ARC Compatibility

[Tropi]

I am seriously considering a Bluray based sound system with a £350 max budget.

My shortlist, in order, is:

Sony BDV-E370

Panasonic BT230EB

Onkyo X22HD plus a Bluray player

With 3 PVRs and a DVD player connected already, an all in one system is very appealing! I would dump my DVD player AND my HiFi stereo unit, both to be replaced by the Bluray system. So the Sony and Pana are top of my list. Reviews suggest the Sony E370 is possibly the better of these two, but comments on my shortlist would be very welcome.

However, my main concern is whether my existing Panasonic TV, 37PX70BA, is Audio Return Channel (ARC) capable. The Panasonic manual schematic suggests that it might be capable in showing a two way <-> symbol for the HDMI 2 socket. But I don't think ARC existed when I bought this TV about 3 years ago and Panasonic documentation is typically inadequate.So it isn't clear what this <-> really means.

Does anyone know whether the 37PX70BA is ARC capable or, alternatively, where I might get a reliable answer to this question, please?

EDIT

PS - This TV does not have an optical audio socket of any kind

 

[d4v3pum4]

ARC was only introduced with HDMI v1.4 so no, it would be safe to say your TV won't support it. HDMI v1.4 has only just appeared.

LINK

Your TV will more than likely have analogue audio (red/white phono) out or perhaps TV out via SCART. If the SCART option is the only audio connection available you will need a switchable SCART Adapter (set to Out) and a red/white phono cable. You can buy the SCART Adapters from the likes of TVCable.co.uk, Amazon etc.

 

[Tropi]

Many thanks for both your reply and that HDMI link.

That leaves little doubt that you must be right!

However, I'm still puzzled by the two-way "<->" symbol on Panasonic's cable connection schematic. The manual shows it connected to a DVD recorder. My best guess is that, if it doesn't take audio back to the DVD recorder, then perhaps it is used as a link to enable the Panasonic TV remote control to additionally control a Panasonic DVD recorder. I do wish Panasonic would improve their manuals!

Any comment on my guess as to the actual function of that two-way HDMI socket?

I'm now thinking that. despite my strong preference to reduce the number of boxes and cables round the TV, perhaps my shortlist should promote the Onkyo X22HD because of its improved connectivity . . . this is a difficult decision process. More help and advice in weighing up the pros and cons would be greatly appreciated!

 

[d4v3pum4]

HDMI CEC? Just a guess.