How Do I Get the Best Sound Quality From Sonos Arc (How to Adjust, Tune, and Calibrate the Sound)?

To be specific, the software contains all of the multiroom giant’s developments for better surround sound.

There’s TruePlay, a calibration technology that allows you to adjust and tune the audio based on your room’s acoustics.

You also have the Night Sound and Speech Enhancement, sound modes that boost your Sonos encounter to a superior degree.

How Do I Make Sonos Arc Sound Better?

As Sonos’ pride and joy, the Arc alone is packed full of phenomenal sound capabilities. However, you have a lot of options to make your listening experience much better, like adding more speakers to the soundbar. This is entirely possible since it is a master device in your home theater setup.

By default, the Arc is a 5.0.2 surround sound system. It has five channels including the front right, rear right, center, front left, and rear left. The soundbar is also built with two extra upward-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos content.

This configuration already sounds impressive but wait until you add a Sub. Doing so will transform your soundbar setup into a 5.1 system and add dimensions to your listening experience. Of course, the soundbar offers great lower frequencies, but there’s no harm in wanting more.

You could also throw in a pair of surround speakers to your Dolby Atmos soundbar. This will further customize your sound experience and provide you with a more immersive setup. You can even opt to add both the Sub and the surrounds if you have extra dough.

If you’re an iOS user that has no plans on adding extra devices to the Arc, there’s an alternate route for you. You’re free to access Sonos’ calibration technology that takes note of the room’s acoustics. Simply put, the soundbar considers all the factors around it and delivers the most appropriate sound possible.

All you need to do is access the Sonos S2 app on your iOS device. Go to the Settings page and click on System. You’ll find a list of the brand’s products, in which you should select the Arc soundbar.

After doing so, tap TruePlay then TruePlay Tuning. This will give you access to the in-app instructions guiding you to acquire this feature. Note that you’re required to give the app permission to access the mic on your source device.

If you only want to improve bits of the audio aspects the soundbar is emitting, then you have the EQ feature. This is yet another impressive feat Sonos included in the Arc, which is accessible for both iOS or Android users. It’ll give you a chance to increase or decrease sound elements, such as the bass or treble.

How Do I Change the EQ on My Sonos Arc?

Changing the EQ on your Arc is made possible through the Sonos controller app. The brand made the soundbar with its pinnacle technology, but there will always be room for improvement. Here’s how you can access the equalizer settings on the S2 software:

On Your iOS or Android Gadget

• Launch the Sonos software you registered the Arc in. In particular, open the S2 version of the program since the soundbar is only compatible with it.
• Navigate to the Settings page and tap System.
• You’ll find a list of Rooms that contains all your Sonos speakers. Locate the one where you stationed the Arc in.
• Click on EQ and you’ll be presented with four sliders. Choose which of the following you’d like to adjust: bass, treble, loudness, and balance. Note that the balance option is only controllable for Rooms that can support stereo sound.

For a shortcut, you can also access the EQ Settings on the Now Playing screen. You simply have to click on the volume slider and then tap the EQ symbol.

On Your MacBook or PC Device

• Open the Sonos S2 software and navigate to the Settings or Preferences page.
• If you’re using a Mac, tap on the Sonos drop-down menu located in the upper left corner of the screen. Click on Preferences.
• On your Windows PC, tap the Manage drop-down menu on the top of the window screen. Select Settings.
• Press the EQ Settings option then select the Room from the drop-down menu. Note that you should select the one where you stationed your Dolby Atmos soundbar.

The Arc is already a monster of a sound system, but Sonos considered several variables at play. The brand included the EQ Settings for users who prefer heavier bass or a more prominent treble in their music.

If you’re an iOS user, you have another Sonos perk you can partake in. With TruePlay activated, your EQ Settings are automatically adjusted to fit the best environment. The Arc will output the most optimal sound possible by analyzing your room’s dimensions and overall acoustics.

How Do I Adjust Bass and Treble on Sonos Arc?

To adjust the bass and treble output on your soundbar, you need to have access to your Sonos app. This is because like all of the brand’s features, the EQ Settings are only available within the software. In particular, the Arc can only be registered in the S2 app, restricting you to this version only.

To guide you with the adjustment process, launch the S2 app on your mobile device. Locate the Settings page then click on System. After doing so, tap on the Room where you put on the Arc and select the EQ option.

If you’re using your Mac to access the S2 program, boring your mouse over the top left part of the screen and click the Sonos drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can also select the Manage the drop-down menu at the top part of the window if you’re on a PC. Afterward, tap on Settings for MacBook and Preferences on your PC.

Click EQ Settings and press the Room you put your home theater soundbar in. Three sliders will be presented, including the bass and treble controls. For reference, here’s a quick table showing the difference between the two:

How Do I Increase Bass on Sonos Arc?

To increase the bass on your Arc device, your first bet is to visit the EQ Settings on the Sonos app. You’ll find this on the Settings or Preferences page of the S2 software, depending on the source device you’re using.

All you need to do is toggle the Bass slider left or right. Note that moving it in the left direction will make your bass more subdued and pushing it to the right does the opposite. You could test whether the sound is more up your alley and adjust the slider accordingly.

If you’re not satisfied with the bass adjustment the EQ Settings provided, there’s another alternative. By default, the Arc is a 5.0 system that is solely reliant on its top-of-the-line engineering. However, if you find it a bit lacking, you have the option to transform the soundbar into a 5.1 configuration.

That’s right, you’re free to add a subwoofer to your master home theater device. Sonos created the Sub for this purpose, adding more depth and power to your surround sound experience. If you have the extra $749 to splurge on your setup, then maybe you can consider this.

What Is Loudness on Sonos Arc?

Another element you can find on the EQ settings is the Loudness slider. As the name itself implies, this feature enables you to manually increase the frequencies your Arc is emitting. It’s a perk that you’ll find useful on days you want to enjoy your home theater but restricted in terms of audio output.

Turning this mode on will allow you to enjoy the Arc’s soundscape all the time. For example, you’re able to boost the bass of what’s playing when the soundbar is on low volumes. You can also hear the trebles quite clearly even when the Arc is playing on below normal audio output.

Sonos Arc Loudness On or Off?

The Loudness feature boosts the frequencies the Arc is emitting, including the bass and treble. It’s a perk that you can freely turn on or off, depending on your audio preferences. If you find your soundbar a bit lacking when playing at low volumes, then you’ll benefit from activating it.

When you’re streaming at below-normal audio levels, you hear less of the high- and low-pitch tones. Doing so makes your home theater less enjoyable as your ear struggles to hear the sound elements. This is where the Loudness comes in – it’s a preset tone control that compensates for the ear’s processing of low bass and treble.

It’s a different experience, though, when you’re listening to normal sound outputs. Activating the Loudness feature on your Arc during normal or higher volumes may give you tonal imbalance. This may overwhelm you and cause system overdrive leading to audio disturbance.

How Do I Make My Sonos Arc Sound Louder?

If you’re thinking about making your Arc louder, Sonos included a Loudness feature you can access on the Sonos app. This particular perk boosts the soundbar’s frequencies when activated. It’s helpful on times you want to enjoy your home theater setup even when on a restricted audio output.

You’ll find the Loudness control on the EQ Settings page of the controller program. Since the Arc does not classify as a legacy Sonos product, it’s only compatible with the S2 app. Simply tap the toggle to turn the feature on, and deactivate it by giving another press.

Another alternative is to go to the Now Playing screen on your software. Simply tap the volume slider and click the EQ icon on the right side of the page. You can even control the bass and treble output of the soundbar if you think they also need a boost.

You can also make the soundbar louder by simply increasing its volume level. The Arc has a maximum output of 92 decibels by itself, so expect powerful dynamic audio. All you need to do is to tap the right volume button on the soundbar itself.

If you don’t feel like standing up but still like to increase the sound output, your mobile device is also available. Of course, you’ll need to enable the Arc’s Hardware Control feature for this to work. You’ll find this option on the S2 app, right inside the Settings page.

Navigate to the App Preferences tab then click on Hardware Volume Control for activation. For Android devices, select Home Screen Volume Control instead. This will work while the Sonos software is open, so freely use your phone to increase the soundbar’s volume.

How Do I Make Dialogue Louder on Sonos Arc?

Aside from boosting the audio frequencies, the Arc can make the dialogue portions of your movies louder. This is thanks to another excellent Sonos feature known as Speech Enhancement. It’s done by navigating the Sonos app, the hub for all of the brand’s perks and developments.

To activate this using your MacBook or PC, first turn on your smart television. Check out if the Arc is streaming what’s playing from your TV, then open the S2 program. Navigate to the Rooms page and select the soundbar among the list of Sonos speakers.

Tap on the Now Playing section and then activate the Speech Enhancement by giving the button a single press. This will enhance the talking patterns that are playing from your home theater device. Note that this feature will give prominence to voice frequencies and highlight human voices.

You can also activate this perk on your iOS or Android gadgets. Similarly, you should first check whether the soundbar is working fine with your smart TV. Open the S2 controller program then navigate to the Systems panel.

There will be a list of Sonos speakers existing in the same system. Select the Arc soundbar and tap the Now Playing button on the bottom part of the screen. On the panel showing what’s streaming on your soundbar, tap the Speech Enhancement icon.

How Do I Make Dialogue Clearer on Sonos Arc?

If you thought the Arc has no more tricks hidden up its sleeves, then you need to think twice. Aside from emphasizing the human voice through Speech Enhancement, it can make dialogues clearer. This is done through Night Sound, which aims to reduce the background noises and highlight the conversation.

This feature is accessible to both iOS and Android users. Of course, first, you need to check if the soundbar is properly streaming TV audio. Open the S2 app, go to the System panel then select the Arc from the list.

You’ll see a Now Playing section at the bottom of the screen, tap on it. This will open the screen of what’s streaming on your soundbar, showing the Night Sound icon you should press. You’re also able to do this on a Macbook or a PC device, just navigate to the Rooms panel instead.

You may be confused about the difference between the two soundbar perks. To make it simple, Speech Enhancement improves the dialogue itself, making it louder. Night Sound alters the background frequencies to make human speech more understandable.

Do I Need to Calibrate Sonos Arc?

If you want to make the most out of your Arc, then calibrating it is common sense. The soundbar is the fruit of Sonos’ developing engineering, full of improvements from past discoveries. However, you still need to personalize some details to make sure your overall home theater experience is worth every cent.

The multiroom giant gave you a handy feature for this – well, if you’re an iOS user. In the form of TruePlay, you’re free to access the brand’s very own calibration technology. This software records your room’s acoustics, especially the aspects that may impact the soundbar’s sound output.

TruePlay factors in everything, from your room size and decor to even the position you decided to station that Arc in. The process will only take three minutes at most, using your iOS device’s very own built-in microphone. Once the software has the hang of your soundbar’s immediate environment, it’ll automatically adjust the output of each tweeter and woofer.

Of course, you can find this particular feature on the Sonos S2 application. Note that Android devices will need to calibrate their soundbar manually using the EQ Settings of the program. These include adjusting the bass, treble, and overall loudness of your Arc.

With TruePlay activated, your Dolby Atmos soundbar will only output the most optimal sound. This applies whether you station it on a wall mount, on a credenza, or leave it sitting in a recess.

How Do I Set Up Sonos Arc Surround Sound?

Sonos takes pride in the Arc, the fruit of all their discoveries in the realm of home theater. It’s a surround sound device on its own, so you only need to link it to your smart television for setup. Of course, don’t rule out the requirement of linking it to the brand’s software, a default move for Sonos’ devices.

Here’s the process of setting up the Arc in your home cinema to access its surround sound capabilities:

Integrate the Arc in Your Home Theater Arrangement

First off, you’ll need to position the soundbar in a location that will maximize its surround sound drivers. Note that the Arc is not battery-powered, so you have to factor in the position of the power outlet. The TV you’ll link it to should also be considered since the HDMI cable measures only 4.9 ft (1.5 m).

Sonos strongly recommends the following specifications for you to enjoy the best of the Dolby Atmos soundbar:

• A minimum space of 4 inches (102 mm) between the Arc and your smart TV
• The home theater device’s touch controls should be facing up
• The ends of the soundbar should have a minimum distance of 1 foot (30 cm) from any obstructions.

You could choose to station the Arc anywhere you like – be it on the table, on a recess, or using a wall mount. Sonos itself provided a mount for the soundbar not only to maximize its drivers. It will also do good in your home design, especially if you’re aiming for a minimalist ambiance.

Setting the Arc Up on the Controller App

After finding the best position for the Arc and plugging the right cables, your next step is to set it up on the S2 program. You’re required to use the S2 version of the software since the soundbar is incompatible with S1. Here is the know-how when doing the Arc activation process:

• If you’re planning to set the Arc up in a new Sonos system, select Set Up a New System on the S2 app. Log in to your account and tap Add on the window showing the Sonos Arc. In-app instructions will be provided to set the Arc up and add your chosen audio services.
• If you aim to add the soundbar to your existing Sonos system, launch the S2 program on your iOS or Android device. Go to the Settings page then click on System. On the selection, tap Add Product and follow the steps to connect Arc to your network.

Once you’re done setting up the Arc in the controller program, you’re free to access the brand’s features. These include several perks that can further boost your surround sound experience. You can even calibrate different audio elements like bass and treble to maximize your Arc’s home theater offers.

Aside from the EQ alteration, which you can control on your own, the soundbar has several modes you can activate for surround sound. Check them out in the table below:

How Do I Maximize Sonos Arc Surround Sound?

Although the Arc is already capable as a home theater device on its own, you can always enrich your experience. There are a lot of options you can do to maximize your experience like adding extra speakers to your setup. This is entirely possible since Sonos made the soundbar with your customization in mind.

By default, the Arc is a 5.0.2 configuration, meaning it has five ear-level speakers and two upward-firing drivers. To be specific, the soundbar blasts sound from the front left, rear left, center, right, and rear right direction. The two upward speakers are made for Dolby Atmos, so they should also be highlighted for better surround sound.

This configuration is known as a traditional home cinema installment, but you’re free to customize it in a variety of ways. First off, you can add a subwoofer or two for much better bass output. Sonos made a device for this in the form of the Sub worth $749.

You can also choose to add a pair of speakers to act as surrounds. The brand has several models that would sound phenomenal when included in your home theater setup. In particular, the multiroom giant has versatile Ones you can use as extra rear speakers.

Your third option would include fully investing in your Arc installation. You can further put the soundbar to the limits by adding two subwoofers and a pair of surround speakers. That’s right – you can transform your setup from a 5.0 to a 5.2 with extra rears to maximize your surround sound encounter.

If you’re feeling generous with your home theater installment, Sonos has the right combination for you. They call this group of speakers their Immersive set worth a whopping $2,086. It’s a complete setup of the Arc, a single Sub, and a pair of Sonos One SL for a superior cinematic encounter.

How to Get Dolby Atmos on Sonos Arc

There’s one main criterion you should follow for Dolby Atmos to work on the Arc. It’s that all interconnected devices should be supportive of the eARC protocol. This is a better variety of the ARC codec, but with a larger bandwidth.

Your television, linked external devices, and subscribed streaming services must comply with this. It’s something you shouldn’t bargain for because Atmos signals can only be interpreted by this HDMI connection.

Note that regular HDMI ARC is not enough, the surround sound format needs a more advanced variation. Well, this is the case if you’re aiming for the top-of-the-line lossless Atmos format using the Dolby TrueHD codec. It’s the peak of the Dolby variety, providing you with a pure listening experience without any compression.

If you don’t mind a bit of alteration, then you’re able to use the ARC protocol to stream Atmos via Dolby Digital Plus. This won’t include lossless, but other forms of Dolby Atmos are accessible on your soundbar.

On the chance that your television is not supportive of the ARC or eARC format, you have the HDFury Arcana as an option. It’s a roundabout way to achieve Dolby Atmos even on older-generation TVs. The black box is a boon for setups that have a high-end soundbar but not-so-advanced source device.

How to Test Dolby Atmos on Sonos Arc

Testing whether the Arc is playing genuine Dolby Atmos content is crucial in more ways than one. Luckily, there are a lot of things you can do to check whether the soundbar is working as intended. Here are some of them:

• You Could Stream a Dolby Atmos Movie or Media. This is one of the main options you can take to check if the soundbar is supporting the premium home theater format. Find an Atmos-supported movie on Netflix, Amazon, or any third-party streaming service. If you’re feeling every twist and turn of the movie around the main channels, then you’re actively using it.
• Take a Look at Your AV Receiver and Other External Devices. All widgets involved in sending the Atmos codec to the soundbar should be supportive of it. If even one is incompatible with Dolby Atmos, then the signal will be distorted and yield different output.
• Test the TV’s Display and Audio Output. Televisions are also capable of supporting different audio formats. This depends on what protocol they’re using, such as ARC or eARC connections. Look for the Audio, Info, or Menu panel on your TV to test if Dolby Atmos is the format being used.

Checking whether the Arc is streaming Atmos content can help you decipher if there’s something wrong with your setup. This is especially the case if you splurged on your home theater design with Dolby Atmos in mind. True, the Arc can support other formats but it’s ideal to aim for Atmos to maximize the soundbar.

How to Tell if Sonos Arc Is Playing Atmos

There’s one surefire way to tell if the Arc is streaming Atmos and it’s within your immediate reach. It’s done by checking the Sonos app, the company’s very own software that holds all of its advancements. All you need is access to your source device, be it an iOS or Android product, and go to the Settings tab.

After navigating your way into the Settings, select System then About My System. You’ll see whether the Arc is playing Atmos if there is an Atmos label right next to Audio In.

You can also check this on your Mac by going to the Sonos page. Tap About My System then check what type of home theater format is listed under the Arc’s name. It’s also doable on a Windows device but go to the Help panel on your S2 app instead.

This is a handy feature because the Arc has plenty of Dolby formats stashed in its armory. Atmos is one of its big guns, so you’ll want to know if your soundbar is streaming the right audio codec.

Why Is My Sonos Arc Not Playing Atmos?

The Arc may be dubbed as Sonos’ Dolby Atmos soundbar, but you can’t access this format from the get-go. You’ll need to comply with a few requirements, which when not met is the reason why the soundbar ain’t playing the codec. To help you dig the whys of this happening, look at the pointers below:

• Is the TV from your setup compatible with HDMI ARC, particularly eARC?
• Are you connecting the Arc to the smart TV correctly?
• Is the movie or media you’re streaming in Dolby Atmos format?
• Are you using a compatible streaming device with your home theater setup?
• Have you checked whether the streaming service you’re subscribed to supports Atmos content?

First off, Atmos is only compatible with the HDMI ARC protocol. If you are aiming for the high standard Dolby Atmos, your TV should cater to an eARC connection. If you’ve failed to comply with this particular, then the surround sound format is out of your reach.

Also, the Dolby Atmos soundbar comes only with a single HDMI cable. This is following Sonos’ creed to only put one HDMI port on their home theater device. The best wire for usage is supplied when you purchase the tech, but you’re free to use any cable as long as it’s compatible.

To make things easier, the Arc uses a 1.4-plus wire, also known as a high-speed with an ethernet HDMI cable. If you’re using a subpar connection, then Atmos won’t really be accessible in the soundbar. Of course, this applies even when you’re using the brand’s optical audio adapter.

Don’t forget that the media you’re playing should be in Dolby Atmos format. If the video or movie is structured under the Atmos codec, it’ll sound more seamless and immersive. It’s entirely different from a regular audio format which won’t give you the same compelling effect.

You should also keep an eye on the external streaming devices you’re using to play Atmos. Note that another requirement for the Arc to play this surround sound format is consistency. By this, it means that the audio being transferred from one tech to the soundbar should be the same all throughout.

Lastly, the streaming services you’re using are the culprit themselves. Some of this subscription software does support Dolby Atmos, but this does not involve all their media. Take Netflix for example – the movies are not for Atmos streaming unless otherwise labeled by the brand.

How Do I Play Dolby Atmos Music Through Sonos Arc?

To play Dolby Atmos music on the Arc, you’ll need to subscribe to a music service that can cater to this codec. Sonos has a long list of partnered music programs in their controller program. As such, your only move is to find the ideal one capable of hosting the Atmos format.

One fine example of this is Amazon Music, in particular, the HD subscription. The software has a long list of music formatted in Dolby Atmos codec. This means you get first-rate studio experience with artists like The Weekend, Halsey, Imagine Dragons, and so much more.

Another music platform that contains Dolby Atmos music is Tidal which is also in contract with Sonos. You can find the list of Atmos-supported audio on the Explore page and stream it directly on your soundbar.

Note that to play Dolby Atmos Music on the Arc, you should possess a compatible TV and external streaming device. These are also nonnegotiables if you want to stream this kind of sound on your soundbar.

To elaborate on this, start on the soundbar’s compatibility with your home theater setup. The Arc has a single port that can cater to HDMI connections, in particular those on the 1.4 plus spectrum. To access Dolby Atmos and stream it without hassle, your TV should be compatible with either ARC or eARC protocol.

To be sure that you’re streaming Atmos audio on the Arc, look over the Now Playing screen on the S2 app. You can also opt to visit the About My System page and check the Audio Input format being played.

How Do I Get Dolby Atmos on Apple TV 4K With Sonos Arc?

To get the Dolby Atmos on the Arc using an Apple TV 4K, you should be using an eARC connection. You’re not going to get it any other way since this particular protocol is a must to host Atmos on the soundbar. Of course, you’ll be needing a television that can cater to the same format, so you should check your devices’ specs.

Once you’ve complied with the eARC specifics, all you need to do is use the supplied HDMI cable to link the soundbar to the TV. Also, note that the Apple TV 4K should also be connected to your television using a separate HDMI linkage. This will ensure that the Atmos media streaming from the external box is consistent in form when it reaches the Arc.

Note that this won’t work with the standard ARC connection. eArc is required for this series of linkages to work so the signal won’t be distorted in any way.

How Do I Connect My Sonos Arc to eARC?

There’s only one way you can connect the Arc to an eARC port – by using the supplied HDMI cable or any equivalent wire. If you were to look at the connector panel on the back of the soundbar, you’ll find that there are three ports present. The two are not made for TV connections, so your only bet is through the designated HDMI port beside the power port.

That’s right – the Arc has a single port meant for both ARC and eARC connections. As such, there’ll be no confusion when connecting the Arc to an eARC-friendly television. You simply have to link one end of the cable to your soundbar and then plug the other into your TV’s port labeled eARC.

For reference, eARC is a variation of the HDMI Audio Return Channel. It’s the more advanced version of the protocol, characterized by greater bandwidth and faster data transfer. Simply check the back of your TV to determine if it can cater to this kind of connection.

Note that as long as your television can deliver eARC, your soundbar can stream compatible eARC surround sound formats. Of course, this is as long as any external device supports the protocol too, and won’t disrupt the linkage.

Check out the list of audio varieties you can access with an eARC connection linking your TV and soundbar:

• Dolby Atmos
• Dolby TrueHD
• Dolby Atmos (True HD)
• Multichannel PCM
• Dolby Multichannel PCM

How Do I Use Sonos Arc Without eARC?

You don’t have to sweat it if your television does not possess an eARC-compatible port. You’re able to use the Arc with your older TV as long as it has an HDMI ARC linkage available. All you need to do is connect the soundbar to your TV and ensure the external devices are secured as well.

Sonos also provided an optical audio adapter for televisions that are not advanced enough to support ARC. Granted, you’ll be restricted to a few surround sound formats, but the Sonos experience is still within reach. Here is the list of home theater audio you can use without eARC:

• Stereo PCM
• Dolby Digital
• DTS
• Dolby Digital Plus
• Dolby Atmos (Dolby Digital Plus)

As you can see, you’re unable to access the higher variety of Dolby audio formats, including genuine Atmos. This may seem like a bummer especially as Dolby Atmos is the signature of this soundbar. However, you’re free to upgrade your television to a more modern one if this is the case.

If you’re dying for Atmos without eARC on your television but don’t have the moolah, there’s another workaround you can try. This is in the form of the HDFury Arcana, an external box that can bypass HDMI signals. Simply put, it’s able to accept HDMI input and convert it into eARC outputs for the soundbar to stream.

You can purchase this eARC adapter on the official HDFury website for $249. It has several other capabilities aside from giving you Dolby Atmos format. For one, it can link the soundbar to a projector and other external devices such as Xbox and PlayStation.

Sonos Arc PCM or Passthrough?

If you were to look over the list of Arc’s supported home theater formats, you’ll find several PCM varieties. There’s no type of passthrough audio logged because the soundbar is just not made for it.

For reference, Pulse Code Modulation is an HDMI input setting that jives well with the Arc. This audio format is used if the third-party product is capable of analyzing the audio, not needing the Arc to analyze it. Simply put, the soundbar’s only task is to blast the media directly into your environment.

It’s an ideal format for the Arc since it has an HDMI port made for output and not for input purposes. The PCMs that the soundbar supports include stereo, multichannel, and even the Dolby multichannel PCM. The last two require an eARC connection though, so take note of this.

Why Is Sonos Arc Cutting Out?

The Arc cutting out at random times, especially when you’re on a crucial part of the movie, can affect your soundbar experience. This may occur due to two main reasons, the HDMI cable connection or the audio format supported by the interconnected devices. Once you identify the root of the problem, you’ll easily improve your home theater encounter.

First off, the Arc is only able to link to your TV through high-speed with an ethernet HDMI cable. It’s not a fancy 2.1 wire, but it can still deliver the best Dolby format possible. Well, of course, this is as long as your television and external devices are compatible with it.

If the HDMI cable is loose, this is where the problems start to show. The sound may start to buffer and you’ll find that the Arc emits a constant pause. This is because the signal is always interrupted due to the HDMI cable not securely linked to the television.

Note that this connection is crucial, especially as the Dolby Atmos soundbar only has a single port. This means you’re only able to use a single type of cable, which can only have a workaround in the form of an optical adapter. Of course, you’ll still need the HDMI line for this purpose.

The other reason involves the audio format being employed in both the Arc and the television. Sonos advertised the Arc as their Dolby Atmos soundbar, but it can still support a lot of other sound varieties. As such, you’ll need to check whether your TV is capable of streaming your intended audio scheme.

How to Fix Sonos Arc Cutting Out

After you’ve discovered why the Arc is cutting out, your next step is to try to solve the root of the problem. First off, you’ll want to check the state of your HDMI cable. Here’s how you can isolate cable issues to address them once and for all:

• Unplug the HDMI cable connecting your Dolby Atmos soundbar to the television. Don’t forget to leave everything powered on.
• After safely disconnecting the high-speed with ethernet HDMI cable, turn off all devices. Unplug the power cables and check whether any is linked to an electric output. These include your smart television and your Arc itself.
• Wait for a few minutes for the devices to cool down. Reconnect the TV and soundbar to their respective power outlets and turn on the devices.
• After a few more minutes of waiting, plugin the HDMI cable to the Arc and link it to your smart television. If the connection is still cutting out, try to check the CEC settings on your source device.

Note that the best cable to use for the Arc is provided in the soundbar package already. However, if you want to use a more advanced wire, like a 2.1 linkage, ensure that it is highly compatible with the device. This will avoid any line or connection issues and will narrow down the problem to software instead.

That’s right, the culprit behind your Arc cutting out during streaming times may not be due to hardware. You may be using the wrong audio format, or your television is unsupportive of your particular sound arrangement. In this case, you’ll need to check what home theater format is currently being used:

• If you’re using an iOS or Android device, go to the Settings page. Select System then About My System. You’ll find the audio format under the Arc, right next to the Audio In.
• On your MacBook, navigate to the Sonos page then tap About My System. The supported home theater format being used is listed under the soundbar.
• When using Windows to check the streaming audio format, go to the Help panel. Tap on About My Sonos System and then look at the Arc on the list of devices. The format will appear next to the Audio In label, under the soundbar’s name.

If both the TV and the soundbar’s sound variation are compatible, then it may be a system glitch. It’s best to take the cutting-off incident recorded so you’ll clearly show what is happening on your setup. Submit a diagnostics report and don’t forget to remember the diagnostic reference.

How Do I Fix My Sonos Arc Lip-Sync?

To fix the Arc’s lip-sync issues, you will need to pinpoint the reason why it’s occurring in the first place. The most common reason for this is the HDMI ARC connection itself rather than the soundbar or the TV. To make it simple, this is due to the signal from the AV receiver to the soundbar getting distorted.

Luckily, HDMI ARC and eARC connections have their own lip-sync setting and adjust the delay on their own. Sometimes, it may not be enough, which will result in audio coming before the picture, or vice versa. Here’s the remedy for both scenarios:

What to Do When Audio is Lagging Behind the Video

• Restart your soundbar, television, and external source device. Doing this will reboot the connection and solidify the linkage between the devices. For reference, external source devices include a cable box, game console, or DVD player.
• Disable the extra audio processes on your TV and external source device. Most of these devices have their sound processing system that may distort the audio syncing further. You can turn these off on the Settings panel of your gadgets.
• You can also alter the audio format streaming on your TV and external source device. Remember that some techs, by default, add extra processing when playing surround sound format. You can remedy this by changing the audio to Stereo or PCM, but this will turn off the surround sound.

What to Do When Audio is Much Ahead of the Video

Sonos provided a feature for when the video is having a hard time keeping up with the audio output. This perk is known as TV Dialogue Sync, accessible to the brand’s software. In particular, you can control this using the S2 variation of the Sonos app:

• Launch the S2 controller program on your iOS or Android device.
• Go to the Settings tab, symbolized by the traditional gear icon. Tap System in the list of menus and locate the Arc among the registered devices.
• Under the Home Theater option, select TV Dialogue Sync. A slider will appear which you’ll need to move to the right. Adjust the toggle until the audio is in sync with the video streaming on your TV.