Quick Answer / Summary: Use one High Speed or Ultra High Speed HDMI cable from the TV’s ARC/eARC port to the receiver’s ARC/eARC input, and HDMI cables from each source (streamer, Blu-ray, console) to the receiver’s regular HDMI inputs. HDMI carries all surround formats – PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, and DTS-HD – far beyond what an optical cord can send.
Surround sound over HDMI is the single upgrade that makes a home theater feel like one – one cable carries the video and the full multi-channel audio track, and the receiver decides where each channel goes. But the setup fails in predictable ways: the cable in a non-ARC port, the TV set to output compressed audio when it should pass through, or an optical link quietly capping the system at Dolby Digital. This guide wires it correctly, source by source.
Why HDMI Is the Best Surround Sound Connection
An optical or coaxial digital audio output is limited to compressed 5.1 formats at about 6.14 Mbps, which rules out Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master, and multichannel PCM from Blu-ray. HDMI carries uncompressed multi-channel audio at full bitrate alongside 8K video over the same two plugs. For any system with a Blu-ray player or a 4K streamer playing licensed Dolby Vision or TrueHD content, HDMI is not better – it is the only path.
The One-Cable Rule
Every device that should contribute audio to the speaker set connects to the receiver by HDMI. The receiver then sends one video signal out to the TV. That star wiring keeps a single audio chain and avoids daisy-chaining sources through the TV.
Audio Formats over HDMI: PCM, Dolby Digital, TrueHD, DTS
HDMI 2.0 and later support multi-channel PCM up to 32-bit/192 kHz, Dolby Digital and Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, and DTS-HD Master Audio. The practical limit is set by the source and the TV, not the cable: a 4K Blu-ray of a licensed title will deliver TrueHD if the TV or streamer passes it through, and falls back to compressed formats when a device in the chain re-encodes.
PCM vs Compressed in the Receiver
Most receivers decode both. If you want the receiver to do the decoding, select Pass-through on the TV’s HDMI audio output and let the receiver handle the format. If the receiver is an entry-level unit, choose the format it supports rather than pass-through.
Wiring the AV Receiver: The Core Connection
Two cable roles matter. First, the main output: a High Speed or Ultra High Speed cable from the receiver’s HDMI OUT (Monitor) to the TV’s regular HDMI input. Second, the return path: a cable from the TV’s ARC or eARC-labeled port to the receiver’s ARC or eARC input. The second cable is what lets the TV’s own audio – streaming apps, built-in tuner – reach the speakers. Without it, the TV’s soundbar output or internal speakers are the only place TV audio can go.
eARC vs ARC on the Cable
The cord itself is a standard HDMI cable in both cases – eARC is a feature negotiated between devices. However, eARC’s higher audio return bandwidth (up to 96 kHz/24-bit and TrueHD return) expects an Ultra High Speed rated cable for full specification compliance. For ARC-only systems, High Speed is enough.
Pass-Through: Keeping Surround Sound When the TV Processes the Source
When a source plugs into the TV rather than the receiver – a cable box, for instance – the TV must pass the source’s audio out over its ARC/eARC port to the receiver. Most modern TVs do this automatically; older ones re-encode to stereo. Check the TV’s HDMI audio output setting and confirm the receiver shows the correct format. If the TV cannot pass through, re-wire that source directly to a receiver input.
Cable Choice: Do You Need a Premium Grade?
Audio alone needs almost no bandwidth – a 5.1 PCM track is a few Mbps. The cable grade matters for the video riding the same conductor. Match the grade to the highest video signal on the run: 4K60 sources need High Speed, 4K120 or 8K need Ultra High Speed, and anything under 15 feet passive covers the entire typical home theater run. Do not pay for 48 Gbps on a cable that only ever carries a 1080p Blu-ray and stereo audio.
Surround Sound Formats over HDMI vs Optical
| Format | Channels | Bitrate | Over HDMI | Over Optical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stereo PCM | 2 | Up to 1536 kbps | Yes | Yes |
| 5.1 PCM | 6 | Up to 8.1 Mbps | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Digital 5.1 | 6 | 640 kbps | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Digital Plus | Up to 7.1 | Up to 6.14 Mbps | Yes | Limited |
| Dolby TrueHD | Up to 7.1 | Up to 24 Mbps | Yes | No |
| DTS / DTS-HD Master | Up to 7.1 | Up to 24 Mbps | Yes | DTS only (compressed) |
Real-World Application Scenarios
Typical scenarios: a 5.1 home theater where the receiver sits behind the TV and a 6-foot cable covers the ARC run; a 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos setup where a 10-foot Ultra High Speed cable carries the eARC return from a 4K OLED; an office conference room routing a PC and a streaming stick through one receiver; and a car or mobile-entertainment build where HDMI consolidates video and multi-channel audio.
Recommended Internal Resources
Editorial Note: Internal linking recommendation: (1) Product cluster – https://zh-zong.com/productlist/ (anchor: explore factory-certified HDMI cables rated for surround audio and 4K video runs); (2) Related guide – https://zh-zong.com/video-usb-adapter-converter-guide/ (anchor: video and USB adapter/converter guide for eARC and receiver connections); (3) Conversion – https://zh-zong.com/contact/ (anchor: contact the sales engineering team for home-theater HDMI cable kits with stated bandwidth and ARC/eARC compatibility).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can an HDMI cable carry surround sound?
A: Yes – it carries all common multi-channel formats, including 5.1 and 7.1 PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, and DTS-HD. This is the full-range path; optical cords are capped at compressed 5.1.
Q: Is HDMI better than optical for surround sound?
A: For Blu-ray TrueHD and DTS-HD, yes – optical cannot carry those formats at all. For a streaming-only setup with a modern TV, either works for Dolby Digital, but HDMI is still preferred because it handles video and audio in one cable.
Q: Which cable do I use between the TV and receiver for surround sound?
A: A High Speed or Ultra High Speed HDMI cable on the TV’s ARC/eARC port to the receiver’s ARC/eARC input. Use Ultra High Speed if the system plays 4K120, 8K, or needs full eARC bandwidth.