Does HDMI Carry Audio? Why Connect External Speakers to Your TV?
Yes, HDMI carries both audio and video signals, making it one of the most convenient ways to connect devices. In the past, audio and video were transmitted separately through different connectors, like RCA plugs, with the familiar yellow for composite video and red and white for stereo audio. The introduction of HDMI changed this, combining audio and video into one cable, simplifying connections, and improving user convenience.
Many modern TVs come with built-in speakers, which handle both audio and video from the same HDMI connection. However, built-in speakers often fall short when it comes to delivering high-quality audio, prompting users to seek out external sound systems like soundbars or speaker systems. In such cases, you'll need a way to extract the audio signal from the HDMI connection and send it to your external audio devices.
In this article, we'll guide you through connecting external speakers to your TV using HDMI, explain how HDMI audio extractors work, and offer tips on choosing the best HDMI audio extractor for your needs.
Common Audio Transmission Interfaces
Before diving into the specifics of HDMI audio, it's helpful to be familiar with some common audio interfaces found on TVs and speakers:
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HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface): A widely used interface for both high-definition video and audio. You'll find HDMI ports on most modern TVs, gaming consoles, and home theater systems.
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RCA Connectors: These traditional connectors (red and white for audio, yellow for video) are still found on many older devices.
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Optical Audio (TOSLINK): Often used in home theater systems and soundbars, this interface uses light to transmit digital audio signals, offering high-quality sound without electrical interference.
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3.5mm TRS Connectors: Known as headphone jacks, these are common on portable devices and some TVs for audio output.
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XLR Connectors: Primarily used in professional audio setups, these provide balanced audio transmission, reducing noise and interference.
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USB: Found on various devices like computers and some modern headphones, USB connections are increasingly used for digital audio transmission.
How to Connect External Speakers to TV with HDMI
There are two primary methods for connecting external speakers to your TV using HDMI: HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and using an HDMI Audio Extractor.
HDMI ARC/eARC
ARC technology allows audio signals to travel both ways along an HDMI cable. This means you can connect your TV to a soundbar or speaker system and control the volume using your TV’s remote. Enhanced ARC (eARC) takes it a step further, supporting higher-quality audio formats like Dolby Atmos, with HDMI 2.1 compatibility.
Here’s how to connect your external speakers using HDMI ARC:
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Connect your sound system to the TV’s HDMI ARC port using an HDMI cable that also supports HDMI ARC.
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The TV will automatically send audio to the connected speakers, meaning all audio from your TV’s various input sources will be played through the external speakers.
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Many TVs come with Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) features, allowing you to control the TV and audio device with one remote, simplifying the process.
Limitations of HDMI ARC/eARC
While HDMI ARC and eARC offer seamless connectivity, they do have limitations. Both the TV and the external audio device must support ARC or eARC. Not all TVs or speaker systems have this capability. If your devices lack ARC support, you’ll need another solution—this is where an HDMI Audio Extractor comes in handy.
HDMI Audio Extractor: What Is It and How Does It Work?
An HDMI Audio Extractor is a device that splits the audio and video signals from an HDMI connection. For example, the SC&T HAE01 can separate HDMI video output from the audio, providing connections for external speakers through SPDIF optical, 3.5mm audio output, or even HDMI audio.
One key advantage of using an HDMI Audio Extractor is that it can connect to external speakers via multiple interfaces. This flexibility allows you to use different types of audio devices without needing additional adapters. In contrast, when using HDMI ARC, you may need adapters to connect to other interfaces, which can add complexity to your setup.
When your devices don’t support ARC or there are compatibility issues between older and newer devices, an HDMI audio extractor is a reliable solution. Here are some scenarios where it can be particularly useful:
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Your speakers don’t have HDMI ports.
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You’re using a device with only one HDMI output (connected to the TV), leaving no other ports for audio.
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The video resolution of your display differs from your speakers, and you need a scaler function.
Additionally, many AV splitters and switches now include built-in HDMI audio extraction, allowing you to connect multiple sources and extract audio from any of them.
Limitations of HDMI Audio Extractors
One drawback of HDMI audio extractors is with smart TVs. Since smart TVs often stream content internally (without using an external HDMI source), HDMI extractors can’t work with the TV’s built-in apps. Fortunately, most smart TVs support ARC/eARC, so you can still connect external speakers if your devices are compatible.
How to Choose the Best HDMI Audio Extractor
When selecting an HDMI Audio Extractor, keep the following factors in mind:
Input and output options: Ensure the extractor has enough input/output ports to accommodate your devices.
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Audio quality support: Look for extractors that support high-resolution audio formats like DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD for optimal sound quality.
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Ease of use: Choose a device that is simple to set up and operate.
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Brand reliability: Opt for trusted brands known for quality and customer support.
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Downscaling functionality: If your audio and video devices have different HDMI versions, an extractor with a downscaler ensures compatibility between them.
SC&T 4K HDMI Audio Extractor & 1x2 Splitter - HAE01
- Resolution up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4.
- Built-in dual HDMI outputs.
- Built-in Toslink (digital audio) and 3.5mm phone jack (analog audio) interfaces.
- Supports video up/down scaling function.
Does an HDMI Audio Extractor Affect Audio or Video Quality?
HDMI is a digital signal, meaning the quality of the signal generally remains consistent during transmission. An HDMI Audio Extractor will not degrade the quality of high-resolution audio or video. However, it cannot improve poor-quality signals from the original source.
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The sample rate of the audio plays a key role in determining its fidelity. Higher sample rates capture more audio detail, so using an extractor that supports high sample rates will ensure better sound quality.
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Cable length can also impact audio quality. Extremely long HDMI cables can introduce signal loss, potentially affecting both audio and video clarity. To avoid this, use high-quality HDMI cables and keep them as short as necessary for your setup.
Conclusion: Should I Use HDMI ARC or an Audio Extractor?
The decision between HDMI ARC and an HDMI Audio Extractor depends on your equipment. ARC/eARC is great for newer setups, while HDMI Audio Extractors are ideal for older or less compatible devices. If you’re unsure which method is right for you, feel free to reach out for personalized advice.
Recommended Reading
How to Connect External Speakers to TV: HDMI® ARC vs. HDMI® Audio Extractor
This content is used with permission from SC&T. All rights reserved.
