Extract Audio from HDMI: Here’s How to do it!

Do you want to extract audio from HDMI? You’re in luck! This blog post will teach you how to do it right. HDMI is a cable that can carry video and audio signals. So, if you want to use your home theater as a sound system or connect to an external amplifier or sound system, you will need an HDMI audio extractor.

There are many different types of HDMI audio extractors on the market, so deciding which one is best for you can be challenging. This blog post will discuss the essential features when choosing an HDMI audio extractor, and we will recommend some of the best models available.

What is HDMI?

HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. It is a type of cable that can carry both video and audio signals. HDMI cables connect digital devices, such as Blu-Ray players or video game consoles, to TVs or monitors.

The audio signal is encoded in the same way as if you were using analog cables (RCA). But instead of being carried by four separate wires inside a single cable, all four channels are multiplexed together on one wire at high frequency. This allows them to fit into smaller connectors and reduce cost compared to using individual RCA jacks for each channel’s signal (which require more pins).

HDMI is the standard for connecting high-definition devices. It is the most popular cable used to connect digital devices to TVs and monitors nowadays.

What does an HDMI Audio Extractor do?

An HDMI Audio Extractor is a device that converts the audio signal encoded in HDMI to analog or digital signals to send to an external amplifier or sound system.

It’s prevalent for people who own TVs and monitors without built-in speakers to use their home theater as a sound system. If you have an older TV or monitor with only one HDMI port (and no other inputs/outputs), using it as your primary display means being unable to connect to other audio devices, such as a soundbar or home theater system.

Another typical case is for people who want to send their consoles (PS5, PS4, Xbox, etc.) or streaming devices (Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick) audio to an external amplifier or sound system.

This is where an HDMI Audio Extractor comes in handy! It allows you to extract the audio signal from HDMI and send it to an external amplifier or sound system. This can be a great way to improve the sound quality of your TV or monitor, especially if you are using an older model that doesn’t have excellent speakers.

Some extractors have audio and video outputs, while others only have audio outputs. Some HDMI audio extractors support surround sound, while others only support stereo sound. Some extractors have analog outputs, while others have digital outputs such as optical or another HDMI (HDMI vs. optical compared). Other extractors support simultaneous analog and digital outputs.

Knowing what kind of audio you need is important before choosing an HDMI Audio Extractor. Do you want just a simple stereo sound? Or would surround sound be better for your needs (surround vs. stereo comparison)? Does your audio system or home theatre support analog or digital audio inputs (RCA, coaxial cable)?

Knowing all this information will help you choose an extractor with the needed features.

Best HDMI audio extractors in the market

There are many different HDMI audio extractors in the market. Some of them are good, others not so much. It is essential to choose a high-quality extractor that won’t degrade the sound quality or video resolution when it extracts the audio signal from the HDMI input!

The best way to do this is by looking at reviews from customers who have purchased these products and reading what they say about them on Amazon (for example).

Here are a few things you need to keep in mind.

1. An HDMI audio extractor should not degrade the signal quality

This is the most important thing to consider when choosing an HDMI audio extractor. The extractor should not reduce the video resolution or degrade the sound quality of the audio signal when it extracts it from HDMI.

2. Video resolution is important

Ensure you know the maximum resolution your TV or monitor can handle before buying an HDMI Audio Extractor. Many high-end models support resolutions up to 1080p. However, 4K TVs are becoming more common these days, and therefore you may need to get an extractor with a higher resolution.

With this in mind, some of our favorite models are:

J-Tech Digital 4K 60HZ HDMI Audio Extractor 

This extractor has a maximum resolution of 3840×2160 at 60hz and supports digital and analog audio outputs. It’s easy to set up but doesn’t support surround sound on some devices.

Amazon Basics HDMI audio extractor

 This extractor has a maximum resolution of 3840×216 at 30hz and supports digital (optical) and analog audio outputs. It supports two-channel analog stereo or multi-channel audio through SPDIF.

Monoprice BlackbirdTM 4K Series audio extractor

Another good option for tight budgets, but this one supports 7.1 channel audio.

Extract audio from HDMI – The bottom line

Extracting audio from an HDMI signal can be a great way to improve the sound quality of your TV or monitor, primarily if you use built-in speakers. Many different HDMI audio extractors are available, so it’s important to know what kind of audio you need before choosing one.

Whether playing video games, watching movies with an old TV or audio system, or wanting something better than built-in speakers on your TV or monitor, an HDMI Audio Extractor is a great way to go!

Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.