EARC receives uncompressed surround sound signals including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X via the HDMI connection with your compatible TV. Use all seven channels in a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos® or DTS:X™ system, or go with a more modest 5.1 surround sound setup and repurpose the extra channels for music in another zone.
I've owned an Onkyo receiver before this one, which was good but this Denon is really good. I like the connectors in back which make my setup very easy. The WiFi and Bluetooth is an added bonus for me.