The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Your TV can still play sound through a soundbar or receiver without HDMI ARC if the TV has an audio output that matches an input on the audio system. Optical digital audio is a common documented alternative; some TVs also provide analog audio output. Check both devices’ manuals and port labels before buying a cable: an HDMI socket alone does not mean it supports ARC.
What does it mean if a TV has no HDMI ARC?
ARC, or Audio Return Channel, is a specific HDMI feature that lets a TV send audio back over an HDMI connection to a soundbar or AV receiver. It is not available on every HDMI port. The port is often marked “ARC” or “eARC,” but labeling is not guaranteed; confirm support in the TV manual or manufacturer’s product documentation. HDMI Licensing Administrator describes ARC as a way for an HDMI-connected TV to send audio to an audio system.
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If the TV has no ARC-capable connection, it cannot send audio to an audio system through ordinary HDMI in the same way. That does not prevent external audio altogether: another compatible TV output may work.
Which connection can you use instead?
| Connection | Use it when | Check first | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optical (TOSLINK) | The TV has Optical OUT and the soundbar or receiver has Optical IN. | Confirm both port labels, supported audio formats, and the TV’s digital audio output setting. | It requires a separate audio cable. Supported formats depend on the devices and signal. |
| Analog stereo-to-RCA | The TV provides analog audio output and the receiving system accepts the matching connection. | Check the exact connectors on both devices and any relevant TV output setting. | It is an analog connection; capabilities depend on the hardware. |
| Audio system with a matching input | The current soundbar or receiver has no input compatible with the TV. | Review the input list, supported formats, space, and features you need before replacing equipment. | This requires a replacement purchase, so verify compatibility with the exact TV. |
Optical digital audio
When both devices have compatible optical ports, connect the TV’s Optical OUT to the soundbar or receiver’s Optical IN. Sony’s optical digital audio setup guidance covers this connection and choosing an appropriate digital output format. If the audio system does not support Dolby Digital or DTS, Sony advises selecting PCM. Menu names and available formats vary by model.
#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
Analog audio
Some TVs offer analog audio output that can connect to equipment with a matching input, including through a stereo-to-RCA cable on applicable models. Sony documents this option in its audio connection guidance. Do not assume every TV has an analog output or that the connectors on two devices will match.
Replacing the audio system
If the TV’s available output does not match an input on the soundbar or receiver, an audio system with the appropriate input may be the straightforward option. Compare the actual ports and supported formats rather than choosing based on HDMI sockets alone.
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
How to connect a TV to a soundbar or receiver without ARC
- Identify the TV’s outputs. Check the labels on the TV and consult its manual for ARC/eARC, Optical OUT, or analog audio output. Manufacturer documentation is the deciding source when a port is not clearly labeled.
- Check the audio system’s inputs. Look for Optical IN or an analog input that matches the TV’s output. Confirm that the system supports the audio format the TV will send.
- Choose a matching cable and route. For optical, connect TV Optical OUT to audio-system Optical IN. For analog, use a cable matching the actual output and input connectors. Do not connect two HDMI sockets and assume they support audio return.
- Select the audio input. Set the soundbar or receiver to the input used for the connection.
- Set a compatible TV audio format. If using optical, open the TV’s audio or digital audio output settings and choose a format supported by the receiving system. Sony recommends PCM when the system lacks Dolby Digital and DTS support. The setting names differ across TV models.
What if you want to use a separate HDMI source?
A source device such as a streaming player or game console may be connectable directly to a soundbar or receiver that has suitable HDMI inputs, with video passed through to the TV. This can work for that external source if the equipment supports the required video and audio formats. It does not provide return audio from the TV’s own apps or tuner, so it is not a substitute for ARC when you need those sources to play through the audio system.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesAn HDMI audio extractor should not be treated as a universal fix for a TV without ARC. Its direction, signal routing, video passthrough, and audio-format support must match the exact setup; confirm those specifications for the devices and signal path before buying.
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.
What audio quality and control should you expect?
ARC and eARC are not interchangeable labels for identical capabilities. HDMI says eARC adds higher-bandwidth audio capabilities, and it is not defined as backward-compatible with ARC, although some products support both. Check the manuals for both devices and the source signal before expecting a particular format. An unspecified optical or analog connection does not guarantee lossless or immersive audio. HDMI’s eARC information explains the distinction.
Also verify how volume and remote control will work with the chosen connection. Behavior depends on the TV and audio system; the available information does not establish one universal control arrangement for optical or analog setups. Check both manuals for the connection you plan to use.
Quick Recap
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.
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
What to verify before buying anything
- The TV’s actual audio output and the receiving device’s matching input.
- Audio formats supported by both devices and the TV’s available output settings.
- The cable type and length needed for the physical distance between devices.
- Whether you need audio from TV apps and tuner, or only from an external HDMI source.
- How the connection affects volume and remote-control behavior on your specific models.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
