When it comes to connecting your home theater setup to your TV, one of the most important pieces of technology at play is ARC (Audio Return Channel). But recently, this legacy technology has been usurped from its throne by a newer alternative known as eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). So what's the difference between these two technologies, and why might you choose one over the other? Let's take a look.

The biggest difference between ARC and eARC is their respective data transmission rates. While the former was designed to support just 2-channel audio, eARC supports up to 8-channels with superior bitrates and formats. This means you'll be able to experience truly immersive audio when watching 4K content or even when gaming on high end consoles like Sony’s PlayStation 5 or Microsoft’s Xbox Series X/S.

In addition, eARC also includes support for object-based spatial audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced. With all these features in tow, eARC ensures you're getting the best possible experience out of your home entertainment system no matter what content you're watching or playing.

At the end of the day, both technologies are great choices for connecting your TV to an AVR or soundbar but if you want maximum flexibility and performance then we'd definitely recommend opting for an eARC setup. With its higher data transfer capabilities and support for advanced audio formats, it's far superior to anything ARC can offer.