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Answered

Beam Gen1 HDMI arc versus Optical

  • 4 February 2022
  • 4 replies
  • 1550 views

I have a gen 1 beam connected to a 2015 vizio D50-D1 and Apple Tv 4k gen 1.

My question is this ; the TV has 1 Arc port, 2 other standard HDMI ports, and an optical port. When connecting the beam to the arc port or the optical port i get dolby digital 5.1. Is their a benefit to using the arc over the optical in this scenario? With only 3 HDMI ports i am low on spaces for devices (xbox , switch etc). I will keep it on the arc if there is any benefit over optical in this scenario. Below are my settings. any feedback is welcome 

 

sonos theatre setup 

gen 1 beam with 2 rear ones 

 

apple tv settings:

audio output: reciever speakers

audio format : auto

audio mode : auto 

 

music app settings:

dolby atmos: automatic 

audio quality: lossless

 

vizio settings :

tv speakers off

surround sound on 

Digital audio out bitstream

If the HDMI ARC port supports CEC it allows you to control your TV via Alexa or Google Voice assistant (i.e. on/off). The optical port does not. 

EDIT: The link indicates that your TV does support CEC.

https://support.vizio.com/s/article/D50-D1-Model-Information?language=en_US

Thanks. Any neat voice controls you recommend?

Edit: on , off, and audio voice control with alexa worked right away. 

Thanks. Any neat voice controls you recommend?

Edit: on , off, and audio voice control with alexa worked right away. 

Not for the TV….but you have the ability to ask Sonos to play music on other Sonos speakers such as “Alexa, play smooth jazz on Bedroom” or give commands to control other smart devices. The TV does not have to be on to do so. Alexa is always listening.

When I follow the link it does say the TV supports CEC;

In my experience this is right: I've not sees HDMI-ARC TV's without CEC.

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