apple tv 4k connection

• The MHL HDMI port is specifically designed for (adapters to) mobile devices. But it also has all the regular support for other HDMI devices, so it isn’t strictly needed to keep it free for mobile use.
• The HDMI-ARC port is specifically designed for use as the connection between the TV and an external audio system. ARC means that the port can be an input, but also an output for audio.

ARC comes in two flavors: old style low bandwidth regular ARC (stereo or Dolby Digital 5.1), and modern high bandwidth eARC (enhanced ARC). See your TV’s technical specification if eARC is available to you. You may need that for Atmos from the Apple TV box. eARC first appeared in select 2018 models TV. Your audio format options will be reduced through regular ARC.

For TVs without eARC support, users can opt for a special adapter box that separates the HDMI signal into video only and audio only, so that TV passthrough doesn’t have to be used.

Apple TV →[HDMI]→ TV →[HDMI eARC]→ soundbar

or

Apple TV →[HDMI]→ eARC adapter →[HDMI]→ TV

↘︎[HDMI 'eARC']→ soundbar

or

Apple TV →[HDMI]→ soundbar with HDMI-in and HDMI-out →[HDMI ARC/eARC]→ TV

or

Apple TV →[HDMI]→ AV receiver →[HDMI ARC/eARC]→ TV

Set up Dolby Atmos or surround sound on Apple TV with a sound bar or AV receiver - Apple Support

Play audio in Dolby Atmos or surround sound on your Apple TV - Apple Support