avedio links 4K@60Hz HDMI eARC Bi-Directional Splitter/Switcher

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the avedio links 4K@60Hz HDMI eARC Bi-Directional Splitter/Switcher. This device is designed to manage HDMI audio and video signals, offering both switching and audio extraction capabilities. It supports high-resolution video up to 4K@60Hz and advanced audio formats, making it suitable for various home theater and professional audio-visual setups.

2. Key Features

• Bi-directional HDMI Functionality: Operates as a 2x1 HDMI switch for two sources to one display, or as a 1x2 HDMI eARC splitter for one TV to two audio devices.
• Advanced Audio Extraction: Extracts audio from an HDMI source to an HDMI/eARC/ARC audio device, or to optical Toslink SPDIF 5.1 channel, coaxial, and 3.5mm stereo outputs.
• 4K@60Hz Video Support: Compatible with 4K@60Hz, 4K@30Hz, 1080p, and 720p resolutions, with 36-bit color depth and HDCP 2.2.
• eARC/ARC Support: Facilitates audio return channel functionality for seamless audio transmission from TV to sound systems.
• EDID Management: Features DIP switch settings for eARC switcher mode (one output active) or eARC splitter mode (two outputs simultaneous).
• Wide Compatibility: Plug-and-play design compatible with PCs, projectors, Blu-ray players, gaming consoles (Switch, Xbox), streaming devices (Fire Stick, Roku), amplifiers, soundbars, stereos, and home theater systems.
• Audio Format Support: Supports ARC/eARC 7.1CH, Optical Toslink SPDIF 5.1CH, coaxial, and 3.5mm stereo outputs. Compatible with Dolby True HD and DTS-HD.

3. Device Overview

Familiarize yourself with the ports and controls on your avedio links HDMI eARC Bi-Directional Splitter/Switcher.

Image: Front and rear view of the device highlighting various ports and controls.

• DC/5V: Power input port.
• HDMI OUT: HDMI output port for connecting to a display.
• HDMI IN1/eARC OUT1: Bi-directional port. Functions as HDMI input 1 or eARC output 1.
• HDMI IN2/eARC OUT2: Bi-directional port. Functions as HDMI input 2 or eARC output 2.
• Optical: Optical Toslink SPDIF audio output.
• Coaxial: Coaxial audio output.
• R/L (3.5mm): 3.5mm stereo audio output.
• EDID DIP Switch: Four-position switch for configuring EDID and operating modes.
• Select Button: Switches between HDMI input sources (HDMI IN1/IN2) in switch mode.
• eARC Button: Toggles eARC functionality on/off.
• TV Audio Button: Switches between eARC audio outputs (eARC OUT1/OUT2) in eARC switch mode.
• IR Receive: Infrared receiver for remote control.
• Indicator Lights: LEDs to show active input/output and power status.

4. Setup and Connection

Follow these steps to set up your avedio links HDMI eARC Bi-Directional Splitter/Switcher.

1. Power Connection: Connect the provided 5V DC power adapter to the DC/5V port on the device and then to a power outlet.
2. HDMI Output to Display: Connect an HDMI cable from the HDMI OUT port of the splitter/switcher to the HDMI input of your TV or monitor.
3. Source Device Connection (2x1 HDMI Switch Mode):
   • Connect your first HDMI source device (e.g., Blu-ray player, gaming console) to the HDMI IN1/eARC OUT1 port.
   • Connect your second HDMI source device to the HDMI IN2/eARC OUT2 port.
4. Audio Device Connection (1x2 HDMI eARC Splitter Mode):
   • Connect your TV's HDMI eARC/ARC port to the HDMI IN1/eARC OUT1 port on the splitter/switcher.
   • Connect your first eARC/ARC compatible audio device (e.g., soundbar, AV receiver) to the HDMI IN2/eARC OUT2 port.
   • Connect your second eARC/ARC compatible audio device to the HDMI OUT port.
5. External Audio Output (Optional): If using optical, coaxial, or 3.5mm stereo outputs, connect your audio receiver or sound system to the corresponding ports.
6. Power On: Ensure all connections are secure, then power on all connected devices.

Image: Connection diagram showing various HDMI and audio devices connected to the splitter/switcher.

5. Operating Modes

The device supports two primary operating modes, configurable via the EDID DIP switches and port usage.

5.1. 2x1 HDMI Switch Mode

In this mode, two HDMI source devices share one HDMI display. The device acts as a traditional HDMI switch.

• Connect two HDMI sources to HDMI IN1/eARC OUT1 and HDMI IN2/eARC OUT2.
• Connect your display to HDMI OUT.
• Use the 'Select' button on the device or remote control to switch between the two HDMI input sources.

5.2. 1x2 HDMI eARC Splitter Mode

This mode allows audio from your TV's eARC/ARC port to be sent to two eARC/ARC compatible audio devices simultaneously or selectively.

• Connect your TV's eARC/ARC port to HDMI IN1/eARC OUT1.
• Connect your primary eARC/ARC audio device to HDMI IN2/eARC OUT2.
• Connect your secondary eARC/ARC audio device to HDMI OUT.
• The EDID DIP switch setting (4th dial) determines if it acts as a splitter (simultaneous output) or a switch (selectable output).

Image: Visual representation of the two main operating modes: 2x1 HDMI Switch and 1x2 HDMI eARC Splitter.

6. EDID Configuration

The EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) DIP switches on the device allow you to configure audio output behavior and operating modes.

Image: Detailed table of EDID DIP switch settings for audio modes (TV, 2.0CH, 5.1CH, 7.1CH) and operating modes.

The 4th dial of the EDID DIP switch specifically controls the eARC functionality:

• 4th Dial UP ("0"): eARC Switch 2X1 Mode. In this mode, only one of the two eARC output ports (HDMI IN1/eARC OUT1 or HDMI IN2/eARC OUT2) will output sound at a time. You can switch between them using the 'TV Audio' button.
• 4th Dial DOWN ("1"): eARC Splitter 1X2 Mode. In this mode, the TV sound is transmitted to both eARC audio devices simultaneously for synchronized high-quality audio.

Image: Visual guide for setting the 4th EDID DIP switch for eARC Switch or eARC Splitter functionality.

6.1. General EDID Settings

The first three DIP switches (1, 2, 3) control the audio EDID settings:

Note: "0" indicates the DIP switch is in the DOWN position, "1" indicates the UP position.

7. Important Notes for ARC/eARC Usage

Image: Setup diagram with critical notes regarding ARC/eARC functionality.

• When using the ARC feature, both the TV and the audio device need to support ARC.
• When using the eARC function, ensure the soundbar is connected to either the HDMI IN1/eARC OUT1 or HDMI IN2/eARC OUT2 port.
• When the audio format is 7.1 channel, the coaxial and optical ports cannot output sound.
• Remember the 4th DIP switch setting: "0" (Down) for eARC Switch 2X1, "1" (Up) for eARC Splitter 1X2.

8. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues, please refer to the following common solutions:

• No Video/Audio Output:
  • Ensure all HDMI cables are securely connected and not damaged.
  • Verify the power adapter is correctly connected and the device is powered on.
  • Check the input selection on your TV/display and the source selection on the splitter/switcher.
  • Confirm that your source device is outputting a compatible resolution and audio format.
  • Adjust the EDID DIP switches to match your desired audio format and operating mode.
• ARC/eARC Not Working:
  • Ensure both your TV and audio device support ARC/eARC and that the feature is enabled in their settings.
  • Connect the TV's ARC/eARC HDMI port to the designated eARC input on the splitter/switcher.
  • Check the 4th EDID DIP switch setting for eARC mode.
  • If using 7.1CH audio, remember that optical and coaxial outputs will not function.
• Intermittent Signal:
  • Try using shorter, high-quality HDMI cables.
  • Ensure there are no other devices causing interference.
  • Restart all connected devices, including the splitter/switcher.

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

avedio links products are designed for reliability and performance. For specific warranty information, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or contact avedio links customer support. If you require technical assistance or have questions regarding your device, please reach out to the manufacturer's support channels.