Contributor II

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eArc splitter recommendations for Sonos to get back hdmi port on tv?

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Please share any eArc hdmi splitters that worked for you. Everyone was talking about Arkana, I’ve tried it, payed 400 usd with taxes, then spent several weeks trying to fix sound interruptions, changed tons of cables, trying all recommendations, but had to give up on that one and now looking for other options.

There are plenty opt of hdmi splitters on Amazon, so would be great if anyone had success with any and will recommend.

Thank you!

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AirgetlamAnswer

HDMI splitters, unless powered, aren’t recommended. You’re reducing the HDMI signal, including the ARC or eARC signal, by 50% or greater, and you’re never certain what levels the receiving device is expecting. Nor, for that matter, are you certain that the originating device is sending a specific signal or a specific level.

The HD Fury Arcana itself isn’t a splitter, but an eARC creating device. Is this what you’re referring to as an ‘Arkana’? I’ve used the HDFury device several years ago, before I updated my TV, without issue.

If you’re looking for devices that create ARC or eARC signals, there is the HD Fury Arcana, the Feintech VAX04101k, and the OREI HDA-935. You can also order from those links from the companies directly, or check your local retailers for availability. Amazon may carry some, depending on location. At this point, there may be more manufacturers, I haven’t been keeping track.

It might help this community help you if you were more specific about which devices you have, and what you’re trying to do.

Bruce

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Stanley_4

Grand Maestro

A Dolby Atmos (Dolby Digital Plus) signal works over Arc, only the better Atmos versions need the eArc.

106rallye

The difference between ARC and eARC is indeed that eARC can do uncompressed streams, while ARC can only do compressed streams. That’s the difference between the sound formats mentioned above.

Dolby Atmos can be transported in a compressed stream too - most streaming apps like Netflix use compressed streams. BD-players and Apple TV’s use uncompressed formats.

Airgetlam

Note: Sonos can’t play ‘all speakers’ in an uncompressed stream, it will compress them to what it can play back.

Technically, they aren’t speakers, but I’ll allow the curious to look up Dolby Atmos on their own.

Sonos maps the locations / speakers to the 7.2 speakers they have access to.

Bruce

J

jhstark

Lyricist II

Thanks for the information all. I hope that in the future streaming services will utilize the uncompressed formats. The broadband in my neighborhood starts at 1GBit/sec, that is ample for the stream.

I moved to the OREI BK-929U from the HDA-929. It works just fine with the Xumo Stream Box, Samsung 65” Smart TV, and Sonos Arc Ultra. The box is less than $100, and works perfectly. I also have control over the Arc Ultra’s volume from the Xumo remote, with the value being displayed on the TV - I was somewhat surprised by the TV display. The CEC function is nice. I have to say though, that the compressed audio formats are fine, but somewhat underwhelming. After listening to FLAC on Tidal, and hearing the Arc Ultra’s reproduction, I find some of the compressed TV audio a bit harsh on my sensitive ears.

Stanley_4

Grand Maestro

Better is coming with Dolby AC-4, has to be supported by the streaming service and your hardware. No clue about Sonos support.

https://www.techradar.com/televisions/blu-ray/dolby-atmos-on-streaming-will-finally-sound-as-good-as-4k-blu-ray-based-on-these-blind-test-results-of-audio-engineers-but-this-still-wont-cause-collectors-to-switch-from-physical-media

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