Hi, Yes this is an old thread but I could use some help.

I'm going to get a soundbar with HDMI ARC. What I want is to only use the my Astro remote. Nothing else. I've programmed my Astro remote to link to my Panasonic TV, so I can change sources and control the volume.

My Panasonic TV has 3 HDMI ports. I'm only using 2. One for chromecast and the other for Astro.
Now - Do I connect the unused HDMI port to the soundbar? Will sound always travel to the soundbar even though that input is not selected? And can I still use the same astro remote to set the volume?

Don't fully get how this ARC works.

Thanks in advance!

true in terms of sound quality - you're right. Not any different from optical.

But convenience - yes. I only need to use the TV remote and still see the TV volume bars on the screen.

Won't get this with optical...

thanks - I'll check this.

Ahh..thanks.