Today, I’m going to share my experience and insights into a common issue that many Hisense TV owners might face: the dreaded ARC (Audio Return Channel) being greyed out.
What does it mean when the ARC option on my Hisense TV is greyed out?
When the ARC (Audio Return Channel) option is greyed out, it typically indicates that your TV is not detecting a compatible audio device connected to it through the HDMI ARC port.
Step 1: Check Your HDMI Connection
First and foremost, ensure your HDMI cable is securely connected to the HDMI (ARC) port on your Hisense TV and the corresponding port on your audio device.
A loose or faulty cable can lead to the ARC option being greyed out.
Pro Tip: It’s a good practice to use a high-quality HDMI cable to avoid signal issues.
Step 2: Enable CEC on Your Devices
CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is a feature that allows your devices to communicate with each other over HDMI.
To get your ARC working, you’ll want to ensure that CEC is enabled on both your TV and audio device.
This can sometimes be found in your TV’s settings under a different name like “Anynet+,” “HDMI-CEC,” or “Simplink.”
Step 3: TV Settings Configuration
Now, head to your Hisense TV’s settings menu.
You’ll want to go to the ‘Sound’ or ‘Audio’ settings.
Look for the ‘HDMI ARC’ or ‘Digital Audio Output’ option, and make sure it’s set to ‘Auto’ or ‘Bitstream.’
Pro Tip: If you have an AV receiver, double-check its settings to ensure it’s configured to receive audio via ARC.
Step 4: Power Cycling
Sometimes, a simple power cycle can work wonders.
Turn off both your TV and your audio device.
Unplug them from the power source, wait a minute, and then plug them back in. Turn them on, and check if the ARC option is now accessible.
Step 5: Firmware Updates
Outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues.
Make sure your Hisense TV and audio device have the latest firmware updates installed.
Check the manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to do this.
Step 6: Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If all else fails, you can try a factory reset on your Hisense TV.
This should be your last resort, as it will wipe all your settings and preferences.
Instructions for performing a factory reset can typically be found in your TV’s user manual.
Remember: Take a backup of your settings and preferences before attempting a factory reset.
FAQs
2. How do I check if I’m using a high-quality HDMI cable?
- Look for HDMI cables with the “High-Speed HDMI” label, as they are typically of better quality. Using a certified HDMI cable is advisable for optimal performance.
3. What’s the difference between CEC, Anynet+, HDMI-CEC, and Simplink?
- These are different names for the same concept, Consumer Electronics Control (CEC). They allow HDMI-connected devices to communicate with each other. Check your TV or audio device’s user manual for the specific CEC name used.
4. How can I enable CEC on my TV and audio device?
- Access your TV and audio device settings and look for the CEC option. It’s often found in the ‘Sound’ or ‘System’ settings. Refer to your user manual for specific instructions based on your brand and model.
5. Can I use any HDMI port for ARC on my Hisense TV?
- No, you should use the specific HDMI (ARC) port labeled as such on your TV. Using a different HDMI port may not support ARC.
6. What should I do if my TV and audio device have the latest firmware, but the ARC is still greyed out?
- In such cases, try power cycling your devices. Turn them off, unplug them from the power source, wait for a minute, and then plug them back in. This can resolve some connectivity issues.
7. How can I perform a factory reset on my Hisense TV?
- You can typically find instructions for a factory reset in your TV’s user manual. Be aware that a factory reset will erase all your settings and preferences, so consider it a last resort.
8. Are there any alternatives to using ARC for audio output on my Hisense TV?
- If you encounter persistent issues with ARC, you can use optical audio (TOSLINK) or regular audio cables (analog or digital) to connect your TV to an external audio device.
