Why use an HDMI Audio Extractor? Here's a typical scenario: you've just bought yourself a new television or projector, but the existing sound system limits your video enjoyment. Or only delivers stereo sound instead of HD audio formats. A lot has happened in video formats in recent years. 4K resolution, HDR and Dolby Vision are now widespread. There have been no innovations in audio formats in the last 10 years. So you really don't need a new system for it. But with HDMI, audio and video information is transmitted and negotiated together. So normally the audio equipment limits the HDMI video signal passed through, and the display often does not support high audio formats such as DTS-HD or Dolby Atmos. Unfortunately, the popular optical audio transmission can only transmit Dolby Digital 5.1 at most.
A simple and cheaper solution is to split the HDMI signal from a player so that a display gets the optimal video signal. At the same time, the best possible audio format is transmitted to the sound system, but the video information is replaced there. For this purpose we offer 2 different types of HDMI Audio Extractor. The simple version VAX01203 is sufficient for one player and requires no operation. Of the VSW04202 switches between 4 input sources and has a remote control.
Very important when connecting: It only works if the sound system has a real HDMI input. All AV receivers have that anyway. But some soundbars only come with a single HDMI port, designed to connect to a TV's HDMI input. This means that only the audio return channel (HDMI-ARC) is transmitted from the TV, but no HDMI output can be connected there. In order to connect a soundbar to an audio extractor via HDMI, the soundbar must have an additional HDMI input, not just HDMI-ARC. (If you want to use such a soundbar that only has HDMI-eARC, please take a look at our VAX04101 on.)
Both HDMI audio extractors can output the audio signal in parallel via optical digital output (SPDIF Toslink) and 3.5 mm jack (AUX). However, this only works with Dollby Digital or DTS via Toslink. And only with stereo via AUX. With HD audio formats and Dolby Digital Plus, these outputs remain silent. Because only HDMI transmits such high-quality audio data. The audio format must therefore be limited in order to use these connections. In addition, both audio extractors offer an audio mode switch.
Distributes audio and video from one source - VAX01203
This HDMI audio extractor is connected to a player and then supplies the display and sound system with an optimal HDMI signal. The extractor delivers an undistorted video signal up to 4K 60Hz Dolby Vision at the TV output. The sound is also transmitted there, even if the display does not support it and is then ignored. A 1080p or 1440p 120Hz signal, such as that provided by game consoles or PCs, can also be transmitted. All lower resolutions are also supported.
A so-called downscaler then intervenes at the HDMI audio output. If the player delivers a 4K signal (2160p), the video signal is reduced by a quarter to 1080p. This means that older AV receivers can also process the signal. While a 4K image is transmitted on the TV output, the sound system gets Full HD. If you want, you can connect a second Full HD screen here.
If a television is to be operated with HDMI-ARC, it can remain connected directly to the sound system. The TV set then supplies the internal sound from apps or linear television to the sound system via HDMI-ARC.
HDMI audio extractor for 4 sources on TV, monitor or projector - VSW04202
4 players can be managed with the VSW04202. Switching can take place automatically. It is switched to the device last switched on. Unfortunately, this does not work with all players, because some are always active and are waiting for input (voice commands, streaming from the Wifi, etc.). You can then switch using the remote control. The TV output supports video signals up to 4K 60Hz with Dolby Vision. A blue screen with reduced resolution is produced for the sound system at the HDMI audio output – with the best possible sound, of course.
This is how HDMI-ARC is used on the TV
If you use a television with apps or linear television, you can also play the sound via the sound system. So the TV provides the sound and the switch is bypassed. It is best if there is a direct connection between the two HDMI ARC connections on the TV and the sound system.
Anyone operating a sound system that does not support HDMI-ARC can use the optical output of the VSW04202. If ARC is activated there, the TV sound is output via it.
Common properties:
- Maximum data rate 18 Gbps
- Video support up to 4K 60Hz HDR / Dolby Vision
- Supported audio formats HDMI: PCM stereo, Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Digital Plus (incl. Dolby Atmos), Dolby TrueHD (incl. Dolby Atmos), Dolby MAT, DTS-HD, PCM 5.1, PCM7.1
- Supported audio formats SPDIF Toslink : PCM stereo, DTS, Dolby Digital
- Supported audio formats AUX : PCM stereo
- HDCP 1.4 / 2.2 copy protection is supported
- CEC pass between player and display
