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Fix a TV that has DTS that will not work

We'll check source output, eARC/ARC port, cable, and settings—or tell you when to call a technician.

Troubleshooting · Home electronics
10–20 min
What you'll need
  • TV remote
  • Soundbar or receiver remote
  • Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (HDMI 2.1) for eARC
Step 1 of 7

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Steps

Goal: Confirm the symptom, check source output and eARC/ARC, then rule out cable and settings.

Check source and eARC port

Goal: Confirm the source outputs DTS and the soundbar is on the eARC port.

  • Open the source device audio settings. Set output to DTS, Bitstream, or Passthrough.
  • Confirm the soundbar HDMI cable goes to the TV port labeled eARC or ARC.
  • Good: Source outputs DTS and soundbar is on eARC/ARC. Proceed to Check cable and settings.
  • Bad: Source not set or wrong port—fix source and move cable to eARC port.

Check cable and settings

Goal: Confirm the cable supports eARC and the TV sends audio to eARC.

  • Use an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (HDMI 2.1) for full HDMI eARC.
  • Enable CEC on TV and soundbar. Set TV audio output to HDMI eARC or external.
  • Good: Cable and output correct. DTS activates. Done.
  • Bad: Still no DTS—check if the TV supports DTS passthrough, power-cycle, or call a technician.

When to get help

Call a TV or audio technician if:

  • DTS works on one source but not another with the same setup.
  • The TV never passes DTS with a known DTS source after all checks.

Verification

  • The soundbar or receiver shows DTS when playing DTS content.
  • The source is set to output DTS or Bitstream.
  • The soundbar is connected to the TV eARC or ARC port.
  • The HDMI cable is Ultra High Speed and firmly connected.
  • The TV audio output is set to HDMI eARC or external.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Source output Confirm source outputs DTS; set to Bitstream or Passthrough.
  2. eARC/ARC port Connect soundbar to TV port labeled eARC or ARC.
  3. Cable and CEC Use Ultra High Speed HDMI; enable CEC on TV and soundbar.
  4. Power-cycle Unplug TV and soundbar for 30 seconds; plug back in.
  5. Call a pro DTS does not work with known DTS source after all checks.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • TV model
  • Soundbar or receiver model
  • HDMI cable type (Ultra High Speed, High Speed)
  • Steps already tried

Is the source set to output DTS or Bitstream?

Source must output DTS.

Open source device audio settings. Set to DTS, Bitstream, or Passthrough. Yes: check eARC port. No: enable, then test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Enable DTS passthrough on source and test

Set source output to DTS or Bitstream. Test. If DTS appears on soundbar, done. If not, check eARC port and cable.

Done

Is the soundbar connected to the TV eARC or ARC port?

DTS needs eARC or ARC.

Check the HDMI cable from the soundbar. It must go to the TV port labeled eARC or ARC. Connected to eARC/ARC: check cable and CEC. Wrong port: move cable to eARC port, then test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Move cable to eARC port

Move the HDMI cable to the TV port labeled eARC. Use Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. Enable CEC on TV and soundbar. Set TV audio output to HDMI eARC. Test.

Done

Is the cable Ultra High Speed and CEC enabled?

eARC needs capable cable and CEC.

Use Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. Enable CEC on TV and soundbar. Set TV audio output to HDMI eARC. Both done: power-cycle. Cable or CEC issue: fix and test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Fix cable and CEC. Power-cycle and test

Use Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. Enable CEC on TV and soundbar. Set TV audio output to HDMI eARC. Power-cycle TV and soundbar. If DTS appears, done. If not, check TV DTS support or call a technician.

Done

Power-cycle and test

Unplug TV and soundbar for 30 seconds. Plug back in. Turn on soundbar first, then TV. Confirm content is DTS. If DTS appears, done. If not, check TV DTS support or call a technician.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would TV DTS not work?
Source not outputting DTS, wrong HDMI port (need eARC or ARC), cable does not support eARC, or TV audio output wrong. Some TVs or streaming apps do not support DTS passthrough.
Can I fix DTS that will not work myself?
Yes. Check source output, eARC/ARC port, cable, and TV audio settings. Most issues are port, cable, or settings related.
When should I call a technician?
If DTS works on one source but not another with the same setup, or the TV never passes DTS with a known DTS source. The HDMI eARC circuit or soundbar may need repair.

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