Samsung AU8000 Ports Explained: HDMI, eARC, USB and More (2026 Guide)
Lead Consumer Product Specialist & Family Gear Director at US Family Mart Consumer Testing Lab · Certified Consumer Products Quality Specialist (CPQS), ASTM F15 Consumer Standards Member · 12+ years evaluating household appliances, smart home hardware, child safety equipment, and consumer lifestyle products.
Quick Answer: What Ports Does the Samsung AU8000 Have?
The Samsung AU8000 has 3 HDMI ports (only HDMI 2 supports eARC), 2 USB 2.0 ports, 1 Ethernet (LAN) port, 1 optical digital audio output, and 1 RF/antenna input. It also has built-in Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth. It does not have HDMI 2.1 or a headphone jack.
| Port | Quantity | What it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI 2.0 | 3 | Consoles, streaming boxes, Blu-ray players, soundbars |
| HDMI eARC | 1 (HDMI 2) | Sending TV audio to a soundbar or receiver |
| USB 2.0 | 2 | Flash drives, external hard drives |
| Ethernet (LAN) | 1 | Wired internet |
| Optical audio out | 1 | Older soundbars and receivers |
| RF / antenna in | 1 | Over-the-air or cable TV |
| Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth | Built in | Wireless internet, headphones, speakers |
Port layout can vary slightly by region and screen size, so check the label on the back of your TV.
HDMI Ports on the Samsung AU8000
The AU8000 has three HDMI 2.0 inputs on the back panel. That is enough for a typical setup: a streaming device, a game console and a Blu-ray player or cable box.
Which HDMI port supports eARC? HDMI 2 is the eARC port. Plug your soundbar or AV receiver in here if you want the best audio from the TV. Samsung’s spec sheet also lists Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) on all ports, which helps games feel more responsive.
Does the AU8000 have HDMI 2.1? No. The ports are HDMI 2.0, and the panel has a 60Hz refresh rate, so 120Hz gaming isn’t supported. The TV also lacks Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). That’s fine for casual gaming and streaming, but serious console gamers may want a different TV.
Tip: If you have more than three devices, a small HDMI switch solves the problem.
What Is eARC and Why Does It Matter?
eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) sends audio from the TV to your sound system over a single HDMI cable. It supports higher-quality audio than standard ARC, including Dolby Atmos passed through to a compatible soundbar. The AU8000 does not decode Dolby Atmos itself; it passes the signal along.
To set it up:
- Connect an HDMI cable from HDMI 2 (eARC) on the TV to the eARC/ARC port on your soundbar.
- Turn on HDMI-CEC (Anynet+) in the TV’s settings.
- Select the soundbar as your audio output.
USB Ports
You get two USB 2.0 ports. Use them to play photos, music and video from a flash drive or external drive. They are not fast enough or designed for charging power-hungry devices, so use a wall charger for your phone or tablet.
Optical Audio Output
The digital optical (TOSLINK) port sends sound to older soundbars and receivers without HDMI ARC. If your sound system has eARC or ARC, use HDMI 2 instead, since it supports better audio formats.
Ethernet and Wireless Connections
- Ethernet: Best for stable streaming, especially for 4K video.
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): Fine for most homes.
- Bluetooth: Pairs with wireless headphones or speakers, which makes up for the lack of a headphone jack.
RF / Antenna Input
Connect an antenna or cable line to watch live TV through the built-in tuner.
Which Port Should You Use for What?
- Soundbar or AV receiver: HDMI 2 (eARC)
- PlayStation or Xbox: Any HDMI port, with Game Mode on
- Streaming stick or box: Any HDMI port
- Older soundbar: Optical out
- Flash drive or hard drive: USB
Is the AU8000 Port Selection Enough?
For most households, yes. Three HDMI ports, eARC, optical out and Ethernet cover everyday needs. The main limits are the lack of HDMI 2.1 and VRR, and no fourth HDMI port. If you need 4K/120Hz gaming, look at a model with HDMI 2.1.
FAQ
How many HDMI ports does the Samsung AU8000 have?
Three HDMI 2.0 ports.
Does the Samsung AU8000 have eARC?
Yes, on HDMI 2.
Does the Samsung AU8000 have an optical audio port?
Yes, one digital optical audio output.
How many USB ports does the Samsung AU8000 have?
Two USB 2.0 ports.
Does the Samsung AU8000 support 120Hz or HDMI 2.1?
No. It has HDMI 2.0 ports and a 60Hz panel.
Does the Samsung AU8000 have a headphone jack?
No. Use Bluetooth or the optical or HDMI audio outputs.
Does the Samsung AU8000 have Wi-Fi?
Yes, built-in Wi-Fi 5 plus an Ethernet port.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung AU8000 offers a practical, mid-range set of ports. Plug your soundbar into HDMI 2, use the other two HDMI ports for your main devices, and go wired with Ethernet if your Wi-Fi is spotty.
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