from design tips to the latest technology trends.
Designing Your Home Cinema: When it comes to designing a home cinema in Dubai, the sky’s the limit. From sleek and modern to extravagant and lavish, the design options are endless. Consider incorporating elements of Dubai’s iconic skyline or cultural heritage into your home cinema design for a truly unique touch. Luxurious seating, custom lighting, and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment are essential for creating a cinematic experience that rivals even the most exclusive theaters in Dubai.
Choosing the Right Technology: In Dubai, staying ahead of the curve when it comes to technology is a must. When selecting audiovisual equipment for your home cinema, opt for the latest and most advanced technology available. High-definition projectors, immersive surround sound systems, and cutting-edge smart home automation technology will take your home cinema experience to the next level. Don’t forget to invest in a top-of-the-line screen or projector screen to ensure crystal-clear picture quality.
Creating the Perfect Ambiance: The ambiance of your home cinema plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall viewing experience. Consider installing acoustic panels to optimize sound quality and reduce echoes, creating a more immersive audio experience. Customizable lighting solutions, such as LED strip lighting or dimmable fixtures, can help set the mood and create a theater-like atmosphere. Don’t forget to add comfortable seating options, such as plush recliners or oversized sofas, to ensure maximum comfort during movie marathons.
Personalizing Your Space: Your home cinema should reflect your style and preferences. Whether you’re a fan of classic Hollywood films or the latest blockbuster releases, incorporate elements of your favorite movies into the decor. Framed movie posters, cinema-inspired wall art, and themed decor accessories can add personality and character to your home cinema. Consider installing a popcorn machine or snack bar for a truly authentic movie theater experience.
Conclusion: In Dubai, where luxury knows no bounds, a home cinema is the ultimate statement of indulgence and sophistication. By carefully designing your space, selecting the right technology, and creating the perfect ambiance, you can transform your home into a cinematic paradise that rivals even the most exclusive theaters in Dubai. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to experience movie magic like never before, right in the comfort of your own home.
Acoustic panels play a crucial role in enhancing the audio experience in a home cinema environment. Here are several reasons why they are important:
Sound Absorption: Acoustic panels are designed to absorb sound waves, preventing them from bouncing off walls and creating echoes or reverberation. This helps to create a clearer and more defined audio experience by reducing unwanted noise and improving speech intelligibility.
Reducing Reflections: In a home cinema, sound reflections can distort the audio quality and make it difficult to hear dialogue or subtle sound effects. Acoustic panels help to minimize these reflections, allowing viewers to experience sound as it was intended by the filmmakers.
Improving Frequency Response: Different frequencies of sound behave differently in a room. Acoustic panels can be strategically placed to address specific frequency ranges, helping to balance the overall frequency response and ensure that bass, midrange, and treble frequencies are heard accurately and evenly throughout the room.
Enhancing Immersion: By improving the acoustics of the room, acoustic panels can enhance the sense of immersion for viewers. Clearer sound reproduction can make it easier to become fully engaged in the audiovisual experience, whether it’s the rumble of explosions or the subtlety of a whisper.
Optimizing Room Acoustics: Every room has its unique acoustical characteristics, influenced by factors such as size, shape, and materials. Acoustic panels can be used to tailor the acoustics of a home cinema room to create an optimal listening environment, regardless of the room’s natural acoustical properties.
Noise Isolation: Acoustic panels can also help to isolate sound within the home cinema room, preventing sound from leaking into adjacent rooms and disturbing others in the household. This is particularly important for enjoying movies at higher volumes without causing disturbance.
In summary, acoustic panels are essential for creating an immersive and high-quality audio experience in a home cinema environment. By controlling reflections, absorbing unwanted noise, and optimizing room acoustics, they contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment of movies and other multimedia content.
We understand the importance of creating the perfect environment for your home cinema. That’s why our cinema rooms are designed with acoustics and soundproofing in mind. Say goodbye to unwanted echoes and distractions, as you indulge in a theater-like experience right in the comfort of your own home.
To enhance your comfort, we offer a range of luxurious recliners that will make your movie nights even more enjoyable. Sink into plush seating and fully relax as you lose yourself in the world of your favorite films. It’s the ultimate way to unwind and escape from the daily grind.
When it comes to sound, we believe in delivering nothing short of perfection. Our speaker systems are meticulously engineered to reproduce sound with unparalleled accuracy and depth. Every dialogue, every piece of background music, and every cinematic score will be brought to life in your personal cinema room.
At Homecinemas Dubai, we don’t just provide a product – we offer a complete cinema design service. Our experienced team will work with you to create a space that meets your unique taste and style. From the layout to the decor, we’ll ensure that your cinema room reflects your personality, making it a place you’ll never want to leave.
Experience the magic of the big screen at home with Homecinemas Dubai. Transform your living space into a haven of entertainment and create lasting memories with friends and family. Discover the true potential of your home and indulge in the ultimate cinema experience. Get in touch with us today and let us bring your cinematic dreams to life.
Transform your living space into a captivating cinematic experience with Homecinemas Dubai. Our state-of-the-art smarthometechnology brings the thrill of the big screen right into the comfort of your own home. Elevate your entertainment to new heights with our top-of-the-line hometheatresystem.
Immerse yourself in the world of movies, TV shows, and gaming with our cutting-edge projector and screen combination. Enjoy stunning visuals and vibrant colors that transport you into the heart of every scene. With Dolby Atmos technology, you’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of the action, with crystal-clear audio that surrounds and engulfs you from every direction.
Say goodbye to echoey rooms and distracting noise. Our acoustics expertise ensures the perfect sound quality for your home cinema. Our soundproof and sound-absorbing panels minimize outside interference, allowing you to fully indulge in the audio experience. No matter how loud or soft, every whisper and explosion will be delivered with breathtaking clarity.
Our Home Cinema Solution is built with the highest quality materials, including Camera Fabrics, Knauf, Ideal, and Pixel Nova. These premium components have been carefully chosen to enhance your viewing experience. The Camera Fabrics provide a seamless and wrinkle-free projection surface, ensuring that every detail is vividly displayed. The Knauf soundproofing materials guarantee a noise-free environment, allowing you to enjoy your movies without any distractions. The Ideal seating arrangements provide maximum comfort, allowing you to sink into your chair and become completely absorbed in the film. The Pixel Nova technology delivers exceptional image quality, with vibrant colors and sharp, lifelike visuals.
Equipped with Knauf soundproofing, this system ensures that your cinematic experience remains undisturbed, creating an oasis of tranquility amid any bustling environment. Say goodbye to external noise distractions and fully immerse yourself in the magic of the movies like never before.
With the Best Home Cinema Solution, we bring together the best audiovisual technologies from renowned brands such as KEF, Sony, LG, B&W, Denon, Marantz, Sonos, and more. Our team of experts will work closely with you to tailor a home cinema system that perfectly suits your preferences, space, and budget.
Introducing the Best Home Cinema Solution in Dubai – a revolution in cinematic experiences. With cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art features, this cinema automation system is the ultimate choice for those seeking unparalleled excellence in home entertainment.
Imagine being able to transform your living space into a private theater, where every movie night becomes an extraordinary event. Our Home Cinema Solution, powered by HDL, Control 4, and Lutron, offers an immersive experience that will transport you into the heart of your favorite films.
One of the standout features of this exceptional system is its cinema automation capabilities. With just a simple touch, you can effortlessly control every aspect of your home theater. Adjust the lighting to set the perfect ambiance, dimming the lights to create a cozy atmosphere or enhancing the brightness for a vivid cinematic experience.
Our Home Cinema Solution also allows you to take control of audio settings, ensuring that every beat, every dialogue, and every sound effect is crystal clear. Say goodbye to those moments of discomfort when the volume is too loud or too soft – our system puts you in charge, providing you with an optimized audio experience.
One of the best and yet least-understood HDMI features are ARC, or Audio Return Channel. It’s a feature that enables you to simplify your system and is compatible with most TVs, receivers, and soundbars.
In its most basic form, ARC uses an HDMI cable to send audio from a TV back to a receiver or soundbar. That means you can use a single cable for both audio and video — for example, from the Netflix app built into your TV or a connected game console, and then use your TV for switching.
The eARC standard, which is a part of HDMI 2.1, improves on the original in a few key ways including supporting Dolby Atmos, and we’ll discuss this in more depth shortly.
Do you need ARC?
To be fair, many people don’t need ARC. If you only listen to audio using your TV’s speakers and don’t have a receiver or soundbar, then the feature is superfluous. The point of ARC is to send audio created by or switched through your TV to an external audio device, namely a soundbar or receiver.
And because the sound on most TVs is terrible, we strongly recommend getting at least a soundbar to improve the TV experience. Check out our how-to buy a soundbar guide and soundbar vs. speakers for more.
If you have a soundbar or receiver of fairly recent vintage that has HDMI, it probably has ARC, too. Here’s how it works.
On the left is a traditional non-ARC setup, requiring an HDMI cable from an Xbox to be connected to the audio system, another to send the video to the TV, and an optical cable to send the TV app audio back to the audio system. With ARC, the HDMI cable connected to the TV can send the TV audio back to the audio system. A two-way street, if you will.HDMI Licensing/CNET
Can you use ARC?
Check the HDMI connections on the back of your TV, soundbar, or receiver. If the HDMI port has ARC, it should be marked as such. Both your TV and the soundbar or receiver must have ARC for it to work.
Note the tiny ARC label on the HDMI Out of this receiver. An HDMI-equipped soundbar would look similar. Onkyo
eARC and HDMI 2.1
The latest version of the HDMI interface is HDMI 2.1, and it offers numerous important changes including support for higher resolutions. Relevant to us in the context of this article is eARC, or enhanced Audio Return Channel.
While Dolby Atmos can be passed over regular ARC today (via Dolby Digital Plus) eARC offers improved bandwidth for higher-quality Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio streams, including Dolby Atmos.
The new format also has lip-sync compensation built-in. This feature was optional in ARC but is now required. This lets you more easily line up the sound with the visuals, something that has always been an issue in the modern TV era.
HDMI Licensing
To take advantage of the new features, both pieces of gear must be eARC compatible. Fortunately, eARC is available in far more gear than just high-end 8K TVs. From 2019 onward, compatible devices include the Sonos Beam, the Yamaha RX-V6A, and the Sony X950. The format is backward-compatible with ARC, but don’t expect to stream Atmos through an older TV. Even though most new TVs don’t need the other features of HDMI 2.1, manufacturers can implement the most useful portions of HDMI 2.1, such as eARC.
You probably don’t need new HDMI cables for eARC. Older cables with Ethernet, either Standard or High Speed, will work. The new Ultra High-Speed cables will work as well, of course. But chances are your current cables have Ethernet and you didn’t even know it, so they’ll probably work, too. N.B.: In order to take advantage of some HDMI 2.1 gaming features, such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 4K 120Hz, a high-speed cable is needed or you’ll simply get no signal.
Setup
Most HDMI cables should work with ARC. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the ARC-capable HDMI input in your TV and the other into the ARC-capable output on your soundbar or receiver.
There are basically two main ways to connect a system using ARC. For our purposes, we’ll assume you have: a TV, a receiver or soundbar, a Blu-ray player, and a game console (Xbox or PlayStation).
Again, note the ARC label on the HDMI connection that would connect to the TV. In the first option below, you’d connect all your sources to the soundbar, and just run the one cable to the TV. Sarah Tew/CNET
1. Using the TV as an HDMI switch: Connect the Blu-ray player and game console to the TV, then connect a single HDMI cable from the TV to the soundbar. The TV becomes the central hub of your entertainment system.
This setup lets you use your TV’s remote to switch between the Blu-ray player and game console sources, and in most cases, you can use your TV’s remote to control the volume.
The potential downside of this setup is you might not be able to get 5.1 or higher surround sound. This is more of a problem if you are using a surround receiver instead of most soundbars (which typically can’t playback 5.1). We’ll discuss this more in the “Issues with 5.1” section.
2. Using a receiver or soundbar as an HDMI switch: Connect the Blu-ray player or game console to the receiver or soundbar, then a single cable to the TV. Some budget soundbars might not have enough HDMI inputs for all your sources, in which case you’ll have to use Setup 1.
In this setup, your receiver/soundbar is the central hub of the entertainment system. You will switch between your sources and adjust the volume using your receiver/soundbar’s remote. You’ll only use your TV’s remote to turn the TV on and access any apps built into the TV.
HDMI CEC control
Another HDMI feature is called CEC, or Consumer Electronics Control. Nearly every company has its own name for it, including SimpLink, Anynet+, BRAVIA Sync, and others. In theory, CEC will let the remote from one piece of gear control another, as long as they’re connected with HDMI. For instance, in Setup 1 above, your TV’s remote can adjust the volume on your soundbar.
However, there’s no guarantee it will work, especially across different brands or ages of gear. If there’s any aspect of ARC setup that’s going to cause you agony, it’s this. You might not be able to realize the dream of using one remote unless you get a universal remote control. If it doesn’t work, though, Google might help. It could be as simple as having to turn on your gear in a certain order. But in the end, this control aspect just might not function.https://www.youtube.com/embed/2JC6N8EzNpk
Troubleshooting
The last setup step is making sure your TV and soundbar/receiver know to send or look for the audio being sent over the Audio Return Channel. If you’ve got everything connected correctly, and it’s not working, time to dive into the settings. It should be fairly obvious in the setup menus, but if not, all owner’s manuals are on the manufacturer’s website.
One last thing to check. If everything else seems correct, but you’re still not getting audio, or you get audio with some sources but not all, check the audio output settings on the TV or the problematic source. Look for a setting that lets you change “bitstream” to “PCM” or vice versa. Switching to the other might clear up the issue.
Some soundbars like the Vizio Elevate offer Dolby Atmos sound over eARC, as well as a second (or in some cases third) HDMI input Pendlebury/CNET
Issues with 5.1
As great as ARC can be, there is one big issue: 5.1. Technically, TVs aren’t allowed to send 5.1 audio over HDMI. In other words, if you’re watching a movie on Blu-ray with 5.1 Dolby Digital or DTS and it’s connected directly to your TV (Setup 1, above) your receiver might only be able to get 2.0 audio. TVs that can do this are said to have a “5.1 passthrough.” This restriction helped lead to the creation of eARC which we’ll discuss shortly, but it enables external speakers to playback both the 5.1 channel and Dolby Atmos.
Some existing TVs can still do 5.1 while other TVs will output 5.1 via the optical output, but not ARC. Our friends over at Rtings.com have an extensive list of what TVs do what, though it only goes back to 2017.
Keep in mind that this issue is only relevant if you have a 5.1 source, like a Blu-ray player or game console, and you’re trying to send that device’s audio via ARC from the TV to a receiver. If your TV doesn’t support 5.1 passthrough, you can either connect that source to the receiver directly, or you can connect the TV and receiver with an optical cable. Optical cables don’t carry Atmos, however.
Connecting a source like Blu-ray directly to the receiver/soundbar has another benefit: Doly Atmos, Dolby True HD, and DTS Master Audio. If you have an older TV these higher-fidelity formats can’t be sent over ARC. But they will be able to with eARC.
