From Sonos reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/sonos/comments/h7z9gv/hd_fury_is_working_on_an_earc_solution_for_sonos/
HD Fury is working on an eARC solution for Sonos Arc - Full Audio & Atmos from any HDMI sources
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They are quoting around $122 for Preorder and $159/$169 after that. The price is definitely good for what I need, especially my main source is Apple TV 4K.
No doubt. With already being nearly $2k into this (Arc + One SLs + Sub + Wall Mounts), another $122 to get as much Atmos as possible out of my Apple TV is a no-brainer.
This makes a lot of sense to me, and if you need more than one device to input to the dongle, a simple switch will work, without requiring an actual matrix device.
This is true and I think it’s a better product overall. I am little surprised by the move though as the added feature somewhat eliminates the need for, or better stated as ‘fit with’, HDFury’s other matrix/switching products....
I suppose though that it reduces the chance that a customers disappointed with the product, if they did not get a proper switch/splitter/matrix to god with the Arcana.
This is probably the key. They realized that they could make the product more user friendly, easier to understand, and, importantly, something that worked out of the box as a stand-alone product if you only had one device to hook up. Which might describe a bunch of people (99% of my viewing is done via Apple TV, so while I’ll probably still get an HDMI switch for the extra functionality, there are plenty of others who may not). All for very little additional cost.
Plus, it’s obvious they’d been getting a lot of push-back on the Discord channel about the total cost of potentially having to Pair Arcana with Diva/Maestro/Vertex2. While those may be wonderful products, they’re not cheap by any means.
Also, there is no doubt that the device will need an external power source, since HDMI splitting requires additional power. I imagine it with be USB powered so it can connect to the back of a most TVs
I believe they’ve said there’s a USB-C port on it to provide power. I doubt they’ll include a power supply in the box for the cost they’re going for, but HDFury has been pleasantly surprising me throughout all of this so who knows.
They are quoting around $122 for Preorder and $159/$169 after that. The price is definitely good for what I need, especially my main source is Apple TV 4K.
This makes a lot of sense to me, and if you need more than one device to input to the dongle, a simple switch will work, without requiring an actual matrix device.
This is true and I think it’s a better product overall. I am little surprised by the move though as the added feature somewhat eliminates the need for, or better stated as ‘fit with’, HDFury’s other matrix/switching products. I’m thinking specifically about their Diva, Maestro, and Vertex2 products. All of these have a dedicated HDMI output for audio receiver’s and subwoofers at a lower video quality, in addition to the HDMI output for video. If you used one of these products, you would not need the extra HDMI output in the Arcana. You actually wouldn’t want to use it for video since it’s at lower video quality.
I suppose though that it reduces the chance that a customers disappointed with the product, if they did not get a proper switch/splitter/matrix to god with the Arcana. Now, single source users need no additional equipment, and multisource only need to find an HDMI switch that does not reduce video quality.
Also, there is no doubt that the device will need an external power source, since HDMI splitting requires additional power. I imagine it with be USB powered so it can connect to the back of a most TVs
This makes a lot of sense to me, and if you need more than one device to input to the dongle, a simple switch will work, without requiring an actual matrix device.
ARCANA CHANGES
Looks like the HDFury team is making some changes to the Arcana design to make it both simpler and more powerful (a good combo, IMO):
After some internal discussions, we came to some considerations that we quickly want to submit to your approval.. or not... this below suggestion should not delay anything more than a couple of days. (estimated max 4 days extra delay) Concretely, ARCANA can gain new super power... if you want to... For some extra $ (max 10) we can provide a video output to Arcana, which means that people who plan to use it with a single source that does have any audio out, won't need any splitter to do so and the device will work on its own as standalone, out of the box. But this is just a small part of the new super power that can be gained here... Others benefits that this could bring:
- Arcana would be able to allow DV content playback from HDMI source on HDR10 display
- Video output could be tweaked at will (downscaled, hdcp converted, chroma/color depth/color space modification etc...)
- HDR metadata could be tweaked in real time
- OSD info possible if wanted
tl:dr - They’re adding a video output to Arcana so it won’t require a separate splitter after all
Plus they’re saying that preorders will begin this week for the first 400 units and that they’re anticipating 2-3 months for production from the time they pull the trigger. They’re still gauging interest over on their support Discord channel (https://discord.gg/XWzPRRP) if you want to get your name on the notification list.
+2
Perfect, done. Thank you.
I signed up to Discord today but can’t find out how I actually get invited to their server. Keen to show how desperate I am for this.
As a projector owner I’m really relieved on cost. I don’t need access to TV apps’ audio and I was expecting any HDFury device to come in much more expensive.
If I had a non eARC TV I’d be looking at all of them is complexity, plus any other benefits of a new TV, and thinking that $400 might be better spent on a TV upgrade. But given the huge appeal of an all-Sonos household and the fact that projectors and ARC aren’t regularly partners, I feel we’ve really lucked out getting this support so soon. Well done to everyone who asked!
Discord is rather confusing, for me anyway. Once you have your account setup, you’ll need to enter the ‘server’ you have an invite too. You should be able to paste the discord URL back on page one when they ask for the server, and that will get you in. But as stated, it’s not necessary to preorder, it only allows you too see some discussion and get your name on the mailing list.
You’re right that the total cost of getting this to work is definitely something to consider, but if you have a larger TV, $400 is much cheaper than a replacement TV, especially if your current TV isn’t old. Even then, you’ll have the ability to use this device and setup in other rooms when you do upgrade your TV or projector to eARC.
I noticed the device below is often talked about in Discord or the AVS forums. It seems like a good way to get the Arc connect out of your TV, that you can then feed to a switch or matrix to feed the dongle (and TV for other sources) to the Arc, if TV apps are important to you. That may ultimately be cheaper than the HDFury equipment, but not as elegant.
+2
I signed up to Discord today but can’t find out how I actually get invited to their server. Keen to show how desperate I am for this.
As a projector owner I’m really relieved on cost. I don’t need access to TV apps’ audio and I was expecting any HDFury device to come in much more expensive.
If I had a non eARC TV I’d be looking at all of them is complexity, plus any other benefits of a new TV, and thinking that $400 might be better spent on a TV upgrade. But given the huge appeal of an all-Sonos household and the fact that projectors and ARC aren’t regularly partners, I feel we’ve really lucked out getting this support so soon. Well done to everyone who asked!
Arcana sprints closer to reality. Preorders coming in about a week. Pre-order price point of approx. $100 (full price approx. $150). Sounds like they need to reach at least 400 orders to go into production.
To get on the list and see some more proof of concept videos, go to their Discord channel:
https://discord.com/channels/314050739771146241/570996082557976577/724788312967086120
FYI, getting your name on the list means that you’ll get an email when it’s available for pre-order. If enough of ‘us’ are on that list, I’m sure we’ll get this thread updated with the link soon after it’s available. In other words subscribing to this thread should be good enough if you don’t want to join discord.
Also, I think the concept videos are available through the links below. They do not work for me while at work, so can’t say the links work for sure.
https://streamable.com/n7gih7
This is ridiculous. I’ll be spending close to $400 or $500 just to get uncompressed ATMOS. Not worth it. I wouldn’t mind spending $200 but beyond that is crazy.
Depends on what you’re trying to accomplish.
If all you want is to get full range audio from a single external source (like an Apple TV), you can get away with just the Arcana and a cheap amazon splitter. At pre-order prices that should only cost about $150 total.
if you’ve got multiple external sources, you’ll need a matrix that has multiple inputs and at least two outputs which can still be had for around $50 on Amazon so your total would still be in the $150 range.
where things get spendy is if you want full range audio from multiple sources AND From the TV’s built in apps. For that you’ll need one of HDFury’s expensive devices like Vertex2 and yes, then you’re spending several hundred dollars total.
Unfortunately, this is where Sonos Arc owners find ourselves. The Arc is what it is and, short of purchasing a new TV with eARC capability the Arcana dongle is the only known solution for getting full range sound to the Arc. If you want the Arc but don’t have an eARC TV, buying a new TV or buying the Arcana are going to be your only real options to get Atmos from external sources. Otherwise, there are many other less expensive options than the Sonos Arc on the market that provide Atmos and much greater input flexibility for a lower price.
Any recommendations on a splitter or matrix? My budget is around $50 - $75.
Not yet, no. I’m looking for a good one myself. I need a matrix that has four inputs, two outputs, and can handle Atmos, Dolby Vision, HDR10 and can be controlled by IR. I’m looking around and following others’ research on HDFury’s discord channel. Will report back here when I find something I like.
This is ridiculous. I’ll be spending close to $400 or $500 just to get uncompressed ATMOS. Not worth it. I wouldn’t mind spending $200 but beyond that is crazy.
Depends on what you’re trying to accomplish.
If all you want is to get full range audio from a single external source (like an Apple TV), you can get away with just the Arcana and a cheap amazon splitter. At pre-order prices that should only cost about $150 total.
if you’ve got multiple external sources, you’ll need a matrix that has multiple inputs and at least two outputs which can still be had for around $50 on Amazon so your total would still be in the $150 range.
where things get spendy is if you want full range audio from multiple sources AND From the TV’s built in apps. For that you’ll need one of HDFury’s expensive devices like Vertex2 and yes, then you’re spending several hundred dollars total.
Unfortunately, this is where Sonos Arc owners find ourselves. The Arc is what it is and, short of purchasing a new TV with eARC capability the Arcana dongle is the only known solution for getting full range sound to the Arc. If you want the Arc but don’t have an eARC TV, buying a new TV or buying the Arcana are going to be your only real options to get Atmos from external sources. Otherwise, there are many other less expensive options than the Sonos Arc on the market that provide Atmos and much greater input flexibility for a lower price.
Any recommendations on a splitter or matrix? My budget is around $50 - $75.
This is ridiculous. I’ll be spending close to $400 or $500 just to get uncompressed ATMOS. Not worth it. I wouldn’t mind spending $200 but beyond that is crazy.
Depends on what you’re trying to accomplish.
If all you want is to get full range audio from a single external source (like an Apple TV), you can get away with just the Arcana and a cheap amazon splitter. At pre-order prices that should only cost about $150 total.
if you’ve got multiple external sources, you’ll need a matrix that has multiple inputs and at least two outputs which can still be had for around $50 on Amazon so your total would still be in the $150 range.
where things get spendy is if you want full range audio from multiple sources AND From the TV’s built in apps. For that you’ll need one of HDFury’s expensive devices like Vertex2 and yes, then you’re spending several hundred dollars total.
Unfortunately, this is where Sonos Arc owners find ourselves. The Arc is what it is and, short of purchasing a new TV with eARC capability the Arcana dongle is the only known solution for getting full range sound to the Arc. If you want the Arc but don’t have an eARC TV, buying a new TV or buying the Arcana are going to be your only real options to get Atmos from external sources. Otherwise, there are many other less expensive options than the Sonos Arc on the market that provide Atmos and much greater input flexibility for a lower price.
This is ridiculous. I’ll be spending close to $400 or $500 just to get uncompressed ATMOS. Not worth it. I wouldn’t mind spending $200 but beyond that is crazy.
Arcana sprints closer to reality. Preorders coming in about a week. Pre-order price point of approx. $100 (full price approx. $150). Sounds like they need to reach at least 400 orders to go into production.
To get on the list and see some more proof of concept videos, go to their Discord channel:
https://discord.com/channels/314050739771146241/570996082557976577/724788312967086120
And since we’ll probably lose CEC volume control of the Arc by adding the matrix / Arcana, the Harmony can control the Arc’s volume via IR as well.
Off-topic for this thread but I’m trying to get my Arc controllable via IR with the Harmony Hub and can’t work it out. If you have a moment to look here I’d be very grateful.
I’ll take a look
+2
And since we’ll probably lose CEC volume control of the Arc by adding the matrix / Arcana, the Harmony can control the Arc’s volume via IR as well.
Off-topic for this thread but I’m trying to get my Arc controllable via IR with the Harmony Hub and can’t work it out. If you have a moment to look here I’d be very grateful.
Most of the matrixes I’ve been looking at seem to include an IR remote, which will work well for me. I’ve been a Logitech Harmony user for a LONG time because it makes my complex setups easy for the wife and guests to use (I set them up for friends and family for the same reason). As long as there’s an IR input, I can teach my Harmony Hub the codes and we’re off to the races.
Good to know. Don’t have a harmony remote myself right now, but think it might be about that time. I assume then you could right some sort of macro/routine so that output 1 and 2 always match?
The Harmonys have always been pains in the ass to set up, but they make up for the annoying setup by being pretty damn flexible. Yes, you can create “sequences” within “activities” that can have pretty much as many steps as you want. For example, you could have a “Watch Apple TV” activity that does the following:
- Turn on television
- Turn on Apple TV
- Set television to input X
- Set matrix output 1 to Y
- Set matrix output 2 to Z
And since we’ll probably lose CEC volume control of the Arc by adding the matrix / Arcana, the Harmony can control the Arc’s volume via IR as well.
Ideally, whatever matrix you / we choose will have a “discrete IR code" that will allow you to directly select an input per output (e.g., an IR code that tells the matrix “set output 2 to input 3”). If not, the Harmony can cycle through inputs until it lands on the right one. It’s not an awesome way to do that because it can get “out of sync” and be a pain to fix, but it can work.
(Super-ideally, the matrix will also have the ability to simply set both outputs to whichever input is selected which would render this last bit moot)
Most of the matrixes I’ve been looking at seem to include an IR remote, which will work well for me. I’ve been a Logitech Harmony user for a LONG time because it makes my complex setups easy for the wife and guests to use (I set them up for friends and family for the same reason). As long as there’s an IR input, I can teach my Harmony Hub the codes and we’re off to the races.
Good to know. Don’t have a harmony remote myself right now, but think it might be about that time. I assume then you could right some sort of macro/routine so that output 1 and 2 always match?
Most of the matrixes I’ve been looking at seem to include an IR remote, which will work well for me. I’ve been a Logitech Harmony user for a LONG time because it makes my complex setups easy for the wife and guests to use (I set them up for friends and family for the same reason). As long as there’s an IR input, I can teach my Harmony Hub the codes and we’re off to the races.
OK, thank you!
And since many of us may well need a splitter/matrix has anyone got experience with any of these devices. There seems to be so many options.
I was looking at this: https://www.amazon.ca/HDMI-Matrix-4x2-4K-60Hz/dp/B086WWZJLW/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=EZCOO&qid=1592850522&sr=8-3
Looks good other than no CEC (Needs a firmware update?!)
Any recommendations out there?
That looks like a valid option to me. The lack of CEC isn’t an issue, and if you aren’t using smart apps, lack of ARC passthrough isn’t either. I don’t care for remote.
One thing worth noting is that for our use case, output 1 and output always need to be the same source. So if you want to switch from input 1 to input 2, you’ll need to switch both outputs, otherwise video and audio will be different source. For that reason, traditional matrix may not be the best option, unless you can lock the outputs to the same input or something. A separate switch and splitter may also be a better option.
Agreed, I don’t want to spend a fortune to make this work. Also, I don’t want to add too much complexity - when I am not at home my family just want this to work. It’s amazing how in trying to keep it simple Sonos have forced me to add complexity.
Once we all have eARC TV’s maybe then things will be simple but for 2020 some more inputs would be nice!
I would pre-order in a heartbeat. Any ideas where the best place is to keep an eye on these things? I’m worried I will miss something on the thread!
You should be able to describe to this thread so you get notified whenever there is an update. Or you could ckeck the AVS forums thread, or HD Fury’s website. I think there will be at least a couple weeks of preorder, so I wouldn’t worry too much.
HD fury hinted some news through the AVS forum this morning. The are approximating that the dongle will be $100 if preordered, $150 afterwards. Not sure if those prices will stick, but I would guess that pre-ordered will be discounted. It’s not their first product and have likely done that before.
Good catch,
Also stated that they will have packaged deals for Arcana with one of their matrix/switches.
Their stuff seems super nice… but damn it’s expensive. From what I can tell the cheapest splitter they’ve got which will work is the Integral2 which only has two inputs and is still $250. So a combined Integral2 + Arcana solution is setting me back $350 at least and only lets me hook up an ATV and a BD player. On top of what I've already paid for the Arc/One SLs/Sub/One Wall Mounts, this whole enterprise starting to get spendy fast.
Also worth noting, HDFury isn’t pushing their own products too hard, openly stating that for some people their source may have a separate audio output already, or a cheaper Amazon HDMI splitter is all they need.
That is good to see, and there’s quite a few 4 input HDMI matrixes (sp?) on Amazon in the $50 - $100 range that claim to support Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. The issue is going to be finding something that actually does what it says it will AND will play nice with the Arcana.
Besides making sure what ever device you settle on handles the video and audio properly, I also want to make sure that it’s easy to control. I don’t want to use a cheap remote or have to getup on the couch and switch manually (gasp!). It seems like HD Fury’s stuff works with universal remotes. I’ll need to understand how that works better before making a decision.
OK, thank you!
And since many of us may well need a splitter/matrix has anyone got experience with any of these devices. There seems to be so many options.
I was looking at this: https://www.amazon.ca/HDMI-Matrix-4x2-4K-60Hz/dp/B086WWZJLW/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=EZCOO&qid=1592850522&sr=8-3
Looks good other than no CEC (Needs a firmware update?!)
Any recommendations out there?
I would pre-order in a heartbeat. Any ideas where the best place is to keep an eye on these things? I’m worried I will miss something on the thread!
Between these two locations you should stay up-to-date - the HDFury team seems to be heavily active in both:
AVSforums topic:
https://www.avsforum.com/forum/195-soundbars/3153792-hdfury-sonos-arc-earcadapter.html
HDFury Support Discord (look in the “straight-from-the-lab” for the moment though they say that an Arcana channel will be opening soon):
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