Can't use new Samsung TV's HDMI-ARC (should be HDMI-3!) as a normal HDMI input

[temboone]

Hello Folks!

We've just bought a Samsung UN55MU6500FXZC last month and need some help from experts on here!

First some info. The TV is not, has not, and will not ever be connected to the internet.

On HDMI-1 we have our satellite receiver connected while HDMI-2 has a new Sony UBD-X800 connected and the Component Input has an old Yamaha DVD-S1500 (it doesn't have a HDMI output). All are working perfectly despite the fact that we are absolute beginners where dealing with HDMI connections are concerned.

While we do not have an audio system connected we do have a very basic Sony HCTC80 Soundbar connected using the optical connection.

Everything is still being used via it's own individual remote - and all work great. At this stage we are keeping everything separate as far as controls are concerned.

Here is the problem and if anyone can offer help or suggestions we would appreciate it very much.

When we turn on the TV and navigate to the section where the "input source" is selected the HDMI-3, labelled "HDMI-ARC" does not appear, although two USB sockets where we have memory sticks connected do show up.

Figuring that maybe HDMI-ARC needs something connected in order to appear on the "select input source" screen, we tried changing our satellite HDMI cable from HDMI-1 to HDMI-ARC to no avail.

We want to add another Blu-Ray player to the TV, expecting to use what was expected to be HDMI-3 but are totally stumped. Are we missing some step(s) that needs to be done? I had thought HDMI-ARC was just a normal HDMI with an extra pin!

 

[leon_proav]

Please try to turn on/off the CEC, It is Anynet+ on Samsung TV.

 

[americanaudiophile]

Most TVs won't let you select an input if there isn't an active source connected. HDMI allows the TV to detect if the source is turned on.
If CEC is turned on in the TV it will turn on and go to that input automatically when the source is turned on. This is for all the HDMI inputs.
HDMI-ARC is not an input source but HDMI 3 is. Even if ARC is turned it should still work. ARC is usually turned off by default..

 

[temboone]

Most TVs won't let you select an input if there isn't an active source connected. HDMI allows the TV to detect if the source is turned on.
If CEC is turned on in the TV it will turn on and go to that input automatically when the source is turned on. This is for all the HDMI inputs.
HDMI-ARC is not an input source but HDMI 3 is. Even if ARC is turned it should still work. ARC is usually turned off by default..

Thank you americanaudiophile. Please bear with me as I'm still a little confused. On the TV in addition to various USB connections I can access HDMI-1 (connected to Sat Dish), HDMI-2 (connected to Sony X-800) and Component (connected to NTSC-PAL hacked Yamaha DVD S-1500). The ARC does not appear, presumably then as it's vacant. I want to add a Sony BDP-S6700 to this vacant HDMI connection when it arrives. However, for now, if I disconnect the 4K Blu Ray X800 from HDMI-2 to ARC should it work - or is there another step needed?

My apologies for being so long winded. I started my first job in 1957 with Philips in the UK on the inspection end of the assembly line for 17" b&w televisions. Now, at almost 80 my brain struggles to keep up with the pace of technological advances I occasionally feel overwhelmed!

 

[temboone]

Hello again from the OP.

Thanks very much to both leon_proav and americanaudiophile.

A combination of the clues/hints/suggestions from you both have helped me solve the problem.

Basically I reset everything to factory default and went from there.

However, when connecting various devices I connected the Sony X800 to the ARC HDMI instead of HDMI-2 and it works, even showing up on the TV as HDMI-3! Mo idea what I did wrong but it all works now. HDMI-2 is vacant, waiting for the arrival of another special Sony BDP!

And yes, I am all too aware of the headache I face down the road with Sony BDP and UHD players connected to the same TV while operated by identical remotes. Likely have to have both on switched ac outlets.