Can you use HomePod speakers with non-Apple devices and without HDMI ARC? Yes, it works.
Apple TV 4K has supported HDMI-eARC since Generation 2. For example, if HomePod speakers are connected wirelessly, Apple TV can play TV audio through them. This is usually provided if the TV supports HDMI-ARC or HDMI-eARC. Audio playback from Apple TV also works, of course. But what if a video projector or monitor without HDMI-ARC and a game console are used? In this case, playback from this external HDMI source is not possible due to the lack of HDMI-eARC.
Using external HDMI sources with Apple TV 4K & Homepod
This is where our VAX04101 HDMI eARC Switch comes in. It allows up to three external audio sources to play back audio via Apple TV—even in higher audio formats like Dolby Atmos. The whole thing is connected as follows:
Apple TV can still use the HomePods
Playback from the Apple TV itself is also possible without reconnecting. To do this, simply disable eARC on the HDMI switch and switch to Apple TV Input 1 – conveniently via the remote control or on the device. The VAX04101 then delivers the Apple TV's video signal to the projector or monitor, while the audio plays through the HomePods.
So the VAX04101 isn't just an interesting solution for an HDMI eARC soundbar. This switch can also be used in a scenario where the Apple TV 4K is the sound system. This allows additional HDMI sources to use the HomePods.
We should note that this feature is largely dependent on Apple tvOS. It's possible that Apple will change the functionality in the future, preventing third-party devices from working. Our newer AX340 and AX341 switches don't pass video from the sound device and thus can't be used with HomePods in this way.
