Last update on 2024-04-07 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
There are multiple ways to connect external speakers and sound systems to TVs and projectors. Besides Wireless connection, an HDMI ARC port is one of your best options. But not all projectors have an HDMI ARC port.
Read on to discover what benefits HDMI ARC has over HDMI, and find out about the three best Epson projectors with an HDMI ARC port.
Also, If you need Epson projectors that support Bluetooth for wireless connection to external speakers, this article can help: Does Epson Projector have Bluetooth?
Also, make sure to check 5 Best Outdoor Speakers for Epson Projectors
Do All Epson Projectors Have HDMI ARC?
No, not all Epson projectors have an HDMI ARC port. As a matter of fact, only a couple of models come with this kind of port. Most of them have HDMI ports for connection to speakers and other sound systems.
Although an HDMI ARC port is an excellent option to have on a projector, it’s not essential, and not many well-known projector brands include it in their designs.
Here’s how you can connect your Epson projector to your external speaker or A/V receiver that are compatible with this connection:
1. Go to the projector’s Menu. Select Settings and press Enter.
2. Find and select the HDMI Link from the list and press Enter.
3. In the new window, select HDMI Link again, select ON, and press Enter.
4. Then select the Audio Out Device and choose the AV System.
5. Now, you can connect an HDMI cable to the HDMI2 (ARC) port on the back of the projector.
6. Connect the other end of the cable to an ARC-compatible port on your speaker or A/V receiver.
7. You may have to adjust the HDMI control settings on the speaker or receiver.
What Is HDMI Arc Used For?
HDMI stands for “High Definition Multimedia Interface,” and ARC stands for “Audio Return Channel.” HDMI ARC provides a connection in which the audio can transfer to and from devices, meaning no matter what device you’re using as the source of a broadcast, this cable will redirect the audio to the right speakers.
Read: Do Epson Projectors Have Speakers?
For instance, if you connect your TV to a speaker through an HDMI ARC port, whether you watch TV channels, Netflix, DVD players, consoles, or any other media type, the sound will be sent to the soundbar.
The HDMI ARC port will let you use the cable as both an audio output and an audio input. You won’t have to use any other audio cables, reducing the mess of wires behind your TV setup.
So, the HDMI ARC helps those who use external speakers for audio in their TV sets. If you use the TV’s built-in speakers, you won’t need this port.
Here are some additional features the HDMI ARC brings to the table:
Benefits of HDMI ARC:
Multi-Purpose
The HDMI port is a multi-purpose cable, meaning it can transfer not only audio but also video. For instance, you can use this cable to connect your TV to a soundbar and then later to a DVD player or console.
High-Quality Video and Audio
All HDMI cables and ports can transfer audio, but not all do it well. HDMI ARC gives you the benefit of quality sounds, even from older devices. Plus, it supports video quality up to 4K at 120 frames per second, best for gaming.
Lip Sync Correction
Sometimes, a TV or even projector can take longer to process the video; therefore, you hear the audio sooner, creating a noticeable delay.
HDMI ARC fixes this problem with the Lip Sync Correction feature. You can turn this feature on to adjust audio and video timings.
Consumer Electronics Control
The Consumer Electronics Control or CEC feature is the most useful and convenient feature of HDMI ARC. It lets you use the same remote to turn on your TV and your soundbar or speaker.
You can also turn the volume up and down through the same remote, eliminating the need for additional remotes that clutter your desk.
2 Popular Epson Projector with HDMI Arc
Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12
Last update on 2024-04-07 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
The first thing that catches your eye is this projector’s square and compact design. You can transport it easily from room to room and watch a movie at night, or even during the day.
The Epson MicroLaser Array Technology provides an excellent level of brightness and enhances the black density.
Combine this with the automatic scene-based color correction, and you can watch anything while the sun is still out!
With this projector, there’ll be no washed-out images or rainbow effects. The Advanced 3LCD design displays every bit of the RGB color signal. You’ll get a fantastic Full-HD HDR picture with a resolution of up to 4K and an image size up to 150 inches.
The EF12 can automatically analyze the wall to adjust the geometry and skew while focusing the image for a better view. If this feature is important to you, find out about the Best Projector With Horizontal Keystone.
It comes with built-in Android TV, voice search, and Google Assistant. You’ll get a remote control that lets you simply stream live TV or go through various channels, including Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, HBO, and more.
This projector has custom-designed speakers powered by Yamaha. The speakers are so great that you can use the EF12 as a Bluetooth speaker. Additionally, it has an HDMI ARC port that lets you connect it to external speakers and soundbars.
You can share content from your phone, tablet, or computer wirelessly to this projector. It supports Android and Apple devices.
Read 3 Epson Projectors Compatible With Apple TV
Pros
- Mini and portable.
- MicroLaser Array Technology.
- Picture quality up to 4K.
- Image size up to 150 inches.
- 3LCD technology.
- Outstanding color accuracy and brightness.
- Scene Adaptive Color Correction.
- Auto Picture Skew & Focus Correction.
- Built-in Android TV with voice search and Google Assistant.
- Custom-designed audiophile speaker system powered by Yamaha.
- HDMI ARC port.
- 2-year warranty.
Cons
- No optical zoom.
- Limited lumens.
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS300
Last update on 2024-04-07 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
The Epson EpiqVision LS300 is another masterpiece with a simplistic and modern design. Combine its ultra-short throw multi-array laser diode technology with an optional ALR screen, and you’ll get better quality than the best televisions.
The picture quality is stunning for movies, TV shows, gaming, and sports events. It supports up to 4K resolution, and the image can be as big as 120 inches.
Related: 5 Best Epson Projectors for Golf
It has an exceptional level of brightness with scene adaptive color correction. The full RGB colors will prevent any color brightness or rainbow effect issues.
The LS300 comes with the latest Android TV interface, simple remote control, and voice search with Google Assistant. It lets you stream your favorite channels and live TV.
Yamaha powers the audiophile 2.1 speaker system. You can connect this projector to your phone via Bluetooth and use it as a speaker. It also features an HDMI ARC port.
Pros
- Ultra-short throw laser array technology.
- Picture quality up to 4K.
- Image size up to 120 inches.
- 3LCD technology.
- Outstanding color accuracy and brightness.
- Automatic scene-based color correction.
- Built-in Android TV with voice search and Google Assistant.
- Audiophile 2.1 speaker system powered by Yamaha.
- HDMI ARC port.
- 2-year warranty.
Cons
- Loud fan.
- You’ll need a firestick for watching Netflix or Amazon Prime.
What Is the Difference between HDMI And HDMI ARC?
As mentioned before, the difference between HDMI and HDMI ARC happens on the receiver side. With HDMI ARC, you won’t need any additional cables for audio, but with HDMI, you’ll have to connect another cable like an optical cable to get the audio.
HDMI ARC provides a noticeable enhancement in the video and audio quality for smart TVs that broadcast the audio through apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Pandora, and so on.
An HDMI ARC port allows you to control the external soundbar or speaker with the same TV remote. With HDMI, you’ll have to use a specific remote to turn on the speaker and adjust its volume.
Can You Use HDMI as HDMI ARC?
You can’t get the features that an HDMI ARC port provides with a regular HDMI port. Both your devices should support HDMI ARC.
However, you won’t need a different HDMI cable. You can plug a regular HDMI cable into the HDMI ARC port, and it’ll work just fine.
Is HDMI ARC Better Than HDMI?
If you use an external soundbar or speaker in your TV set for generating the sound, an HDMI Arc will work better, considering all of its mentioned features.
However, if you use the TV’s built-in speaker for your everyday movie time, it won’t make such a difference for you. You’ll just have fewer cables at the back of your TV.
Final Thoughts
An HDMI ARC port can help improve your TV set up and your projector arrangement, especially if you need a solid external speaker. That is an essential feature for big classrooms, meeting rooms, conferences, gaming, or outdoor movie nights.
If you’re always on the road or have to bring your projector with you to classes or work, find out about the 5 Best Mini Projectors with Bluetooth and Wifi.
