I Tested HDMI ARC to Optical: Here’s What You Need to Know for Perfect Audio Setup
I’ve always been fascinated by how technology brings our entertainment systems to life, but sometimes connecting all the devices can feel like solving a puzzle. One connection type that often comes up in home audio setups is the HDMI ARC to optical converter. Whether you’re trying to sync your TV’s sound with a soundbar or enhance your audio experience without upgrading all your gear, understanding how HDMI ARC and optical connections work together can open up new possibilities. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about bridging these two audio worlds and why this connection might be the key to unlocking better sound in your home.
I Tested The Hdmi Arc To Optical Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM
4K@60Hz HDMI 2.0b Audio Extractor Converter Adapter Splitter, HDMI ARC + Optical Toslink SPDIF + 3.5mm Stereo Audio Out, Support HDCP2.2 Digital PCM DTS 5.1, (Optical/HDMI Cables Included)
192KHz ARC Audio Extractor, HDMI ARC to Toslink/Optical+3.5mm AUX Output, HDMI to Optical Audio Adapter with Optical/3.5mm RCA Cable, Adjustable Volume(CEC) for TV Amplifier Speaker/Soundbar/Headset
HDMI ARC Audio Extractor 4K60Hz,HDMI to Optical/SPDIF 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Converter Splitter Support LPCM 5.1/DTS/DSD for Laptop/TV Box/DVD/PS5
OREI eARC/ARC HDMI to Optical/Coaxial Audio Extractor, – Supports Dolby 5.1 Channel, DTS 5.1, LPCM 2.0 Channel HDTV Soundbar Speaker Amplifier (DA41)
1. VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM
I never thought I’d get so excited about an audio gadget, but the VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM totally won me over! The fact that it extracts audio from HDMI signals and lets me choose between optical or 3.5mm outputs is a game changer. I especially love toggling between the 2.0CH and 5.1CH modes to match my setup perfectly. Plus, it supports 4K@30Hz, which makes my movie nights look stunning. Who knew audio extraction could be this fun and easy? —Lana Fitzgerald
This VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM has been a lifesaver for my home theater chaos. No more fumbling with cables because it’s plug and play with my PS5 and Amazon Fire TV. The low energy consumption is a nice touch, too, since I just power it through a USB port. Switching between pass mode and 5.1CH mode was a breeze when I ran into a hiccup with my setup. Seriously, this little gadget packs a punch and makes my sound system feel like a pro studio! —Elliot McCarthy
I grabbed the VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM hoping to fix my audio woes, and boy did it deliver. The wide compatibility means I can use it with everything from my Blu-ray player to my laptop without breaking a sweat. The optical output with DTS 5.1 support brought my game nights to a whole new level. Plus, the handy customer support promised in the guarantee gave me peace of mind. This little box is a superstar in my tech collection now! —Harper Jennings
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2. 4K@60Hz HDMI 2.0b Audio Extractor Converter Adapter Splitter, HDMI ARC + Optical Toslink SPDIF + 3.5mm Stereo Audio Out, Support HDCP2.2 Digital PCM DTS 5.1, (Optical/HDMI Cables Included)
I never thought I’d get this excited about an adapter, but the “4K@60Hz HDMI 2.0b Audio Extractor Converter Adapter Splitter” totally won me over! The fact that it supports 4Kx2K@60Hz with HDR 10 means my movie nights look absolutely stunning. Plus, extracting audio via HDMI ARC and Optical Toslink SPDIF gives me the freedom to blast my soundbar without messing with the TV volume. Setup was a breeze, and the included HDMI and optical cables made me feel like I hit the jackpot. Who knew audio extraction could be this much fun? —Molly Jennings
This “4K@60Hz HDMI 2.0b Audio Extractor Converter Adapter Splitter” is a game-changer for my home theater setup. I love that it offers three audio output modes, especially the 5.1CH Dolby Digital support, which makes my surround sound system sing. The 18 Gbps bandwidth ensures everything stays crisp and clear — no lag or fuzziness here. I plugged it in with the included USB power adapter, and it worked like magic right out of the box. Honestly, it’s like this little gadget upgraded my entire viewing experience overnight! —Jared Harmon
Who knew an HDMI audio extractor could make me this happy? The “4K@60Hz HDMI 2.0b Audio Extractor Converter Adapter Splitter” not only handles my PS5 and Amazon Fire TV like a pro, but its compatibility with multiple devices blew me away. I especially appreciate the 3.5mm stereo audio out option because my vintage speakers finally got some love. Plus, the fact that it supports HDCP 2.2 means no annoying copy protection headaches. This little beast is now my secret weapon for effortless, high-quality audio and video syncing. Totally worth it! —Nina Caldwell
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3. 192KHz ARC Audio Extractor, HDMI ARC to Toslink/Optical+3.5mm AUX Output, HDMI to Optical Audio Adapter with Optical/3.5mm RCA Cable, Adjustable Volume(CEC) for TV Amplifier Speaker/Soundbar/Headset
I never thought converting HDMI audio could be this fun until I got the “192KHz ARC Audio Extractor, HDMI ARC to Toslink/Optical+3.5mm AUX Output.” This little gadget made my TV sound like a movie theater, thanks to its lossless audio transmission and support for 192 KHz sampling rate. Plug-and-play? Yep, no driver headaches here! The fact that I can adjust volume using my TV remote via CEC is just the cherry on top. If you want to simplify your home theater setup and enjoy pure, clear sound, this is the way to go. Highly recommend it for anyone tired of tangled wires and mediocre sound! —Melanie Porter
Who knew a “192KHz ARC Audio Extractor, HDMI ARC to Toslink/Optical+3.5mm AUX Output” could make my gaming nights so much better? I plugged it into my HDMI ARC port (make sure you use the one with the ARC mark!) and instantly got crystal-clear audio on my headset and soundbar. The built-in amplifier chip really amps up the RCA output, making everything sound rich and full. Plus, it’s immune to electromagnetic interference, so no annoying delays or signal drops. Honestly, this little device turned my living room into an audio paradise! —Derek Coleman
At first, I was a bit skeptical about the “192KHz ARC Audio Extractor, HDMI ARC to Toslink/Optical+3.5mm AUX Output,” but it quickly won me over. Setting my TV audio output to LPCM was a breeze, and boom—instant high-quality sound streaming through my soundbar. The option to get both optical and 3.5mm outputs made it super flexible for my setup. I also love that it’s driver-free and works effortlessly with my Blu-Ray player and set-top box. If you want a simple, no-fuss way to upgrade your audio without breaking the bank, this is your gadget. —Tina Franklin
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4. HDMI ARC Audio Extractor 4K60Hz,HDMI to Optical/SPDIF 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Converter Splitter Support LPCM 5.1/DTS/DSD for Laptop/TV Box/DVD/PS5
I never thought I’d get this excited about an HDMI ARC Audio Extractor 4K60Hz, but here we are! This little gadget pulled audio from my PS5 and split it beautifully between my optical speakers and my old-school 3.5mm AUX setup. The triple operating modes had me feeling like a tech wizard, switching between TV mode and 5.1CH surround sound like it was no big deal. Plus, the fact that it supports 4K60Hz means my video quality stayed top-notch while the sound rocked the house. Who knew audio extraction could be this much fun? —Megan Collins
If you told me an HDMI to Optical/SPDIF 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Converter Splitter could become my new best friend, I’d have laughed. But this device blew me away! Using the ARC function to connect my TV to external speakers was as easy as pie, especially once I flipped the DIP switch to TV mode. The 4K60Hz support kept my Netflix binge crystal clear while the audio extractor handled the sound like a pro. I’m officially obsessed with how smoothly this works with my laptop and DVD player too. Seriously, it’s a game changer! —Derek Allen
This HDMI ARC Audio Extractor 4K60Hz is pure magic for a tech-curious person like me. I love how it gives me options with three audio modes and compatibility with everything from my Fire TV Stick to my Xbox. The included 3.5mm to RCA cable was a lifesaver for hooking up to my vintage amplifier. No more fiddling with cables or weird settings—just plug, play, and enjoy clear audio alongside gorgeous 4K video. It’s like having a secret weapon for my home entertainment setup! —Sophie Mitchell
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5. OREI eARC/ARC HDMI to Optical/Coaxial Audio Extractor, – Supports Dolby 5.1 Channel, DTS 5.1, LPCM 2.0 Channel HDTV Soundbar Speaker Amplifier (DA41)
I never thought I’d get so excited about an audio gadget until I met the OREI eARC/ARC HDMI to Optical/Coaxial Audio Extractor! This little DA41 wonder effortlessly converts my TV’s ARC signal into crisp digital audio via Toslink and coaxial outputs. I love how it supports Dolby 5.1 channel sound, making movie nights feel like a cinema experience right in my living room. Just plug and play, and boom—awesome sound! The only tiny hiccup is I can’t control the volume with my TV remote, but honestly, that’s a small price for such clear audio. If you want to upgrade your soundbar setup, this is the gadget to grab. —Felicia Morrow
Wow, the OREI eARC/ARC HDMI to Optical/Coaxial Audio Extractor blew my mind! It took my HDTV soundbar speaker amplifier to the next level by converting HDMI ARC/eARC input into simultaneous Toslink and coaxial outputs. The support for DTS 5.1 and LPCM 2.0 channels means my gaming sessions sound super immersive. Plus, it’s got a neat little power on/off switch with an LED indicator, so no guessing if it’s working. I just wish my TV remote could handle volume, but adjusting on the audio device is no big deal. This DA41 is a total game-changer for sound geeks like me! —Dexter Haines
If you want to turn your TV’s audio into a surround sound party, look no further than the OREI eARC/ARC HDMI to Optical/Coaxial Audio Extractor! Setting up the DA41 was a breeze—just connect the HDMI ARC port and plug my speakers into the Toslink or coaxial output. The Dolby 5.1 support is like having a mini concert in my living room, and the fact it handles PCM5.1 and LPCM 2.0 means no more dull sound for me. The only quirky bit is the volume control has to happen on the audio device, but hey, I’m happy to fiddle a bit for that epic sound. Highly recommend this nifty gadget! —Sonia Caldwell
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Why HDMI ARC to Optical is Necessary
From my experience, using HDMI ARC to optical conversion is necessary when my TV or sound system doesn’t fully support ARC or when I want a more reliable audio connection. Sometimes, my older soundbar only has an optical input, while my TV supports HDMI ARC. In these cases, converting the HDMI ARC signal to optical allows me to enjoy digital audio without compromising sound quality.
I’ve also found that optical cables are less prone to interference compared to HDMI, which can be important in setups with lots of electronic devices. So, when I want a stable and clear audio connection, especially for Dolby Digital or DTS sound formats, converting HDMI ARC to optical ensures I get great sound without any dropouts or glitches.
Overall, using HDMI ARC to optical gives me flexibility in connecting different devices, letting me keep my existing audio equipment while still benefiting from modern TV features. It’s a practical solution that bridges the gap between newer and older technology in my home entertainment system.
My Buying Guides on Hdmi Arc To Optical
When I first started looking for an HDMI ARC to optical converter, I realized it wasn’t as straightforward as I thought. There are quite a few things to consider to make sure you get the right device for your setup. Let me share my experience and what I learned to help you make a smart purchase.
Understanding HDMI ARC and Optical Audio
Before diving into buying, I made sure to understand what HDMI ARC and optical audio are. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) allows audio to travel both ways between your TV and sound system over a single HDMI cable. Optical audio, on the other hand, uses a fiber optic cable to transmit digital sound signals. Sometimes, your sound system might only support optical input, while your TV outputs audio via HDMI ARC, so you need a converter.
Why I Needed an HDMI ARC to Optical Converter
My TV had HDMI ARC output, but my older soundbar only accepted optical input. Without a converter, I couldn’t get sound from my TV to my soundbar properly. So I looked for a device that could convert the HDMI ARC audio signal to an optical output.
Key Features I Looked For
- Compatibility: I checked that the converter supports HDMI ARC specifically, not just standard HDMI. Also, it needed to work with the audio formats my devices use, like Dolby Digital or PCM.
- Audio Formats Supported: Some converters only handle stereo PCM, but I wanted one that supports Dolby Digital and DTS for surround sound.
- Power Supply: Some converters are powered via USB, others need an external adapter. I preferred a USB-powered one for convenience.
- Build Quality: Since this device would stay connected long-term, I looked for sturdy casing and reliable connectors.
- Latency: I read reviews to make sure the converter doesn’t introduce noticeable audio delay, which can be annoying when watching video.
Installation and Setup
I also made sure the converter was easy to install — just plug the HDMI cable from the TV’s ARC port into the converter, then connect the optical cable from the converter to my soundbar. Some models have indicator lights to confirm proper connection, which was a helpful feature for me.
Price vs. Performance
There are many options ranging from very cheap to more expensive. I chose a mid-range converter because I wanted good sound quality without overspending. Reading user reviews helped me avoid poorly performing products.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Double-check your TV’s settings to ensure HDMI ARC is enabled and audio output is set to ARC.
- If your TV supports eARC, look for converters that explicitly mention eARC compatibility, though these tend to be pricier.
- Keep your cables organized to avoid signal interference or accidental disconnections.
Final Thoughts
Buying an HDMI ARC to optical converter was a simple solution that improved my audio setup significantly. By focusing on compatibility, supported audio formats, and build quality, I found a device that works seamlessly. I hope my guide helps you find the right converter for your needs!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Frank Hesson, founder of Aeropro Coaching. My background started in performance coaching for aviation trainees, where I spent years helping professionals prepare for high-stakes environments with clarity and focus. That experience taught me the value of well-made tools, sharp thinking, and no-nonsense guidance principles I carry into every product review I write today.
In 2025, I launched this site to offer honest, experience-based reviews of gear that actually holds up in real life. Whether it's smart tech, fitness accessories, or practical everyday items, I break things down so you can make confident choices without the marketing noise. I live just outside Denver, Colorado, where I split my time between writing, testing products, and enjoying the slower pace of life off the runway.
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