HDMI Audio Extractor for 4K TVs and 5.1 systems

This little device solves a problem with 4K TVs and home theater systems that don't yet support HDMI 2.0. Only the sound that the HDMI end device understands is output from an HDMI source. So only stereo sound is transmitted to a stereo television. This is due to EDID (Extended Display Identification Data), which HDMI devices use to negotiate transmission. A connected television, AV receiver or projector uses EDID to signal its capabilities (including supported image resolution and sound format). Only the supported standard is output from the HDMI source. This is to ensure that the image does not remain black and the sound does not remain mute due to a lack of display capabilities.

If you want to use a 5.1 audio system that cannot be connected via HDMI, you will not get any surround sound. The problem is exacerbated with 4K televisions, i.e. devices with Ultra HD resolution. A previous HDMI connection on the AV receiver is not sufficient, but an HDMI 2.0 connection that supports HDCP 2.2 copy protection.

The FeinTech VAX00100 solves this problem. With this HDMI 2.0 audio extractor you can output the film sound to external audio amplifiers or loudspeakers and manually select between stereo and 5.1 sound (if available in the film material). This means that the sound output is no longer dependent on the capabilities of the television. You can use it to connect a modern Ultra HD television, for example, and output the 5.1 sound to an older Dolby Digital AV receiver via Toslink.

This is how the HDMI 2.0 Audio Extractor is connected

The EDID switch on the VAX00100 allows you to manipulate the mode and thereby set it manually:

• 2.0: The HDMI source delivers stereo sound, which is available at the two cinch sockets
• Automobile: Bypass, no change, can output 2.0 /5.1 / 7.1 audio
• 5.1: The HDMI source delivers 5.1 audio (if available), which is available at the Toslink output

The HDMI source is prompted via the EDID management to deliver the appropriate sound format (2.0 / stereo at the analogue cinch output or 5.1 sound at the optical Toslink output)

7.1 audio formats are transmitted via HDMI in the "Auto" position if the film contains such a sound track and an AV receiver with 7.1 sound is connected via HDMI.

The HDCP 2.2 copy protection is supported and remains guaranteed in all switch positions. This converter supports HDMI 2.0, i.e. resolutions up to 3840 x 2160 pixels, YUV 4:4:4 and 60 Hz frame rate. This corresponds to a data rate of 18 Gbit/s. 1080p with 120Hz is also supported, as are the high-contrast formats HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

Connections: HDMI in, HDMI out, Toslink S/PDIF, RCA left & right, DC socket. Power is supplied via the supplied power pack. When using good HDMI cables (24AWG or better), a total length of 20 m (10 m at HDMI input, 10 m at HDMI output) can be used. With 4K resolution, this is reduced by about half, i.e. a maximum of 10 m in total.