What Is the EARC-201?
The OREI EARC-201 is a 1-in, 2-out eARC splitter designed to send audio from one ARC/eARC TV to two ARC/eARC soundbars, AVRs, or audio systems at the same time.
It is useful for someone who wishes to connect two soundbars or two audio systems to the same TV. For example, one soundbar may be placed in the front of the room while another audio system is used in another listening area, or a customer may want to send TV audio to two ARC/eARC-compatible audio devices for an enhanced audio experience.
The EARC-201 supports eARC audio formats such as LPCM, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, and DSD when connected devices support them. For ARC connections, audio is limited to ARC-supported formats such as PCM 2.0, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS 5.1.
| IMPORTANT — EARC-201 Connects 1 TV to 2 Soundbars |
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The EARC-201 is designed to split ARC/eARC audio from one TV to two soundbars or AVRs. For example:
Both connected audio devices can receive audio from the same TV. This is the correct product for people who ask: “Can I connect two soundbars to one TV?” |
| IMPORTANT — Audio Format Depends on the Connected Devices |
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When only one soundbar is connected, the TV’s ARC/eARC audio signal is passed directly to that soundbar. When two soundbars are connected, the EARC-201 automatically selects and transmits the lowest common audio format supported by both soundbars. For example, if one soundbar supports Dolby Atmos through eARC but the second soundbar only supports basic ARC audio, the final audio format will be reduced to a format both devices can support. This is normal behavior and helps maintain compatibility between both connected audio systems. |
| IMPORTANT — ARC Devices Are Supported, But Audio Will Be Limited |
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The EARC-201 supports both ARC and eARC TVs, soundbars, and AVRs. However, if the TV or either connected soundbar only supports ARC, the audio format will be limited to ARC-supported formats such as:
The EARC-201 does not upgrade an ARC-only TV or ARC-only soundbar to full eARC capability. |
Ports and Panel Layout
| Port / LED | Location | Function |
| Power LED | Front panel | Red LED lights up when the device is powered on |
| IN LED | Front panel | Shows TV ARC/eARC connection status |
| OUT 1 / OUT 2 LEDs | Front panel | Shows soundbar/AVR ARC/eARC connection status |
| Service | Front panel | USB-C firmware update port |
| eARC OUT 1 | Rear panel | Connect an ARC/eARC soundbar or AVR |
| eARC OUT 2 | Rear panel | Connect a second ARC/eARC soundbar or AVR |
| eARC IN | Rear panel | Connect the ARC/eARC HDMI port from the TV |
| DC 5V | Rear panel | Connect the included power adapter |
Step-by-Step Setup
- Connect your TV’s ARC/eARC HDMI port to the eARC IN port on the EARC-201.
- Connect your first soundbar or AVR to eARC OUT 1.
- Connect your second soundbar or AVR to eARC OUT 2.
- Connect the included power adapter to the EARC-201.
- Turn on the TV and both connected audio systems.
- Go into your TV’s audio settings and enable ARC/eARC.
- Set the TV audio output to HDMI ARC/eARC, external speaker, receiver, or audio system depending on your TV menu.
- Choose an audio format supported by both connected soundbars.
- Confirm the IN LED and OUT LEDs are on, and audio is playing through the connected soundbars or AVRs.
| Cable Requirement — Important |
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For best eARC performance, especially with high-bitrate audio formats like Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, or DTS:X, use HDMI 2.1 cables under 15 feet.
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Understanding the LED Status
The EARC-201 LEDs help show whether ARC/eARC communication is working.
| LED | Status | Meaning |
| IN LED | Solid | TV is connected and ARC/eARC is working correctly |
| IN LED | Flashing | TV is connected but ARC/eARC is not working correctly |
| IN LED | Off | TV is not connected or not detected |
| OUT 1 / OUT 2 LED | Solid | Soundbar is connected and ARC/eARC is working correctly |
| OUT 1 / OUT 2 LED | Flashing | Soundbar is connected but ARC/eARC is not working correctly |
| OUT 1 / OUT 2 LED | Off | Soundbar is not connected or not detected |
What TVs Is the EARC-201 Compatible With?
The EARC-201 is compatible with TVs that support HDMI ARC or eARC audio output.
It can work with audio from:
- Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, and other smart TV apps
- HDMI devices connected to the other input ports on the TV
For full eARC audio formats, the TV must support eARC and the connected soundbars/AVRs must also support the same format.
What Soundbars or AVRs Is the EARC-201 Compatible With?
The EARC-201 is compatible with ARC/eARC soundbars and AVRs that receive audio through HDMI ARC/eARC.
It can be used with Sonos ARC, Sonos Beam (Gen 2), Sonos Amp, Bose Smart Soundbar 600 & 900, etc.
When two soundbars or AVRs are connected, both devices should support the same audio format for the best results. If they do not, the EARC-201 will use the lowest common format supported by both devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the OREI EARC-201 used for?
A: The EARC-201 is used to connect one ARC/eARC TV to two ARC/eARC soundbars, AVRs, or audio systems.
Q: Can I connect two soundbars to one TV?
A: Yes. That is the main purpose of the EARC-201. Connect the TV to the eARC IN port, then connect the two soundbars to eARC OUT 1 and eARC OUT 2.
Q: Does the EARC-201 work with both ARC and eARC devices?
A: Yes. It supports both ARC and eARC. However, if any device only supports ARC, the audio may be limited to ARC formats such as PCM 2.0, Dolby Digital 5.1, or DTS 5.1.
Q: Will this convert ARC to eARC?
A: No. The EARC-201 does not upgrade ARC devices to eARC. If the TV or soundbar only supports ARC, the audio format will remain limited to ARC-supported formats.
Q: Can both soundbars play at the same time?
A: Yes, both connected soundbars can receive audio from the TV at the same time. You can mute or turn off the one you are not using, if needed.
Q: Why am I not getting Dolby Atmos when two soundbars are connected?
A: When two soundbars are connected, the EARC-201 uses the lowest common audio format supported by both soundbars. If one soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos or eARC audio, the audio format may be reduced.
Q: What happens if only one soundbar is connected?
A: When only one soundbar is connected, the TV’s ARC/eARC audio signal is passed directly to that soundbar based on what the soundbar supports.
Q: Does the EARC-201 support CEC volume control?
A: Yes. The EARC-201 supports CEC volume control, allowing the TV remote to control connected soundbar volume when supported by the TV and soundbar.
Q: Why is the IN or OUT LED flashing?
A: A flashing LED means the device is connected but ARC/eARC communication is not working correctly. Check that ARC/eARC is enabled in the TV settings, the HDMI cable is connected to the correct ARC/eARC port, and the soundbar supports the selected audio format.
Q: Do you have something that allows connecting one soundbar between two TVs or one TV and one Projector?
A: Yes, the EARC-102 allows connecting one soundbar between two TVs or one TV and one Projector.
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