Name: 4K HDMI Audio Decoder & Down Mixer with Dolby/DTS
Brand: KanexPro
SKU: AUD-DCODEHDMI-4K

Question 1

Does this decode Dolby Atmos to stereo?

Accepted Answer

Dolby Atmos is passed through on the HDMI output. The optical output supports Dolby Digital up to 5.1CH. The analog L/R output receives a down-mixed 2CH stereo signal from Dolby or DTS bitstreams when the switch is set to 2CH mode.

Question 2

What audio formats does the optical output support?

Accepted Answer

LPCM 2CH, Dolby Digital 2CH and 5.1CH, and DTS 2CH and 5.1CH.

Question 3

Can I use this with a soundbar that only has optical input?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Connect source to HDMI IN, display to HDMI OUT, and run a TOSLINK cable from OPTICAL OUT to the soundbar. Set the switch to Bitstream for up to 5.1CH Dolby Digital or DTS on optical.

Question 4

Can I connect the analog output to a distributed audio system?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The RCA L/R output provides line-level stereo that can feed any amplifier, DSP, or distributed audio input. Set the switch to 2CH for decoded stereo from Dolby/DTS sources.

Question 5

Do I need an external power supply?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Connect the included 5V/1A DC adapter to a wall outlet. The unit does not draw power from HDMI.

Question 6

What cables do I need?

Accepted Answer

One HDMI cable from source to HDMI IN, one HDMI cable from HDMI OUT to display, and either a TOSLINK optical cable or RCA stereo cables for audio output. All cables sold separately.

Question 7

No audio from the analog L/R output when playing a Blu-ray disc?

Accepted Answer

Set the front-panel switch to 2CH. Most Blu-ray discs output Dolby/DTS bitstream which requires decoding before analog output. The 2CH mode activates the built-in decoder.

Question 8

Optical output has no sound?

Accepted Answer

Set the switch to Bitstream mode. Verify the optical cable is firmly seated. Ensure the source device is configured to output Dolby or DTS bitstream, not PCM multichannel.

Question 9

How is this different from the HAECOAX3?

Accepted Answer

The HAECOAX3 is a pass-through extractor — it strips audio from HDMI but does not decode or down-mix. The AUD-DCODEHDMI-4K adds real-time Dolby/DTS decode and down-mixes multichannel bitstream to 2CH analog stereo.

Question 10

Does it support ARC or eARC?

Accepted Answer

No. This unit extracts audio from an HDMI source device. For ARC/eARC extraction from a TV, use the KanexPro AUD-DEBEDEARC-4K or AUD-DCODEARC-4K.