If you’re searching eARC dropouts fix for PS5 and Xbox on TCL TVs, this is the practical guide that actually stops the cut-outs. We’ll use a known-good wiring path, the right pass-through settings, and a quick reset routine that stabilizes Atmos on soundbars/AVRs. You’ll also get an I/O map and a concise cause → fix table you can work through in minutes. Let’s make the silence go away. 🔧🎮🔊
eARC dropouts fix for PS5 and Xbox on TCL TVs — Quick wins (do these first)
- Wire it the right way: plug PS5/Xbox/PC into the TV’s HDMI 2.1 ports, and connect the soundbar/AVR’s HDMI OUT (eARC/ARC) to the TV’s HDMI (eARC).
- Pass-through, not re-encode: on the TV set eARC = Auto and Digital Output = Pass Through; in the console set Bitstream/Pass-through (Dolby/DTS as supported).
- One power-cycle: unplug TV + soundbar/AVR for 60 seconds, then power on TV → soundbar/AVR → console.
- Use certified cables: Ultra High Speed HDMI (48 Gbps) for console→TV and a quality High Speed with Ethernet for eARC (bar→TV).
- Keep VRR/HFR to the video chain only: sources → TV for 4K120/144; do not insert the soundbar between console and TV. 🎯
eARC dropouts fix for PS5 and Xbox on TCL TVs — I/O map (port-by-port)
| Device | Cable | Plug into | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 | Ultra High Speed HDMI (48 Gbps) | TV HDMI 2.1 (any) | 4K120, VRR, ALLM straight to panel; avoids bar passthrough issues |
| Xbox Series X | Ultra High Speed HDMI (48 Gbps) | TV HDMI 2.1 (any) | Same as PS5; clean VRR range and timings |
| PC (optional) | Ultra High Speed HDMI (48 Gbps) | TV HDMI 2.1 (any) | 4K120/144 with correct EDID |
| Soundbar/AVR | High Speed HDMI w/ Ethernet (eARC-rated) | TV HDMI (eARC) | Reliable audio return; Atmos/DTS* as supported by TV/Bar |
Tip: If the TV allows input labels, label your console inputs (PS5/Xbox) and the bar output as eARC (where available) to keep menus clear. 🙂
eARC dropouts fix for PS5 and Xbox on TCL TVs — TV & console settings
On TCL TV (Google TV):
- Sound → Expert (or Advanced) → HDMI eARC = Auto
- Sound → Digital Output → Pass Through
- Sound → CEC (HDMI-CEC) → On (then toggle Off→On if handshake is stuck)
- Picture → Game Mode/ALLM → On for console HDMI inputs (video only)
On PS5:
- Settings → Sound → Audio Output → HDMI Device Type = AV Amplifier
- Audio Format (Priority) → Bitstream (Dolby) (or Linear PCM if testing)
- Settings → Screen and Video → 4K Automatic, VRR = Automatic, 120 Hz Automatic
On Xbox Series X:
- Settings → General → TV & display options → Resolution 4K, 120 Hz
- Video modes → enable Allow 4K, Allow variable refresh rate, Auto low-latency mode
- Audio → HDMI audio → Bitstream out; Bitstream format → Dolby Atmos (for soundbar/AVR that supports it)
eARC dropouts fix for PS5 and Xbox on TCL TVs — the 3-step reset that works
- Hard power-cycle (cold boot): turn off TV + bar/AVR → unplug both from wall 60s → plug in TV → wait boot → plug in bar/AVR → select TV’s Sound Output = eARC.
- CEC refresh: toggle TV’s CEC Off → On; on PS5/Xbox toggle HDMI-Device Link/CEC Off → On once.
- Re-select audio device: on TV choose eARC/Receiver again; on console re-run audio device setup.
Most dropout threads boil down to a stale HDMI handshake. One clean reboot sequence + reselect fixes it for weeks. ✨
eARC dropouts fix for PS5 and Xbox on TCL TVs — common causes → exact fixes
| Cause | What you’ll notice | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Bar between console and TV | Random black screens; audio cuts on 4K120 | Re-wire: consoles → TV; bar only on TV eARC |
| Re-encoding on TV | Atmos missing / format flips to PCM | Digital Output = Pass Through; eARC = Auto |
| Weak/old HDMI cable | Dropouts at high bitrates or when switching | Replace with UHS 48 Gbps (console→TV) and eARC-rated (bar→TV) |
| CEC glitch | No sound until you switch inputs; power on/off acts weird | Toggle CEC Off→On on TV + console; power-cycle both |
| VRR/HFR through bar | Audio works at 60 Hz, fails at 120/144 Hz | Keep VRR/HFR video path direct to TV; use eARC only for audio return |
| Mismatch of formats | Bar says “PCM 2.0” on Atmos titles | In apps/console select Bitstream/Dolby; avoid double upmix |
| Firmware hiccup | All good, then broken after update | One full power-cycle; re-select eARC output; check app/device updates |
eARC dropouts fix for PS5 and Xbox on TCL TVs — when to use PCM
If your bar is picky about bitstream, test Linear PCM 5.1/7.1 on PS5/Xbox for a session. If dropouts stop, the issue is bitstream stability on that chain. Then come back to Bitstream (Dolby) once you’ve confirmed the cabling and TV Pass Through are solid. This isolates the fault without losing surround. 🧪
eARC dropouts fix for PS5 and Xbox on TCL TVs — pro tips that save hours
- Lock the chain first: change one variable at a time (cable, port, setting), test 10–15 minutes, then move on.
- Ethernet > Wi-Fi for streaming apps if you hear “pops” on bitrate swings.
- Avoid forced upmixers on both TV and bar simultaneously; pick one device to upmix if needed.
- Keep a spare cable known-good; many “firmware” issues are actually a borderline HDMI lead. 😉
FAQ — eARC dropouts fix for PS5 and Xbox on TCL TVs
Does eARC need a special HDMI cable?
The console→TV run should be Ultra High Speed HDMI (48 Gbps). The bar→TV eARC link needs a High Speed with Ethernet (eARC capable) cable; many UHS 48 Gbps cables also carry eARC perfectly.
Can I daisy-chain through the soundbar for 4K120?
You can, but it’s the #1 cause of black screens and audio cuts. For reliability: sources → TV, audio returns via eARC.
Why does audio die when I switch to 120 Hz or enable VRR?
Because the bar struggles with high-bandwidth video passthrough. Keeping video direct to the TV and using eARC for audio avoids that bottleneck.
Is “Pass Through” worse quality than PCM?
No—Pass Through preserves the original bitstream (e.g., Dolby Atmos) so the bar/AVR decodes it as intended.
Final Verdict
The surest eARC dropouts fix for PS5 and Xbox on TCL TVs is a clean topology: consoles → TV (HDMI 2.1), soundbar/AVR → TV (eARC), and Pass Through on the TV. Add one cold boot after updates, keep CEC sane, and use certified cables. Do this once and you’ll forget what dropouts sounded like. ✅
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