ViewHD HDMI Audio Extractor VHD-H2HSAs User Manual

1. Introduction

The ViewHD HDMI Audio Extractor (Model VHD-H2HSAs / VHD-H2HSAi) is designed to extract audio from an HDMI signal. It provides one SPDIF Toslink optical audio output and one RCA L/R stereo audio output, allowing you to connect your HDMI source to an audio system that does not support HDMI audio input. This device supports HDMI v1.3, full HD 1080P, and 3D video passthrough.

2. Features

• Extracts audio from an HDMI signal to provide separate audio outputs.
• Includes one SPDIF Toslink optical digital audio output.
• Includes one RCA L/R analog stereo audio output.
• SPDIF Toslink output supports audio formats up to Dolby Digital & DTS 5.1CH.
• RCA analog L/R output supports 2CH PCM stereo audio.
• HDMI v1.3 compliant, supporting full HD 1080P and 3D.
• HDCP and EDID pass-through.
• Plug and play operation.
• Supports Raspberry Pi.
• Enables HDMI audio extraction without requiring active output connections for some HDMI sources (source dependent).

3. Package Contents

• ViewHD HDMI Audio Extractor (VHD-H2HSAs)
• 100V-240V AC to DC 5V Power Adapter
• User Manual

4. Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the input and output ports, and controls on the device.

Image 4.1: Front and Rear Panel with Labeled Ports. This image displays the HDMI Input, HDMI Output, Power Input (DC 5V), Power Indicator (PWR), HDMI Indicator, Optical Output (SPDIF), L/R Audio Output, and the Audio Switch (PASS, 2CH, 5.1CH).

Image 4.2: Front View of the Extractor. Shows the HDMI OUT port, SPDIF optical output, and RCA L/R audio outputs.

Image 4.3: Rear View of the Extractor. Displays the DC 5V power input, PWR indicator, HDMI IN port, and the Audio EDID switch.

5. Setup Instructions

Follow these steps to connect your HDMI Audio Extractor:

1. Connect HDMI Source: Connect an HDMI cable from your source device (e.g., Blu-ray player, game console, streaming device) to the HDMI IN port on the extractor.
2. Connect HDMI Display: Connect an HDMI cable from the HDMI OUT port on the extractor to your display device (e.g., TV, projector).
3. Connect Audio Output:
   • For digital audio, connect a Toslink optical cable from the SPDIF port on the extractor to your audio receiver or soundbar.
   • For analog stereo audio, connect RCA L/R cables from the L/R Audio Output ports on the extractor to your stereo receiver or amplifier.
4. Connect Power: Plug the included 5V power adapter into the DC 5V input port on the extractor, then plug the adapter into a power outlet. The PWR indicator light will illuminate.
5. Select Audio Mode: Adjust the Audio EDID switch on the extractor according to your audio setup (see Section 6 for details).

Image 5.1: Typical Connection Diagram. This diagram illustrates how to connect various HDMI sources (Roku, PS3, PS4, Xbox, Apple TV, Blu-ray DVD, Fire TV) to the extractor, and then to an HD TV and different audio amplifiers (with optical or L/R audio inputs).

6. Operating Instructions and Audio Settings

The HDMI Audio Extractor operates automatically once connected. The primary control is the Audio EDID switch, which determines how the audio signal is processed.

Audio EDID Settings:

• 2CH: Select this setting for L/R RCA stereo output or SPDIF stereo output. This mode ensures that the audio signal is downmixed to 2-channel PCM stereo, compatible with most stereo audio receivers and the analog RCA outputs.
• 5.1CH: Use this setting for optical audio output to a surround-sound receiver. This mode allows the SPDIF output to carry Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1CH audio signals. Ensure your audio receiver supports these formats. The RCA L/R outputs will not produce sound in this mode unless the source also outputs 2CH PCM simultaneously.
• PASS: In this mode, the audio EDID information from the connected HDMI display (TV) is passed through to the HDMI source. The audio output capabilities will be determined by your display. This setting is typically used when you want the HDMI TV speakers to handle the sound, or when your display has specific audio processing capabilities you wish to utilize.

Note: The ability to extract HDMI audio without an active output connection is source-dependent. Some HDMI sources may require an active HDMI output connection to function correctly.

7. Troubleshooting

• No Video Output:
  • Ensure all HDMI cables are securely connected.
  • Verify the power adapter is connected and the PWR indicator is lit.
  • Try connecting the HDMI source directly to the display to confirm the source and display are working.
  • If using a DVI-type display, ensure the HDMI source allows selection of RGB color to avoid compatibility issues. For HDMI to DVI applications, consider models like VHD-UHAE.
• No Audio Output:
  • Check all audio cable connections (Toslink or RCA).
  • Verify the Audio EDID switch setting:
    • For RCA L/R or SPDIF stereo, set to 2CH.
    • For SPDIF 5.1CH surround sound, set to 5.1CH. Ensure your receiver supports Dolby Digital/DTS.
    • If using TV speakers, set to PASS.
  • Ensure your audio receiver/soundbar is set to the correct input source.
  • Confirm the HDMI source is outputting audio.
• Intermittent Audio/Video:
  • Check for loose cable connections.
  • Try using different HDMI cables.
  • Ensure the power supply is stable.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

This ViewHD product comes with a one-year replacement warranty. Additionally, free lifetime technical support is provided to assist you with any questions or issues you may encounter.