The HDMI ARC port on your Hisense TV is the specific HDMI port labeled "ARC" or "HDMI ARC" on the back or side panel. If you cannot see the label, check your TV's user manual for a diagram showing which HDMI port supports the Audio Return Channel, a process similar to locating the HDMI port on Vizio TV models.
Where to find the HDMI arc port on Hisense TV
Look directly at the back or side of your Hisense TV for a row of ports. The HDMI ports are usually grouped together. Scan the labels printed on the TV chassis next to each port until you find one marked "ARC" or "HDMI ARC." This is the only port that can send audio back to a soundbar or AV receiver. If the label is too small or hidden, your user manual will have a diagram that identifies which port supports ARC. Not all HDMI ports on a TV support this feature, so using the wrong port will prevent audio from returning to your sound system. If you own a different brand, the location varies, for example, the HDMI port is ARC on Sony Bravia is often labeled differently.
What you need before you connect
Before you plug anything in, make sure you have a High Speed HDMI cable. For standard ARC, a version 1.4 cable is the minimum requirement. If you plan to use eARC for higher-quality audio, use an HDMI 2.1 cable. You must also power off both your Hisense TV and the soundbar or AV receiver before connecting the cable. This prevents detection issues and protects the hardware.
How to connect a soundbar using HDMI ARC
- Connect one end of the High Speed HDMI cable to the HDMI ARC port on your Hisense TV.
- Connect the other end of the same cable to the HDMI ARC port on your soundbar or AV receiver. This port is also labeled "ARC" or "HDMI ARC" on the audio device.
- Power on your Hisense TV and then your soundbar or AV receiver.
- When an ARC device is connected to the TV, the sound output is often automatically switched to ARC. If audio does not play through the soundbar, check the input source on the soundbar and ensure it is set to the HDMI ARC input.
Essential TV settings to enable for ARC
Your Hisense TV must have HDMI-CEC and ARC functions turned on in the settings menu for the connection to work. The exact menu path varies by model, but the general steps are the same. Navigate to the TV's settings, then find the audio or system menu. For some models, you can press the "Settings" button on your remote control to access these options directly. Without enabling both features, the TV will not send audio back through the HDMI cable, even if the physical connection is correct.
Fixing common HDMI ARC problems on Hisense TVs
If you experience no sound, start by verifying that HDMI-CEC and ARC are enabled in the TV settings. Also confirm that the soundbar or AV receiver is set to the correct HDMI input. For audio delays, check the lip-sync or audio delay settings in your Hisense TV's menu and adjust them to match the video. If you hear intermittent audio dropouts or the sound cuts out completely, replace the HDMI cable with a new High Speed cable. A faulty or low-quality cable is a frequent cause of ARC issues.
