Headphones are the default choice for PC gaming, but they can’t reproduce the full scale of a modern game or movie soundtrack. A speaker system can do this, and the best way to connect is through HDMI® technology, using enhanced audio return channel (eARC).
Why speakers win in PC games
True dynamic range. Games are now mixed in with movie-like variety, from footsteps to collapsing buildings. The speakers reproduce those changes naturally, while the small headphone drivers compress them.
Low physical. Many kits include a low frequency effects (LFE) channel for a subwoofer. Explosions and engines move the air in the room and register it in your chest.
True positional sound. Instead of virtualized surround sound, a 5.1, 7.1, or Atmos system places discrete channels around and above you.
Comfort and shared play. No clamping force or sweaty pads during long sessions, and local multiplayer partners and an audience of friends and family hear everything too.
The bonus: movies and streaming
Movie soundtracks are mixed for large rooms with a dedicated subwoofer channel. With the right connection, your PC can deliver lossless uncompressed Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, and multichannel PCM.
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Why HDMI® eARC is the best way to connect
Analog and optical connections cannot transmit lossless surround sound. HDMI eARC supports 24-bit/192kHz uncompressed PCM, plus Dolby TrueHD with Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DTS:X. HDMI-CEC allows remote control of the entire system.
There are three ways to connect:
- Use the TV as an audio center. Connect the PC to a TV input and the sound bar or receiver to the eARC port on the TV. 4K at 120Hz and VRR go to the screen and top quality audio comes to the speakers.
- Run PC through an AV receiver or sound bar. Connect the PC to the HDMI input of the receiver and the eARC output of the receiver to the eARC input of the display. The receiver handles the audio directly. Make sure it supports streaming the gaming features you need, such as 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and HDR.
- Use an HDMI audio extractor. Splits video to the monitor and audio to the eARC system when no device does both, at the cost of an additional powered box.
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Set up lossless audio and Dolby Atmos
These are general instructions and individual devices and software versions may differ.
- For uncompressed surround soundopen Classic Sound Control Panel (Windows key + R, then type mmsys.cpl). Right click on your HDMI audio device, choose Configure Speakers and select 5.1 or 7.1.
- Dolby Atmos: Set up free Dolby Atmos for home theater in the Dolby Access app, then select it in the Spatial Sound tab on your device.
- Combine each game: Use Atmos for titles that support it, and switch to 5.1 or 7.1 PCM for standard surround titles.
- Check the chain: Enable HDMI audio in the NVIDIA or AMD control panel, set the TV’s eARC to On and its output to Passthrough, and use a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI® cable rated at 48 Gbps.
When it comes to immersion, comfort, and shared gaming, speakers outperform headphones for both gaming and movies. For more information, visit www.hdmi.org.
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