Splitting audio out of an HDMI cable can be a useful way to separate the audio and video signals for use with different devices or different purposes. Splitting audio out of an HDMI cable is a useful and important technique that can help you get the most out of your home theater setup.
There are several methods for doing this, each with advantages and limitations. This guide will explore the different methods you can use to split audio out of HDMI cable and provide step-by-step instructions for each technique.
Importance of Splitting Audio Out of an HDMI Cable
Splitting audio out of an HDMI cable is important because it allows you to route the audio signal to a separate device, such as a sound bar or home theater system while keeping the video signal connected to your TV or monitor.
This can be useful in a number of situations, such as when you want to improve the sound quality of your home theater setup or when you need to connect multiple audio sources to a single sound system.
By splitting the audio out of the HDMI cable, you can take advantage of the high-quality audio capabilities of your audio equipment and get the best possible sound experience. It also allows you to keep your home theater setup organized and eliminate the need for multiple cables and connections.
Option 1: Using an HDMI Splitter
One of the simplest ways to split audio out of an HDMI cable is by using HDMI splitter. A HDMI splitter is an audio device that is specialized designed for dividing one HDMI input into different outputs.
To split audio out of an HDMI cable using an HDMI splitter, follow these steps:
- First, use an HDMI cable to connect the audio device to the HDMI splitter.
- Use another HDMI cable to connect the HDMI splitter to your TV, projector or any other display device.
- Next, create a connection between the HDMI splitter and the audio device using an HDMI-to-analog audio converter.
- Finally, switch on the display and sound device.
If you follow these steps to the letter, the HDMI splitter should split the video and audio signals and relay them to the different devices in the connection. One of the highlights of using an HDMI splitter is that it is a straightforward solution that requires minimal setup. However, note that not all HDMI splitters can split the audio signal.
One of the most frequently asked questions is ‘Can you split audio using any HDMI splitter?’ No. Some HDMI splitters are designed specifically for video and will not pass the audio signal through. That said, be sure to check the specifications of the HDMI splitter before purchasing it to ensure that it can split the audio signal.
Option 2: Using an HDMI Audio Extractor
Another option for splitting audio out of HDMI cable is using an audio extractor. An HDMI audio extractor is an advanced audio device that takes in both HDMI input and outputs for both audio and video signals. To split audio out of an HDMI cable using an HDMI audio extractor, follow these steps:
- Use an HDMI cable to create a connection between the HDMI audio extractor and the source audio device.
- Plug in another HDMI cable to connect the HDMI audio extractor to a display device such as a TV or projector.
- Use a 3.5 mm auxiliary cable to connect the HDIM audio extractor to the audio device.
- Complete the audio splitting process by turning on both the display device and the source device. If the connections are right, the HDMI audio extractor will send the video and audio signals to the appropriate device.
One of the benefits of using an HDMI audio extractor is that it allows you to extract the audio signal directly from the HDMI input rather than relying on the HDMI splitter to pass the signal through. This can be especially useful if you use an HDMI splitter that cannot split the audio signal.
However, it is important to note that not all HDMI audio extractors can extract all types of audio signals. Some HDMI audio extractors can only extract stereo audio, while others can also extract surround sound signals.
Be sure to check the specifications of the HDMI audio extractor before purchasing to ensure that it can extract the audio signal you need.
Option 3: Use an HDMI Switch with Audio Extraction
A third option for splitting audio from an HDMI cable is to use an HDMI switch with audio extraction. An HDMI switch with audio extraction is a device that allows you to switch between multiple HDMI inputs and extract the audio signal for use with a separate audio device. Here’s how to split audio using an HDMI switch with audio extraction:
- Use HDMI cables to connect the source devices, such as a DVD player, cable box, or gaming console, to the HDMI switch.
- Using another HDMI cable, connect your HDMI switch to the display device
- Connect the audio device (e.g., a soundbar or an AV receiver) to the HDMI switch using an analog audio cable (e.g., an RCA cable or a 3.5mm auxiliary cable).
- Turn on the source devices and the display device. The HDMI switch should automatically switch between the HDMI inputs and extract the audio signal for use with the audio device.
One of the main advantages of using an HDMI switch with audio extraction is that it allows you to easily switch between multiple HDMI sources and extract the audio signal for use with a separate audio device.
This can be especially useful if you have multiple devices that you want to connect to a single display but you want to use a separate audio device for each. It is important to note that not all HDMI switches with audio extraction can extract all types of audio signals.
Some HDMI switches with audio extraction can only extract stereo audio, while others can also extract surround sound signals. Check the specifications of the HDMI switch with audio extraction before purchasing to ensure that it can extract the audio signal you need.
In summary, using an HDMI switch with audio extraction is a convenient way to split audio out of an HDMI cable and use it with a separate audio device. Following these simple steps, you can easily switch between multiple HDMI sources and extract the audio signal for use with a separate audio device.
Conclusion
Clearly, splitting audio with HDMI cable is not difficult- you just need to know which devices you want to receive the video or audio signal. Be sure to purchase the HDMI splitter, HDMI switch with audio extractor, or HDMI audio extractor from a reputable supplier to get the best audio quality.
