AUD-EARC-8K: eARC Audio Routing, Formats and EDID

The AUD-EARC-8K is an HDMI 2.1 eARC audio adapter. It sits between an HDMI source and an eARC/ARC TV and passes video at up to 8K@60Hz 4:2:0 12bit and 4K@120Hz 4:4:4 12bit. At the same time it sends audio to a Soundbar eARC HDMI output, an Amp AUDIO HDMI output, S/PDIF optical and 3.5mm analog L/R. All four audio outputs work at once. Each one carries the incoming format unchanged and plays only the formats it supports.

Applies to: AUD-EARC-8K 8K HDMI eARC Audio Adapter

Downloads

• AUD-EARC-8K-manual.pdf
• AUD-EARC-8K-sales_sheet.pdf

What does the AUD-EARC-8K connect, and where does the audio come from?

It has one Source IN and five outputs: TV (eARC) OUT, Soundbar eARC OUT, Amp AUDIO OUT, OPTICAL (S/PDIF) and L/R (3.5mm stereo). The eARC button on the front panel picks where the audio comes from. With eARC mode ON, the soundbar and amplifier get the audio the TV sends back, for example from streaming apps or broadcast. With eARC mode OFF, the soundbar and amplifier get audio straight from the HDMI input source. The adapter de-embeds both kinds of audio, from the HDMI source and from the TV's eARC/ARC, to the S/PDIF, L/R and HDMI audio outputs.

Does it decode or downmix audio for the optical or analog outputs?

No. The AUD-EARC-8K does not decode or downmix. Every output carries the format that arrives, and each output plays only what it supports:

• Soundbar eARC OUT and Amp AUDIO OUT (HDMI): LPCM, Dolby Digital/Plus/EX, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DSD, DTS-EX, DTS-96/24, DTS High Res, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X
• OPTICAL: PCM 2.0CH, Dolby 5.1CH and DTS 5.1CH
• L/R: PCM 2.0CH only

The analog L/R output gives no sound if the source sends multichannel LPCM (5.1/7.1) or a Dolby Digital or DTS bitstream. For L/R to work, set the TV or source to PCM 2.0. Optical will not play a bitstream above what it supports, and the unit will not convert that stream down for it.

Can it send Dolby Atmos to a soundbar and feed another system at the same time?

Yes. The Soundbar eARC OUT carries full audio up to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to SONOS ARC, Beam or any other eARC soundbar. The Amp AUDIO OUT, optical and L/R outputs stay active at the same time. Because the unit does not downmix, a second system on optical or L/R gets the same stream the soundbar gets. It plays only if that stream is one the port supports (see the list above). One stream cannot be Atmos on the soundbar and a downmixed version on optical.

How do I set EDID?

Use the EDID DIP switch on the front panel. No software is needed. There are eight modes:

Mode 110 tells the source what video the TV can take and what audio the soundbar can take.

Does CEC still work through the adapter?

Yes. The TV remote can control the source over CEC and can control volume on any connected eARC sound system. The eARC LED shows the status. Steady on means eARC/ARC mode is enabled and CEC and eARC are working. Flashing means eARC/ARC is enabled but CEC is not communicating properly, so check the CEC settings on the TV and the connected devices. Off means eARC mode is disabled.

Which gaming and HDR features pass through?

VRR, ALLM, QMS, QFT and SBTM pass through as specified in HDMI 2.1. HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and HLG also pass through.

Key specifications