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Start by checking the ports and where the sound comes from
Inspect the labels on the TV and receiver, then check their manuals for the exact model. The right connection depends on two things: whether you want sound from the TV’s built-in apps or tuner, or from an external HDMI device; and which audio inputs the receiver actually has.
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- For TV apps and tuner audio: look for an HDMI port marked ARC or eARC, or a TV analog audio output.
- For the receiver: check for an ARC-capable HDMI connection, an available line-level analog input, an optical input, or Bluetooth audio reception.
- For external-player audio: a source-side HDMI extractor may work even if the TV has no audio output, but it will not necessarily carry audio from the TV’s own apps or tuner.
A regular HDMI port is not automatically an audio output. Direct TV-to-receiver sound over HDMI requires ARC/eARC support on the relevant ports and compatible settings. Samsung explains that ARC returns audio over HDMI and is intended to reduce the number of cables between a TV and an external audio system: Samsung’s ARC guide.
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1. Connect HDMI ARC/eARC directly
Use this route when both the TV and receiver have compatible ARC/eARC ports. Connect the TV’s labeled ARC/eARC port to the receiver’s ARC-capable HDMI connection. Enable ARC and HDMI-CEC if the manuals require them, select the receiver’s ARC/TV input, and choose the external receiver or audio system as the TV’s sound output. Samsung calls its CEC feature Anynet+; names and menu paths vary by model. Samsung’s instructions and Pioneer’s ARC setup guidance describe the relevant settings.
#1 Best Overall
- 【HDMI Audio Extractor】The HDMI audio extractor can extract audio from HDMI signal and transmit it to AV receiver through optical or 3.5mm Cable.(Note: Devices do not support ARC and eARC.TV is not supported as the input source，otherwise product doesn't p video.)
- 【3 modes】2.0CH, 5.1CH and PASS mode. Select 3.5mm stereo output, please use 2.0CH mode. Select optical output, please use 5.1CH mode. When you use the first and two modes and find that no audio and video signal is output, use the pass mode.
- 【4K Ultra-HD with HDMI 1.4V】HDMI audio converter up to 10.2G bandwidth, support HDCP1.4,4K@30Hz RGB / YUV4:4:4 Ultra high definition image quality. The optical output supports DTS 5.1. The 3.5mm output supports PCM2.0. The audio splitter does not support 7.1 channels.Note: Fire TV, Apple TV, PS4/5 etc. only support 1080p format signals and do not support 4K
- 【Low energy consumption】HDMI audio splitter has a low energy consumption,only requires the USB port to be connected to the 5V-USB port of another device to work. Or use your other 5V-USB power adapter
- 【Wide Compatibility & Plug and Play】Suitable for various HDMI source devices without dedicated audio output as well as Blu-ray/ DVD/ HD player, cable/satellite box, Amazon Fire TV, PS4,PS5, Xbox, PC/laptop etc
If ARC does not work despite a compatible connection, consult both manuals and check the TV’s sound-output selection and receiver input. Pioneer notes that ARC operation can fail even when connected; its stated alternative is an audio cable if both products provide compatible ports.
2. Use a TV ARC extractor with an output your receiver accepts
When the TV has ARC/eARC but the receiver lacks ARC, an ARC audio extractor can bridge the connection. The extractor takes audio returned from the TV’s ARC port and converts it to an output such as stereo RCA or optical. Choose an output that matches an available receiver input: RCA output needs a compatible analog line input, while optical output needs an optical input.
Rank #2
- Supported Resolution: Video Pass-through Up to 4K @ 50/60Hz (YUV4:4:4), DOES NOT SUPPORT 1440@120hz, 4K @ 30Hz, 1080P @ 120Hz and 1080P 3D @ 60Hz. Supported Audio: LPCM 2/5.1/7.1CH, Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X.
- Supports HDMI High Bit Rate(HBR) audio pass through & CEC Bypass| HDMI 2.b (18Gbps), HDCP 2.2 and DVI compliant, NO ARC SUPPORT. The device comes with a dual voltage supply using a US plug, and an adapter/converter is provided for international use
- Dolby Digital & DTS Support – Supports LPCM 2CH, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS audio formats via optical output. Enjoy reliable surround sound performance for home theater systems
- 18Gbps Bandwidth with HDR Pass-Through – Maintains full 4K Ultra HD resolution with 10-bit HDR support. Ensures no video degradation while splitting audio from your HDMI source
- Wide Compatibility & Plug-and-Play – Compatible with Blu-ray players, PS5, Xbox, PCs, streaming devices like Apple TV, Fire TV Stick,and Roku.HDMI 2.0b and HDCP 2.2 compliant with a durable metal housing for home or commercial AV setups
For a receiver with an analog input but no optical input, choose a TV ARC extractor with RCA stereo output. Connect it to the TV’s labeled ARC port, connect its RCA output to a line-level receiver input, and follow the extractor’s instructions for power, ARC mode, TV sound output, and audio format. Do not use a phono input for this connection.
Check the product documentation carefully: a standard HDMI source extractor is not necessarily an ARC extractor. The former sits between an external HDMI player and the TV; it may not extract sound from TV apps or tuner. ZVOX distinguishes its recommendations for these two signal paths: ZVOX’s TV connection options.
Rank #3
- 【Wide Compatibility】Works with various HDMI players, such as Roku or Chromecast without dedicated audio output, and Blu-ray/DVD/HD players, cable/satellite boxes, PS3/4, PS4 Pro, PS5 Xbox, Fire TV, HD camera, HD DVR, etc.Note: Devices do not support ARC and eARC. TV is not supported as the input source,otherwise product doesn't work.)
- 【4k 3D HDMI Audio Extractor】High performance and multifunction high definition audio extractor, can extract audio signals from HDMI high definition signals into power amplifier system to achieve audio effects that difficult to achieve with TV speakers. This HDMI audio extractor supports 3D stereo imaging technology, giving you an immersive and breathtaking visual experience(Requires your input and output devices to support 3D).
- 【Light Weight】Easy installation and smaller size. Normally no external power adapter is required. Plug and play. For some devices with a low power HDMI port (like PS4, PS4 Slim and other Sony devices), please use a USB adapter or other device's USB port to charge it (free USB cable included in the package).
- 【High Resolution】HDMI audio converter, convert HDMI input to HDMI output and R/L analog audio output, audio output supports R/L analog audio output, input resolution up to 4Kx2K@30Hz, can realize audio signal synchronous separation. The picture is more vivid and the visual effect is better.
- 【Package】Each product accessories include 1 x HDMI Audio Splitter,1 x USB Power Supply Cable,1xAudio cable,1x 4K HDMI cable,1 x Manual. Reminder: If you have any questions that need to be consulted, you can contact us at any time.
3. Check for a headphone or other analog output
Look around the TV’s sides and rear, and check its manual for a headphone/3.5 mm output or another analog audio output. If the TV has one and the receiver has a compatible, unused analog input, a suitable cable or adapter may be simpler than an extractor. Select the corresponding TV sound output. This route is available only when those ports are present on your specific models; LG’s support guidance also stresses matching the sound-output setting to the connected device: LG’s connection troubleshooting.
4. Use Bluetooth only if one device transmits and the other receives
Bluetooth can work if the TV supports Bluetooth audio output and the receiver can receive Bluetooth audio, either built in or through a compatible Bluetooth receiver connected to an available line input. Pair the devices and select Bluetooth or the relevant audio output in the TV menu. A TV’s ability to pair with some Bluetooth devices does not prove that it can transmit audio to a receiver. Confirm the roles and consider whether any Bluetooth audio delay is acceptable for your setup. LG’s pairing instructions vary by webOS generation: LG support.
Rank #4
- 4K@30Hz HDMI to HDMI audio extractor converter box in durable metal housing
- Supports HDMI source devices without dedicated audio output
- Supports two channel left-right or SPDIF stereo output and uncompressed and compressed audio
- Supports up to 4k video resolution; 8-bit 4K (30 Hz), 12-bit 1080p (60 Hz), or 12-bit 720p/1080i (60 Hz), plus 3D formats
- Compatible with devices such as Blue-ray, DVD/HD/DVR players, cable/satellite, PS3/4, Xbox, PC/laptop, HD cameras and more
5. Extract audio from an external HDMI player
If the TV has no usable ARC port or audio output, but the sound you need comes from a streaming box, game console, or another HDMI player, place a source-side HDMI audio extractor between that device and the TV. Send the extractor’s audio output to a compatible receiver input and pass video through to the TV. This route handles the connected HDMI source; it does not provide a general connection for the TV’s built-in apps or tuner. See ZVOX’s comparison of source extraction and ARC extraction.
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Know what an ARC extractor can—and cannot—do
Before buying or connecting an extractor, match its signal path, outputs, and format support to your equipment. For example, Avantree’s HAX06 guide describes a device that takes audio from a TV’s HDMI ARC port and offers RCA, optical, or HDMI ARC output. Its documented limitations are specific to that model, not all extractors:
Best Value
- 8K HDMI Audio Extractor: Designed to extract audio from any HDMI-compliant source and convert it to Optical (S/PDIF) or high-quality stereo 3.5mm audio output. Input: 1× HDMI | Output: 1× HDMI ARC, 1× L/R Audio Out, 1× Optical Out (S/PDIF).
- DOES NOT SUPPORT eARC: Supports video pass-through up to 8K @ 50/60Hz, 4K @ 120Hz (YUV 4:4:4), 4K @ 30Hz, 1080P @ 120Hz, and 1080P 3D @ 60Hz. HDMI 2.1 protocols supported — ALLM, QMS, QFT, SBTM, HLG Pass-through, Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR+. Supported Audio: LPCM 2/5.1/7.1CH, Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X.
- High Bandwidth & ARC Support: Supports 48 Gbps FRL and 18 Gbps TMDS video bandwidth. Features HDMI High Bit Rate (HBR) audio pass-through and CEC bypass. HDMI 2.1 | HDCP 2.3 | DVI Compliant | Supports ARC. NOTE: Volume cannot be controlled using the TV’s remote. The device comes with a dual voltage supply using a US plug, and an adapter/converter is provided for international use.
- HDMI 2.1 Cable Required: HDMI Input supports Computer, Laptop, PS5, PS4, PS3, Xbox, Blu-ray DVD Player, and STB devices. HDMI Video Output supports Projectors, HDTVs, Monitors, and Screens. Heavy-duty metal enclosure ensures efficient heat dissipation and durability; compact size allows easy plug-and-play installation.
- Package Includes: 100-240V 50/60 Hz auto-switching power supply (worldwide use), HDA-913 Audio Extractor, User Manual, Lifetime OREI Tech Support, and 12-Month Manufacturer’s Warranty.
- It requires a TV port labeled ARC/eARC and is not a universal HDMI source extractor.
- It uses standard ARC and does not support eARC mode; the guide says to turn eARC off in the TV settings when using it.
- For its RCA or optical output, the guide recommends setting the TV’s digital audio format to PCM.
Other extractors may differ. Check the exact manual for ARC versus eARC compatibility, supported output formats, and whether audio is stereo or multichannel. The TV, extractor, and receiver must all support the format you select.
Quick Recap
Troubleshoot a silent connection
- Verify the ports. Confirm that the TV connection is specifically labeled ARC/eARC and that the receiver connection supports ARC; ordinary HDMI ports alone are not enough.
- Select the right outputs and inputs. Choose the external audio system in the TV’s sound-output menu and the matching ARC, analog, or optical input on the receiver. Menu names depend on the model.
- Check ARC and CEC settings. Enable the features required by both manuals. On Samsung TVs, CEC is called Anynet+.
- Check analog input type. For an extractor’s RCA output, use an available line-level input, not a phono input.
- Check format compatibility. If an extractor produces no sound, consult its manual and the TV manual for the required ARC/eARC mode and audio format. PCM is required for RCA or optical output on the cited HAX06, but that setting is not universal.
- For Bluetooth, check pairing and roles. Put the receiver or Bluetooth adapter in pairing mode, confirm it appears in the TV’s paired-device list, and make sure another phone or tablet has not connected to it instead.
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