HDMI Audio Extractor 101

Welcome to the beginner’s guide to the HDMI audio extractor.

This article dives into the world of HDMI audio extractors (aka HDMI audio splitter) and finds out how to use them to extract the audio signal from an HDMI video source.

You will learn about the different types of HDMI audio extractors available on the market, how to wire them up and find tips on choosing the right one for your needs.

Whether you are a home theater enthusiast looking to improve the audio quality of your setup or a professional audio engineer looking for a convenient way to extract audio from HDMI devices, this guide has something for you.

Read on for all the information about splitting audio from an HDMI signal.

What Is an HDMI Audio Extractor?

An HDMI audio extractor splits an HDMI video source signal into a separate HDMI video output and audio output.

In most setups, you won’t need to do this; you simply connect the HDMI output port from your source device to the HDMI input in your display device.

But what if you want to send the picture via HDMI to your TV or projector and the audio somewhere else, like a surround sound speaker system?

There are a few ways you might do this, but one easy solution is to buy an audio extractor box, which will allow you to split the HDMI picture and audio data.

You may also see these devices called HDMI audio converters or splitters.

It is a fairly straightforward concept, and installing one is easy enough.

However, once you decide you need one, you can expect to spend between $20 and $150 for the device, depending on the exact features you need.

Why Would You Want to Get the Audio From HDMI?

Many devices, such as flat-screen TVs, have a physical or software-based HDMI audio converter built into them.

You need one to convert an HDMI input into an audio-only source.

For example, your TV may receive sound and pictures from your Blu-ray player via HDMI – but you might want to use the built-in optical audio output to send the TV audio to your speaker system.

In this case, the TV extracts the audio from the picture and allows you to send it elsewhere.

But, there are times when a dedicated device is the only way to do this, like if you wire your system differently or don’t have the correct connection types.

So with specific equipment, chances are an HDMI audio extractor is the best way to re-route the audio signal.

In the above example, you could also use an extractor to easily change the audio output type.

So if your TV only has an optical output, and your amplifier only has a coaxial digital audio input, then an audio extractor with a coaxial output can quickly solve this problem.

Just install it before the HDMI goes into the TV – and re-route the audio directly into the amp.

Another practical application for an extractor is HDMI streaming devices like the Amazon Fire Stick or Roku HDMI devices.

You can plug the stick into the HDMI input and then split the video and audio between a TV or home theater projector and an amplifier.

Like this:

The example above converts the HDMI audio to optical. However, this could be coaxial or analog stereo audio, depending on your equipment.

You could also use an extractor to send the audio to a headphone amplifier.

How to Choose an HDMI Audio Splitter

Most smart TVs and other entertainment systems nowadays have built-in audio extractors, allowing you to output a separate audio signal for your sound system.

So, you should only need to buy a standalone HDMI audio splitter if you are working with a collection of equipment that you are trying to get to function together.

Often, people discover that they need an audio extractor after much frustration trying to get an incomplete system working.

But if you need to get the audio signal from an HDMI source, there are some things to consider.

Remember that each characteristic explored below represents a range of connectivities and source-support types, and all of these options may not apply to your situation.

The way to save money on your HDMI audio converter is to find one that does exactly what you need it to do and no more.

If you’re willing to spend more, an expensive audio extractor is likely to have more options and therefore be more likely to fulfill the needs of your specific use case.

In short, the more you research the device you’re considering, the more you can make a cost-effective purchase.

Different Audio Output Types

Before buying, you should know which audio type you need to send, allowing you to match an extractor.

For example, buying an extractor that outputs optical audio would be best if your speaker system has an optical input.

If not, you might need yet another converter before you can connect everything together, which starts to get over-complicated.

The most common audio output types are:

• Optical SPDIF
• Coaxial Toslink SPDIF
• Stereo Analog

Some HDMI audio extractors will work with all of the above and more, others only one.

Multiple Inputs and Outputs

You could buy a simple extractor with a single HDMI input/output and the correct audio output to save money.

However, some devices may have multiple HDMI ports and can perform much like an HDMI switch or splitter.

These models will cost more but could provide you with precisely the right connections for your setup.

You will also find some models with a built-in headphone output and others with a volume control on the unit.

These aren’t required for most people, but they can be a helpful extra depending on your circumstances.

Learn more: How to use an HDMI Splitter

Stereo and Multichannel Audio Support

Which audio formats does the unit support, and do you need more than one kind?

Check for the following:

• Stereo analog audio
• Dolby/DTS 5.1 surround sound
• Dolby Digital Plus
• Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio
• Dolby Atmos

Most systems will cover Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1, while some will also support Dolby Digital Plus.

However, some will handle Atmos and high-resolution audio formats.

The critical question is, which audio formats do you need to send from one device to another?

A simple device with stereo analog audio outputs might be all you need if you just have an old stereo speaker system with no digital inputs.

Simultaneous Audio Output

If you have an extractor with more than one audio output type – you may find some models will output audio from all the outputs simultaneously.

This might be helpful as you could, for example, send digital audio and stereo analog audio to different sound sources.

For example, you could have the same audio going to your TV and soundbar – and then use them at different times.

Check the model that you buy if you think this might be useful.

Video Resolution Support

Check for the video resolutions the device supports.

It should meet or exceed 1080p to meet common current performance standards, which will suit most people and setups.

And, if you only need 1080p video, you can often save money and buy a cheaper model.

But, if you want to pass a 4K video signal to your display device, your audio extractor will need to support 4K signals and will likely cost more.

Other Supported Technologies

There are numerous video and audio technologies in modern AV equipment that you may wish to use in your system.

The crucial point is to ensure that any HDMI extractor device will allow these to pass through. If not, then you may be disappointed with the results.

Look out for:

• HDMI-CEC: HDMI control for operating multiple devices with a single remote.
• HDCP: copy-protection, allowing retail movies and TV shows to pass through without problems.
• EDID: sometimes required to ensure the receiving device knows which audio type it is getting.
• HDR: high-dynamic range video for improved pictures with 4K video.
• Dolby Vision: a kind of HDR video.
• HDMI-ARC: passes audio to and from the destination device.

Dolby Vision is quite common these days, so make sure the device you choose offers the support you need.

Using With Streaming Sticks and Boxes

An HDMI splitter is ideal for splitting the output of a streaming stick into a separate video and audio signal, allowing you to connect the stick to a TV and separate sound system.

Examples of this type of streaming media device are the Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Chromecast and the different Roku streaming devices.

However, streaming devices come and go quickly, and standards rapidly change.

Therefore you should ensure the HDMI extractor unit you purchase is compatible with the streaming device you intend to use.

The extractor’s specifications should indicate if your particular streaming stick will work. If not, check with the retailer or manufacturer before buying.

How to Connect an Audio Extractor

The process of connecting one of these units is a simple one.

The best advice is to clearly understand where the video and audio signals are coming from – and where you want them to go.

1. Keep the power off: As long as the power is off, you are unlikely to cause any damage from improper connections.
2. Be sure you have the right HDMI cable: Use the cables that came with your device. Older cables are unlikely to have appropriate bandwidth or support for newer formats. Remember, support for the video and audio formats mentioned above also applies to your HDMI cables too.
3. Check that you have the correct audio cables: You might need to output SPDIF using Toslink fiber optic audio cables, digital audio coaxial RCA cables, or analog audio using 3.5mm stereo cables.
4. Connect all the cables: What cables go where depends on the device you have. Ensure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, match labels, and not force plugs that don’t fit easily.
5. Connect the power cable: Once you’ve done all that, it’s time to connect the power. If you have made a mistake, disconnect the power again before correcting it.
6. Find the proper input channels: Now, find the correct inputs on the devices you’ve connected. To see the picture, select the correct HDMI input on your TV. And, on your amplifier or audio playback device, choose the correct input so you can hear the sound.

Unfortunately, all this is device-specific, so you’ll have to take your time and be sure your connections are right before switching it on again.

However, here is a simple connection diagram explaining how to connect a Blu-ray player to a TV and amplifier using coaxial digital audio:

This is another scenario where audio extractors can be helpful.

You might have an older AV receiver with no HDMI inputs, so you can extract the 5.1 audio and send it to your amplifier via a coaxial connection.

Or, you may have a stereo amplifier, which often doesn’t have an HDMI connection.

So, pass the HDMI connection to your TV – and connect the alternative audio output to your AV receiver or amplifier.

Which Extractor Should You Buy?

With several different extractors to choose from, it can be tough to pick the one you want.

Remember, the essential thing is ensuring that the unit supports all the video and audio formats you want to use and you have the correct inputs and outputs for your setup.

A good all-rounder is this J-Tech HDMI audio extractor:

This extractor has a single HDMI input that accepts signals from 4K/60Hz (and 50Hz) to 1080p signals up to 144Hz.

The audio signal is extracted and sent via an optical or stereo analog output.

It can reproduce the audio from a game console or a streaming device on anything from a simple 2-speaker setup or soundbar to a highly polished surround-sound system.

All you need to do is make the correct connection from the output.

Just be aware that it will only send audio from the stereo analog output if the input audio is set to PCM in your source device, meaning it won’t convert Dolby Digital or DTS audio to analog.

However, it will pass an incoming Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1 signal out of the optical output.

This unit is excellent value on Amazon or Walmart and is a very versatile HDMI audio extractor for the price if you only need to deal with one input source.

However, you can also buy extractors with multiple HDMI inputs so you can connect more than one device at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions