AUD-DCODE-ANA: Decode Dolby Digital & DTS to Stereo Analog

The AUD-DCODE-ANA is a small, licensed Dolby Digital and DTS decoder. It takes optical (Toslink) or coaxial digital audio, decodes it with a built-in 24-bit audio DSP, and sends two-channel stereo to RCA L/R and a 3.5mm headphone jack at the same time. It lets integrators feed a display, set-top box or player with a digital audio output into analog amplifiers, powered speakers or soundbars in conference rooms, home theaters and multimedia systems, with no full-size AV receiver needed.

Applies to: AUD-DCODE-ANA Digital to Analog Audio Decoder with Dolby Digital & DTS.

What audio formats does the AUD-DCODE-ANA decode?

It decodes Dolby Digital (AC-3), DTS, DTS-ES 6.1 and PCM. Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS-ES 6.1 surround are decoded and downmixed to two-channel stereo. PCM is accepted at 32K, 44.1K, 48K, 88.2K, 96K, 176.4K and 192KHz. You do not set the format yourself: the decoder detects Dolby Digital, DTS or PCM on its own and decodes it.

Does it support Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos or DTS-HD?

No. It handles standard Dolby Digital (AC-3), DTS and DTS-ES 6.1 only. It does not support Dolby Digital Plus (DD+), Dolby Atmos or DTS-HD. Most streaming services default to DD+. If a streaming app plays with no sound, open the audio settings on the TV or streaming device and set the output to PCM or Stereo.

What can I connect to the inputs and outputs?

Any TV, Blu-ray player, game console or set-top box with an optical (Toslink) or digital coaxial audio output can feed the decoder. It has one of each input, and you pick between them with a manual slide switch on the back panel. Only one input is active at a time. The decoder does not take HDMI. An HDMI source needs an HDMI audio extractor in front of it. On the output side, the RCA L/R jacks drive a stereo amplifier, powered speakers, or the RCA or aux input of a soundbar. The 3.5mm jack drives headphones or desktop speakers. Both outputs are always active.

Which ports are on which panel?

The back panel has the Optical (Toslink) input, the Coaxial input and the input selector switch. The front panel has the RCA stereo out (L/R), the 3.5mm headphone out and the DC 5V power input. The LED status indicator is on top.

How do I read the LED?

• Solid red: PCM, or no active signal
• Blinking red: Dolby decoding
• Blinking green: DTS decoding

Does it have RS-232, IP or other control?

No. It has no network or RS-232 control and needs no drivers or software. You choose the input with the slide switch, and the decoder detects the audio format automatically. That makes it a fixed, set-and-forget part of a room's audio path, not a device you add to a control system.

How should it be powered?

Use the 5V/1A DC adapter that comes in the box. Do not power it from a TV's USB port, because that can cause distortion or static. The box holds the decoder and the 5V/1A DC power adapter. The manual also strongly recommends surge protection.

Why is there no sound, or why is the audio distorted?

1. Make sure the input selector switch matches your cable type, Optical or Coaxial.
2. On the source, set the digital audio output to PCM, Bitstream or Auto, not Pass-through only. For streaming apps, PCM or Stereo is the safe setting.
3. Check that the 5V power adapter is connected and the LED is lit.
4. If the LED is solid red, make sure the source is actually playing audio. Unplug the Toslink connector and plug it back in, and check that its protective cap has been removed. Some TVs mute their optical output while the TV's own speakers are active, so set the TV's audio output to external speakers.
5. If you hear static or distortion, check that the cable is fully seated and that the source is not sending a format the decoder can't handle, such as DD+ or DTS-HD. To rule out a faulty cable, try the other input.

Key specifications