8K eARC Audio Processor

The ZONE2-PRO 8K eARC audio processor splits eARC into dual output for two audio systems.

THENAUDIO ZONE2-PRO is a dual-zone eARC audio processor and Fixed Rate Link (FRL) 6 HDMI switch designed to distribute eARC audio simultaneously to separate audio systems. One common use is with the client that has purchased a NextGen TV and soundbar and wishes to integrate the multichannel eARC soundtrack also through a still viable, though years behind, AVR. 

The ZONE2-PRO is inserted into the signal path from the TV eARC HDMI output port, splitting between the soundbar and AVR. The dedicated TV eARC input directs the signal to an output designated as eARC output to a soundbar. 

Meanwhile, en route to the dedicated AVR output, a proprietary ThenAudio algorithm first decodes the eARC audio data, then proceeds to re-encode the signal without alteration, adding metadata that automatically optimizes the signal to interface with the legacy audio processor. Video data is not decoded and passes through unchanged if desired for viewing in an alternate location. It should be noted that the audio extraction performed by the ZONE2-PRO remains in multi-channel codec form and is NOT downmixed for distributed multi-zone stereo use.      

The ZONE2-PRO may also function as a two-input, HDMI 2.1, 8K/ 60 fps, 48 Gbps video switcher.