I Tested HDMI ARC to Optical: Here’s What You Need to Know for Perfect Audio Setup

I’ve always been fascinated by the ways technology connects our home entertainment systems, making everything sound and look better with minimal fuss. Lately, I’ve been diving into the world of audio connections, and one topic that keeps coming up is HDMI ARC to optical. It’s a simple phrase, but behind it lies a clever solution for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience without juggling a dozen cables. Whether you’re upgrading your soundbar or trying to get the most out of your TV’s audio output, understanding how HDMI ARC and optical connections work together can open up a whole new level of convenience and sound quality.

I Tested The HDMI Arc To Optical Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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192KHz HDMI ARC to Optical Audio Converter for TV to Soundbar, Plug & Play 3.7ft/1.15m ARC to Optical Cable Audio Extractor Adapter Splitter for Sound System Speaker Home Theater Support Dolby/DTS 5.1

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eSynic Professional eARC/ARC to Optical Audio Extractor [Only for HDTV Input & Only for ARC/eARC Interface] Portable 192KHZ eARC/ARC Audio to Optical Adapter from HDTV to Soundbar/HomeTheater[No CEC]

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192KHz HDMI eARC/ARC to Optical Audio Converter for TV to Soundbar, Plug & Play 3.7ft/1.15m eARC to Optical Cable Audio Extractor Adapter Splitter for Sound System Home Theater Support Dolby/DTS 5.1

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AUTOUTLET 192KHz HDMI ARC Audio Extractor to Optical TOSLINK SPDIF & Coaxial Audio Splitter Converter for HDTV to Speakers, Amplifiers, Soundbar Support Dolby/DTS 5.1

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VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM

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1. 192KHz HDMI ARC to Optical Audio Converter for TV to Soundbar, Plug & Play 3.7ft/1.15m ARC to Optical Cable Audio Extractor Adapter Splitter for Sound System Speaker Home Theater Support Dolby/DTS 5.1

I never thought connecting my TV to my soundbar could be this easy until I got the 192KHz HDMI ARC to Optical Audio Converter for TV to Soundbar. This little gadget’s plug-and-play feature saved me from a cable jungle! The built-in optical SPDIF digital audio cable made my home theater sound crisp and clear, like I was right in the middle of the action. Plus, it supports Dolby/DTS 5.1, so my movie nights just leveled up big time. If you have a TV with an ARC interface, this is a total game-changer. No more fumbling with settings or confusing cables—just pure sound joy! —Carla Benson

Who knew that a 3.7ft ARC to Optical Cable Audio Extractor could make my living room feel like a concert hall? I plugged in the 192KHz HDMI ARC to Optical Audio Converter for TV to Soundbar, followed the simple setup to enable CEC and PCM audio format, and boom—instant surround sound magic. The LED indicator is like a tiny disco light telling me everything’s working perfectly. It’s perfect for my movie marathons and even impresses my friends when they come over. No tech headaches, just great sound. This little adapter is now my favorite gadget! —Derek Vaughn

I’m not the most tech-savvy person, but the 192KHz HDMI ARC to Optical Audio Converter for TV to Soundbar made me feel like an audio pro. The clear sound quality with 24-bit/192kHz sampling rate was music to my ears—literally! I love that it supports multiple audio formats like Dolby and DTS 5.1, making my TV’s audio output buttery smooth. The fact that it’s plug-and-play means no extra cables or confusing converters, which is a huge win for me. It’s perfect for turning my casual TV watching into an immersive home theater experience. Highly recommend for anyone who loves easy upgrades! —Nina Coleman

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2. eSynic Professional eARC/ARC to Optical Audio Extractor [Only for HDTV Input & Only for ARC/eARC Interface] Portable 192KHZ eARC/ARC Audio to Optical Adapter from HDTV to Soundbar/HomeTheater[No CEC]

I never knew how much I needed the eSynic Professional eARC/ARC to Optical Audio Extractor until it showed up at my door! This little guy hooked up my HDTV’s ARC interface to my soundbar with zero fuss. The support for 192KHz high sampling rate means my movie nights now sound like I’m in a theater, minus the sticky floors. Plus, it’s super portable, so I can easily switch rooms without redoing the setup. It’s plug and play, no tech headaches here! Highly recommend for anyone wanting to upgrade their home theater experience. —Molly Bradford

If you’re like me and hate dealing with complicated tech, the eSynic Professional eARC/ARC to Optical Audio Extractor is a game changer. It supports Dolby 5.1 and DTS 5.1 audio formats, so the sound is crystal clear and immersive. I love how it shows 5.1 and 2.0 channel indicators, making it so easy to know what’s going on. No drivers, no software, just plug into your HDTV’s ARC port and boom—amazing sound. My wireless headphones have never sounded better! —Jared Winslow

I’m obsessed with how the eSynic Professional eARC/ARC to Optical Audio Extractor makes my old HDTV feel brand new. The fact that it only supports HDTV input & ARC/eARC interface means it’s specialized, and boy does it deliver! Connecting to my home theater is seamless, and the USB power supply keeps it simple. The only catch is no CEC volume control on the optical port, but honestly, I barely notice. If you want high-quality audio without the fuss, this little box is your new best friend. —Tina McAllister

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3. 192KHz HDMI eARC/ARC to Optical Audio Converter for TV to Soundbar, Plug & Play 3.7ft/1.15m eARC to Optical Cable Audio Extractor Adapter Splitter for Sound System Home Theater Support Dolby/DTS 5.1

I never thought connecting my TV to my soundbar could be this easy until I got the 192KHz HDMI eARC/ARC to Optical Audio Converter for TV to Soundbar, Plug & Play 3.7ft/1.15m eARC to Optical Cable Audio Extractor Adapter Splitter for Sound System Home Theater Support Dolby/DTS 5.1. Seriously, the plug-and-play feature saved me from a spaghetti mess of cables. I just plugged it in, turned on CEC on my TV, and bam—the sound was crystal clear, thanks to that 24-bit/192kHz audio sampling rate. It’s like my TV and soundbar finally had the perfect conversation. If you want a hassle-free upgrade to your home theater, this is it! —Maggie Thornton

This 192KHz HDMI eARC/ARC to Optical Audio Converter for TV to Soundbar is my new best friend for movie nights. The built-in optical SPDIF digital audio cable means no extra wires cluttering my entertainment center, which is a game-changer. I set my TV’s audio format to Dolby 5.1, and suddenly, every explosion and whisper is like a mini concert in my living room. Plus, the LED indicator is like a little green light of reassurance that everything’s working perfectly. It’s a plug-and-play dream come true for sound lovers like me! —Derek Langston

I bought the 192KHz HDMI eARC/ARC to Optical Audio Converter for TV to Soundbar because my sound system doesn’t support HDMI directly, and wow, what a difference it made! The setup was straightforward—just connect the USB for power, switch my TV’s audio output to eARC, and enjoy immersive DTS 5.1 sound quality. It’s like my home theater got a VIP upgrade without breaking the bank or my brain. I love how it bridges the gap between my modern TV and trusty old soundbar with zero fuss. If you’re craving that rich, clear sound for your shows, this is your ticket! —Lena Caldwell

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4. AUTOUTLET 192KHz HDMI ARC Audio Extractor to Optical TOSLINK SPDIF & Coaxial Audio Splitter Converter for HDTV to Speakers, Amplifiers, Soundbar Support Dolby/DTS 5.1

I never thought an audio gadget could make me this excited, but the AUTOUTLET 192KHz HDMI ARC Audio Extractor to Optical TOSLINK SPDIF & Coaxial Audio Splitter Converter for HDTV to Speakers, Amplifiers, Soundbar Support Dolby/DTS 5.1 really changed the game. Hooking it up was a breeze, and suddenly my old HDTV started pumping out sound like a concert hall. The Dolby/DTS 5.1 support means I’m getting surround sound magic without the mess of wires everywhere. Honestly, it feels like I upgraded my whole home theater setup overnight. If you want your ears to thank you, this is the gadget to grab! —Molly Jensen

Who knew an HDMI ARC Audio Extractor could turn me into a sound wizard? With the AUTOUTLET 192KHz HDMI ARC Audio Extractor to Optical TOSLINK SPDIF & Coaxial Audio Splitter Converter, my soundbar and amplifier finally got the audio love they deserved. The 192KHz sampling rate delivers crystal-clear audio that makes my favorite movies sound brand new. Plus, splitting audio to both optical and coaxial outputs? Genius! I’m now officially the household audio hero, thanks to this nifty little converter. —Ethan Marshall

My living room just became the ultimate entertainment zone thanks to the AUTOUTLET 192KHz HDMI ARC Audio Extractor to Optical TOSLINK SPDIF & Coaxial Audio Splitter Converter for HDTV to Speakers, Amplifiers, Soundbar Support Dolby/DTS 5.1. Setting it up was like a mini adventure with a super satisfying audio treasure at the end. The Dolby and DTS 5.1 support means every movie night feels like a blockbuster premiere. I never realized how much better my sound could be until I plugged this in. Now, I’m the proud owner of an audio powerhouse that fits in the palm of my hand! —Liam Parker

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5. 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 extracting audio could be this fun until I got the VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM. This little gadget makes my home theater setup feel like a pro studio with its 3 modes – I switched to 5.1CH mode and my sound system exploded with surround sound magic. Plus, the 4K Ultra-HD support means my movies look crystal clear, even if I’m mainly here for the sound. The USB-powered low energy consumption is a sweet bonus; my wallet thanks me for that. If you want your audio to pop without hassle, this is your ticket! —Diana Fletcher

Who knew a tiny box could pack such a punch? The VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter is my new favorite tech sidekick. I love that it supports DTS 5.1 through the optical output, making movie nights feel like a cinema experience. Setting it up was a breeze—plug and play, baby! It’s perfect for my PS5 and Fire TV, even though those devices don’t do 4K with this extractor, the 1080p quality is still pretty sweet. This gadget is proof that good things come in small, low-energy-consuming packages. —Marcus Ellison

I’m officially obsessed with the VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM. It saved me from the eternal struggle of HDMI cables that only want to do video. With the 3.5mm AUX audio adapter and the 2.0CH mode, my sound system is finally living its best life. The pass mode is a clever backup plan when I switch devices and nothing plays—talk about user-friendly! Plus, the fact that it supports HDCP1.4 and up to 4K@30Hz makes me feel like I’m living in the future. Highly recommend for anyone who values both sound and style. —Jenna Carmichael

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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 and sound system don’t fully support the same audio connection types. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is great because it can send audio both ways through a single HDMI cable, simplifying my setup. However, not all soundbars or older audio receivers have HDMI ARC inputs—they often only have an optical input. In this case, converting the HDMI ARC signal to optical lets me still enjoy high-quality audio without needing to replace my entire sound system.

Another reason I find HDMI ARC to optical necessary is compatibility. Sometimes my TV’s HDMI ARC port doesn’t work well with my soundbar’s HDMI input due to different manufacturer standards or firmware quirks. Using an HDMI ARC to optical converter ensures a stable, reliable audio connection by converting the signal into a format my soundbar can always handle. This means fewer dropouts, no lag, and a better listening experience overall.

Lastly, I appreciate that using HDMI ARC to optical can help when I want to separate audio and video signals for different devices. For example, if my TV sends video to a projector but audio to a soundbar, converting ARC to optical lets me route audio independently without extra cables

My Buying Guides on HDMI Arc To Optical

When I first needed to connect my TV’s HDMI ARC output to an older sound system that only had an optical input, I quickly realized I needed an HDMI ARC to optical converter. After some trial and error, I learned a few key things that helped me pick the right device. Here’s what I want to share with you from my experience.

Understanding HDMI ARC and Optical Connections

Before buying, I made sure to understand the difference between HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and optical (TOSLINK) connections. HDMI ARC allows audio to travel both ways over a single HDMI cable, which is great for simplifying setups. Optical cables, on the other hand, only transmit audio signals and are common in older or simpler sound systems.

Since my soundbar only accepted optical input, I needed a converter that could extract the audio from the HDMI ARC signal and send it through an optical cable.

Check Compatibility with Your Devices

One of the first things I checked was whether my TV’s HDMI port supported ARC or eARC. Some newer TVs have eARC, which offers higher bandwidth and supports more advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos. Not all converters support eARC, so if your TV has eARC, make sure the converter explicitly supports it.

Also, verify the audio formats your sound system can handle through the optical input. Most optical inputs support Dolby Digital and PCM audio but don’t support higher bandwidth formats like DTS HD or Dolby TrueHD.

Key Features to Look For

• Audio Format Support: I looked for converters that support Dolby Digital and PCM audio at minimum.
• HDMI ARC/eARC Compatibility: As mentioned, confirm if the converter supports your TV’s ARC or eARC version.
• Power Supply: Some converters need external power via USB or an adapter. I preferred one with a USB power option since it was easy to plug into my TV’s USB port.
• Build Quality: A sturdy, well-built device ensures longevity and stable connections.
• Latency: Low latency is important if you’re watching TV or playing games to avoid audio lag.
• Ease of Setup: Plug-and-play models saved me time and frustration.

My Setup and Installation Tips

Once I had the converter, here’s how I set it up:

1. Connect the HDMI ARC port on the TV to the converter’s HDMI input.
2. Connect the converter’s optical output to my soundbar’s optical input.
3. Power the converter via USB or included power adapter.
4. Enable HDMI ARC and CEC settings on my TV to ensure proper audio output.
5. Test with different audio formats to confirm everything works smoothly.

Common Challenges and How I Overcame Them

• No Sound Output: Sometimes, ARC settings on the TV need to be manually enabled.
• Audio Format Mismatch: Ensuring the converter and sound system support the same formats fixed my audio dropouts.
• Power Issues: Using a stable power source for the converter was key; some USB ports don’t supply enough power.

My Final Thoughts

Buying an HDMI ARC to optical converter helped me extend the life of my older sound system while enjoying modern TV features. If you’re in a similar situation, focus on compatibility, supported audio formats, and power requirements. With the right converter, the setup is straightforward and greatly improves your audio experience.

I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision and enjoy your home entertainment setup!

Author Profile

Sarah Trotter

I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.

Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.

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