Thanks (e) ARC: Audio external devices via Apple TV on HomePod and HomePod Mini

The use of HomePod and HomePod Air as speakers for devices that do not come from Apple does not seem to be intended at first glance: either you listen directly via Siri Music – or use the Smart Speaker via AirPlay as a playback device for iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV. However, there is the possibility to reproduce external devices. However, a small detour is necessary for this.

TV plus Apple TV

If there is already an Apple TV 4K (from the second generation) in the house, this can be used for forwarding-in connection with an HDMI-enabled television. Because in principle, current TVOS devices support the protocols ARC (Audio Return Channel) or the more modern Earc (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). Apple describes this in one Support document updated in spring.

The signal is transmitted via HDMI, this is technically implemented from 1.4. Most televisions that support EARC or ARC are likely to have a corresponding logo, alternatively a look at the instructions makes sense. Thanks to more bandwidth, Earc is even able to broadcast Dolby Atmos (5.1 and 7.1 anyway).

Switch on audio output

In particular, it is exciting to use the approach that the television can be used as a implementer. In this way, these audio sources can be connected, which are then passed on to HomePods via Apple TV. This applies, for example, to game consoles, but also to Blu-ray playback devices or set-top boxes for television reception. To activate ARC or EARC, you first have to go to the Apple TV settings. In the “Video and Audio” area, the point “Audio edition” can be found there.

Here you first select the HomePod or HomePod Mini (or a couple) under the “standard audio output”, this has not yet been the case. A menu below is “audio decline channel”. “TV audio playback” must be selected here. If there is an “ARC)” or “A (Earc)”, it can be found that the transfer works. In addition to Earc and ARC, TVOS also dominates the HDMI CEC protocol. This allows televisions to be controlled via the Apple TV remote control, such as switching on and off.