High-quality audio is just as important to an outstanding video gaming session as is the quality of the video, animation, and graphics creating the overall visual experience.
Residential and commercial AV integrators, therefore, must remember to pay special attention to sound when specing out and designing systems for clients, even when their budgets don’t allow for immersive surround systems that include best-in-class Audio Video Receivers (AVRs) and multi-speaker systems.
Clients who aren’t able to swing that gold standard of audio presentation will be well-served by HDMI® Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) enabled soundbars. They deliver outstanding, lifelike soundscapes that immerse players in their games and fully complement what is displayed onscreen—all without breaking the bank.
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Supporting high bitrate, object-based audio formats up to 192kHz at 24-bit, eARC enhances not only game play but also sports, movies, and TV with superior fidelity that ensures every sound is precise and clearly reproduced. Part of the HDMI 2.1 b Specification, eARC audio enables seamless connectivity and transmission of uncompressed audio with up to 48Gbps bandwidth.
Integrators should connect eARC-enabled devices with genuine Ultra High-Speed HDMI® Cables to take full advantage of their capabilities. With them, integrators can be certain uncompressed audio will be transmitted from a device to the soundbar or AVR with zero compromise to the integrity of the sound.
Beyond actual game play, there’s another element that underscores the importance of overall audio quality for gamers. Increasingly pop music stars like Elton John, Olivia Rodrigo, Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish are showcasing their music and engaging audiences via game platforms like Roblox and Fortnite.
So, it’s a no-brainer for gamers and music enthusiasts alike to invest in an HDMI eARC-enabled AVR or soundbar. Enhancing the game experience is only part of the story. AVR systems and soundbars connected to gaming devices with Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cables that take full advantage of eARC means consumers can enjoy optimal audio quality for streamed music and other multimedia content as well.
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For residential and commercial AV integrators, building their designs with the precision and clarity of HDMI eARC-enabled soundbars and AVRs with eARC in mind will translate into happier customers—whether they play video games, like music, or both—and likely lead to repeat business, more referrals and higher revenue.
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