Extract and downmix audio from HDMI?

[wcvb]

I am looking for a device which can extract multi-channel audio from HDMI, including ARC and eARC, and downmix it to two channels.

 

I want to play all the audio from a TV via a 2-channel audio system.  I want the 5.1 or 7.1 audio to be downmixed to 2.0 PCM, such that the LFE channel is not lost, and the various surround channels are also presented in a reasonable form.

Is such a device available, hopefully at a reasonable price?

 

 

Regards,

wcvb

[jbparrish]

Hi wcvb, I use an OPPO 103, which is supposed to be a universal disk player, as essentially an HDMI splitter, where I use the 103's analog section to provide the output for my amplifier. In the distant past I have looked into standalone splitters, but they are expensive, and you are limited IIRC by a sample rate downgrade because HDMI is licensed. The OPPO has an external HDMI input, which is very unusual for that class of machine, which I have wired with an Apple TV. Pretty much we only do streaming any more. The Apple TV can be configured to output 2.0, but not 2.1 IIRC, and does a good job of integrating the missing 5 channels. The OPPO, if fed from a BluRay disk, can be configured to down mix to 2.1, again IIRC, and it also does a good job. Since this is an audiophile forum, I will throw in that you should never down mix 5 channel SACD, for example, only use the 2 channel version that also comes on the disk. I do not use the LFE (0.1) channel so cannot comment on that. The 103's are selling for about $500 pre-owned on eBay. Not sure how your setup is wired, or what your budget is, so I am not sure if this is helpful. Good luck 

[jrobbins50]

This device likely does what you are seeking to accomplish. And @Kal Rubinsongave it his audiophile blessing in Stereophile. JCR 
 

https://www.essenceelectrostatic.com/product/evolve-ii-4k-hdmi-v2-0-multi-channel-dac/

[Focus Fidelity]

One of these works well,

 

https://jtechdigital.com/articles/how-to-guide-jtd18g-h5ch-jtd-322-4k-60hz-hdmi-audio-extractor/