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Connect a TV to stereo speakers by matching an audio output on the TV with a compatible input on the stereo system. Use HDMI ARC if both devices have ARC-labeled HDMI ports, optical if both have optical audio ports, or analog if both have matching analog connections. Then select the external audio system in the TV’s sound settings and choose the matching input on the stereo.
Choose the connection that matches both devices
| Connection | Required ports | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI ARC | ARC-capable HDMI port on the TV and HDMI ARC port on the stereo or receiver | Both devices support ARC; use the labeled ports and enable HDMI control if required. |
| Optical | TV optical digital audio output and stereo optical input | Both ends have matching optical ports and the stereo supports the TV’s audio format. |
| Analog | TV analog audio output and stereo analog audio input, with matching connector types | Match the jacks, such as red/white RCA or stereo-mini, and select the right stereo input. |
The manufacturers’ connection guides describe these connection options, but do not establish a universal sound-quality ranking across devices and content. Choose by available ports and compatibility rather than assuming one method always sounds better. (Sony ARC guidance; Sony connection guide; Samsung India support)
Connect with HDMI ARC
ARC, or Audio Return Channel, lets a TV send audio back to a connected audio system over an HDMI connection. ARC is a feature of particular HDMI ports, not every HDMI port. Check both manuals or port labels before choosing this method. Sony specifies a High Speed HDMI cable for its ARC connection instructions.
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- Find the TV’s HDMI port labeled ARC (or eARC/ARC) and the stereo or receiver’s HDMI OUT port labeled ARC.
- Connect the two labeled ports with a High Speed HDMI cable.
- If required by either device, enable HDMI control or CEC in its settings. The feature’s menu name varies by manufacturer.
- In the TV sound settings, choose the external audio system or receiver as the output. On the stereo, select the TV/ARC input if needed.
Sony describes ARC as connecting a TV and audio system with one High Speed HDMI cable, avoiding a separate optical or composite audio cable. ARC may also support device control, depending on the equipment. (Sony: What is the Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature?)
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- [👆 Attention ⚠️]-----:1. Ensure Your HDTV support eARC/ARC function. 2. Ensure the adapter is powered on. 3. Ensure the HDMI ARC Cable is Connected to the HDTV eARC/ARC Interface 4. Ensure the HDTV is in eARC/ARC Audio Output (Use the TV's Remote Control to Turn it on). 5. Please Connect the HDMI port with the eARC/ARC Mark and Make sure the eARC/ARC Function is Enabled on your TV 6. Please Set the Audio Formats to PCM.
Connect with an optical audio cable
Optical carries digital audio. Use it when the TV has an optical digital audio output and the stereo has a compatible optical input, sometimes labeled OPTICAL IN, DIGITAL IN, or TV.
- Connect the TV’s OPTICAL DIGITAL AUDIO OUT to the stereo’s optical input.
- In the TV sound menu, select optical or digital audio output if the TV does not switch automatically.
- Select the optical input on the stereo.
If the connection is silent, the stereo may not support the audio format being sent by the TV, broadcast, or app. Try setting the TV’s digital audio output format to PCM, if that option is available; Sony recommends PCM as a troubleshooting setting when a system does not support the sent Dolby Digital or DTS format. Menu labels and available formats vary by model. (Sony connection guide; Sony ARC guidance)
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- 【4K HDMI Audio Converter】This hdmi audio extractor supports extracting audio from HDMI sources to HDMI monitors, optical 5.1CH devices, L/R stereo audio or 3.5mm AUX audio devices. It supports use by connecting only the optical audio output, L/R stereo audio out or the 3.5mm stereo audio output without connecting the display. A Type-C 5V cable must be connected to provide power for proper operation(Note: Do not connect a TV as a signal source directly to the HDMI IN port or it will not work)
- 【HDMI ARC Audio Extractor】In ARC mode(Backward compatible with ARC), connect your TV’s HDMI ARC/eARC port to the “HDMI OUT” port to send audio to external speakers. (Tips: Enable CEC on your TV, set the DIP switch to “TV” mode, and use an HDMI cable with ARC/eARC support.)
- 【Triple Operating Modes】1. PASS Mode: Automatically mirrors your TV’s native audio. Optical output supports all multi-channel formats.(Note: Analog R/L & AUX ports support 2.0 PCM only; non-PCM inputs will cause digital buzz/noise); 2. R/L Mode: Universally downmixes all formats (PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD) into standard 2.0 PCM. Delivers synchronized stereo sound across R/L, AUX, and Optical ports simultaneously; 3. SPDIF Mode: Dedicated multi-channel surround sound mode. Optical output supports all premium bitstream audio formats. (Note: Analog ports require PCM input to function; other formats will result in a static hum).
- 【4K@60Hz High Resolution】Supports up to 4K@60Hz with 24-bit, 30-bit, and 36-bit color. Backward compatible with 4K@60Hz 4K@30Hz, 2K@120Hz, and 1080P. Please make sure your source, monitor, HDMI cable all support 4K60Hz resolution in order to finally achieve the highest 4K60Hz resolution
- 【Wide Compatibility】Works with Blu-ray/DVD players, TV boxes, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, PS3/4/5, Xbox, PC, laptops, and more HDMI devices. Contact us anytime—our support team is available 24/7.(Supports HDR, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, DTS 7.1/5.1CH, HLG, VRR and other functions.)
Connect with analog audio
Analog works when the TV provides an analog audio output and the stereo has a compatible analog input. Common options include red/white RCA audio jacks and a stereo-mini connection. A yellow composite-video connector is not a stereo audio plug.
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- Connect that output to a matching analog input on the stereo, such as AUX or LINE IN.
- Select the corresponding input on the stereo and set the TV to output sound through its analog connection if necessary.
A headphone output may have variable volume. Start with a low volume and adjust carefully, and consult the TV manual for how its output behaves. Not every TV has an analog audio output. If the TV’s only audio output is optical and the stereo only has RCA analog inputs, a compatible active digital-to-analog converter (DAC) may be needed; a cable alone cannot convert the signal type. (Sony connection guide; Sony ARC guidance)
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- HDMI ARC Audio Converter: HDMI Audio Extractor can return the sound from ARC-enabled TVs to the optical, coaxial, L/R channel and 3.5mm headphone jacks of the adapter through the HDMI ARC interface, which is a perfect solution to the compatibility problem of the interface between the TVs and audio systems.
- Digital to Analog Audio Converter: Featuring coaxial and optical (Toslink/SPDIF) digital audio inputs, this converter transforms digital PCM/LPCM signals into analog audio output, compatible with various audio devices. Through the switching key on the panel of the device, you can quickly select the input mode, easy and convenient operation. (Note: DAC only supports PCM input format, does not support decoding function)
- Simultaneous Audio Output: ARC Audio Extractor simultaneously outputs audio from the optical, coaxial, L/R, and 3.5 mm headphone ports. Please set the audio output to PCM or LPCM before use.(Note: Not compatible with Dolby AC3/Dolby Digital Plus, etc.)
- High Sampling Rate Support: Supports up to 192kHz audio sampling rate, compatible with 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz and 192kHz sampling rates, as well as 24-bit SPDIF input bitstream to ensure high-fidelity audio output and bring a clear and detailed sound quality experience.
- Wide Compatibility: Compatible with HDTV with ARC function and standard HDMI source devices. No driver or software required, plug and play, compatible with Amplifier/Sound bar/ DVD/ HD player/ Blu-ray/, cable/satellite box, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC/laptop and more.
Fix a connection that has no sound
- Check the port match: Confirm that the TV output and stereo input are the same connection type. For ARC, verify that both endpoints support ARC and the cable is connected to the ARC-labeled ports.
- Set the TV output: In the TV sound settings, select the external audio system or the relevant optical or analog output. Connecting a cable may not switch the TV automatically.
- Choose the stereo source: Set the receiver or stereo to the input used by the cable—such as TV/ARC, optical, AUX, or LINE IN.
- Check ARC control settings: Enable HDMI Control or CEC if the devices require it for ARC operation.
- Try PCM for optical audio: If the stereo may not support the current digital format, set the TV’s digital audio output to PCM if available.
- Reconnect ARC equipment: If the TV does not recognize the audio system, Sony advises reconnecting the devices and checking the HDMI cable.
Exact menu paths and setting names differ across models. Use the manuals for the TV and stereo when a setting or port label is unclear. (Sony ARC guidance; Sony connection guide)
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 【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
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.
