TITAK HTA004S 5.1 Audio Decoder User Manual

1. Introduction

The TITAK HTA004S is a versatile 5.1 channel audio decoder and converter designed to enhance your audio experience. It supports multiple input sources including HDMI ARC, Optical, Coaxial, Bluetooth 5.0, and USB 2.0, allowing you to connect various devices such as TVs, PCs, set-top boxes, projectors, and game players. The decoder provides a 5.1 channel analog audio output, enabling you to connect to amplifiers or speakers for immersive surround sound. It features both hardware decoding for true 5.1 channel separation (DTS/AC3) and software decoding for virtual 5.1 channel output from 2.0ch PCM sources.

2. Package Contents

Please check the box for the following items:

• DAC651x Audio Decoder x1
• Digital optical fiber cable x1
• Bluetooth Antenna x1
• DC-5V/1A power adapter x1
• User manual x1

Image: TITAK HTA004S Audio Decoder and its accessories.

3. Product Overview

Front Panel

Image: Front Panel Layout

1. DC-5V Power input
2. HDMI(ARC) input
3. Optical input
4. Coaxial input
5. Volume - (previous song) button
6. Volume + (next song) button
7. Input source switch button

Back Panel

Image: Back Panel Layout

1. Bluetooth antenna interface
2. Front Left/Right channel (FL/FR) output
3. Surround Left/Right channel (SL/SR) output
4. Center/Subwoofer channel (CEN/SW) output
5. USB 2.0 port

Multifunctional Interface

Image: Multifunctional Interface

4. Setup Instructions

Follow these steps to set up your TITAK HTA004S Audio Decoder:

1. Connect All Signal Cables: Before powering on the device, ensure all necessary audio and power cables are securely connected. The blue LED will illuminate approximately 10 seconds after power-on, indicating the device is ready for operation.
2. Install Bluetooth Antenna: Screw the provided Bluetooth antenna into the 'ANT' port on the back panel for optimal wireless range.
3. Connect Audio Output:
   • For 5.1ch analog audio output, connect the three 3.5mm phone connectors (FL/FR, SL/SR, CEN/SW) to your 5.1 channel amplifier or active speakers.
   • For 2.0ch output, only the FL/FR channels will be active.
   

   Image: 5.1ch Interface Connection

4. Connect Audio Input: Choose your desired input source:
   • HDMI ARC: Connect an HDMI cable from your TV's HDMI ARC port to the decoder's HDMI(ARC) input. Ensure your TV's audio output is set to HDMI ARC.
   • Optical: Connect an optical fiber cable from your source device (e.g., TV, game console) to the decoder's OPT input. Remember to remove the dust cap from the optical cable before use.
   • Coaxial: Connect a coaxial cable from your source device to the decoder's COX input.
   • USB 2.0: Insert a USB flash drive into the USB 2.0 port for local media playback.
   • Bluetooth: Pair your Bluetooth-enabled device (e.g., smartphone, tablet) with the decoder.
   

   Image: Multi System Compatibility
   

   Image: HDMI ARC Connection Diagram

   

   Image: Multi Device Compatibility

5. Power On: Connect the DC-5V/1A power adapter to the decoder and then to a power outlet.

5. Operating Instructions

Button Functions

• INPUT Button:
  • Short Press: Switches input source in the order: PC-USB → Optical → Coaxial → Bluetooth → USB.
  • Long Press (at least 3s): Toggles between "5.1CH" and "2.0CH" output modes. The 5.1CH LED will be ON for 5.1CH mode and OFF for 2.0CH mode.
• VOL+ Button:
  • Short Press: "Next song" in USB player mode (invalid in other input modes).
  • Long Press (at least 3s): Increases volume (valid in all modes).
• VOL- Button:
  • Short Press: "Previous song" in USB player mode (invalid in other input modes).
  • Long Press (at least 3s): Decreases volume (valid in all modes).

LED Indicators

• POWER (Red): Always ON when power is normal.
• PC-USB (Blue): ON for "PC-USB" mode, FLASHES when source input is detected.
• OPT (Blue): ON for "OPT" mode, FLASHES when source input is detected.
• COX (Blue): ON for "COX" mode, FLASHES when source input is detected.
• 5.1CH (Blue): ON for "5.1CH" mode, OFF for "2.0CH" mode.

Notes:

• The PC-USB/OPT/COX LEDs will all be OFF when "BT" (Bluetooth) mode is selected.
• The PC-USB/OPT/COX LEDs will cycle flash when "USB" mode is selected.

Specific Input Mode Usage

• PC-USB: When using PC-USB, you must install the USB driver on your computer and configure your USB soundcard and AV player software (e.g., Potplayer) to output real 5.1ch.
• USB Music Player: For USB music playback, ensure your U-disk is formatted as "FAT32".
• Bluetooth: The Bluetooth device name is "BT-5.1CH". Bluetooth only transmits stereo audio, which will be converted to virtual 5.1ch, not true 5.1ch.
• HDMI ARC / Optical / Coaxial: For HDTVs or projectors, ensure the audio output is set to External speaker (or SPDIF) and configured for RAW (or Passthrough, bitstream) output to allow the decoder to receive the raw audio signal.

Image: Decoding Process Flowchart

6. Specifications

Image: Product Feature List (Specifications)

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your TITAK HTA004S Audio Decoder, please refer to the following common problems and solutions:

• No Sound Output:
  • Ensure all cables (power, input, output) are securely connected.
  • Verify the correct input source is selected on the decoder using the INPUT button.
  • Check the volume levels on both the decoder and your connected amplifier/speakers.
  • For HDMI ARC, Optical, or Coaxial inputs, confirm your source device (TV, projector) is set to output audio as "External Speaker" (or SPDIF) and in "RAW" (or Passthrough, Bitstream) format. PCM output from the source may not be decoded as 5.1ch.
  • If using PC-USB, ensure the correct USB driver is installed and your AV player software is configured for 5.1ch output.
• No 5.1 Channel Output (only stereo):
  • Confirm the decoder is set to "5.1CH" mode by long-pressing the INPUT button. The 5.1CH LED should be ON.
  • Ensure your audio source is providing a true 5.1 channel signal (DTS or AC3).
  • Remember that Bluetooth audio only transmits stereo and will be converted to virtual 5.1ch, not true 5.1ch.
  • Check your source device's audio settings to ensure it's outputting a 5.1 channel bitstream (e.g., Dolby Digital, DTS) rather than PCM stereo.
• USB Playback Issues:
  • Ensure your USB flash drive is formatted as "FAT32".
  • Verify that the audio files on the USB drive are in a supported format (DTS, DTS-ES, DTS-WAV, AC3, FLAC, APE, AAC, WMV, MP3, M4A etc.).
• Bluetooth Connection Problems:
  • Ensure the Bluetooth antenna is securely attached.
  • Make sure the decoder is in Bluetooth input mode.
  • The Bluetooth device name is "BT-5.1CH". Search for and connect to this device from your source.
  • Ensure your Bluetooth device is within the 15-meter working distance.
• Device Not Responding After Power On:
  • Wait approximately 10 seconds after powering on for the blue LED to illuminate, indicating the device has initialized.
  • Check the power adapter connection and ensure it's receiving power.

8. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your TITAK HTA004S Audio Decoder, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the device. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol sprays, as they may damage the casing or internal components.
• Environment: Operate and store the device within the specified temperature and humidity ranges (Operating: -10 to +60℃, 10 to 90%RH; Storage: -20 to +60℃, 5 to 95%RH, non-condensing). Avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or high humidity.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation around the device to prevent overheating. Do not block any ventilation openings.
• Cable Management: Keep cables organized and free from kinks or excessive bending to prevent damage.
• Firmware Updates: Periodically check for firmware updates to ensure the best performance and compatibility.

Firmware Update Procedure

1. Format a USB flash drive as FAT32.
2. Copy the firmware file (provided by TITAK support) to the root directory of the USB flash drive.
3. Insert the USB flash drive into the USB port of the DAC651U.
4. Power on the DAC651U. The device will update automatically. The update process takes approximately 50 seconds, after which the blue LED will turn ON.
5. After the update is complete, remove the firmware file from the USB flash drive. Otherwise, the device will attempt to update every time it is powered on.

9. User Tips

• For the best 5.1 surround sound experience, ensure your audio source is outputting a native DTS or AC3 signal.
• When connecting to a PC, consider using a dedicated sound card or configuring your PC's audio settings to output 5.1 channel audio directly to the decoder via optical or coaxial for optimal results.
• If you experience audio dropouts or interference with Bluetooth, try moving the source device closer to the decoder or ensuring there are no obstructions.
• Always double-check cable connections, especially optical cables, to ensure they are fully inserted and the dust caps are removed.

10. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact your retailer or the manufacturer directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.