New module for simple testing of HDMI2 and eARC audio channels

Audio Precision has released its HDMI2 + eARC module, a fully integrated digital I/O module allowing direct connection to HDMI2 and eARC audio devices. This innovative solution enables designers and manufacturers to readily test audio in a wide range of HDMI audio-compatible devices, including streaming media players, televisions, soundbars, receivers, and Blu-ray players.

“HDMI is a ubiquitous interface for connecting displays and home-theater audio devices. The latest update to the standard, v2.1, supports ultra-high-definition video and additional audio functionality, including the enhanced audio return channel, eARC. To date, no company has provided a solution for simple and efficient testing of the audio features of these devices. Today, Audio Precision brings to market a new interface module that makes it as easy to test HDMI2 and eARC audio as we have previously made testing other analog and digital audio interfaces,” Daniel Knighten, general manager, Audio Precision.

The new module is a turn-key solution that supports all audio formats embedded in HDMI. The module closes a gap in consumer electronics device testing, allowing the verification of audio embedded in HD and Ultra-HD video signals, both generated and received. It enables verification of ARC and eARC, sink, and source audio channels while supporting 1K, 4K, and 8K video modes. With the capability to handle up to eight channels of linear PCM audio at up to 192kHz sample rates, it also enables playback of pre-encoded signals such as Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD and DTS and DTS-HD signals. Also, it provides bit error detection in all received audio formats, delivering the highest level of audio quality.

Embedded within the APx platform, the module inherits the ease-of-use AP is known for, carrying forward the user-friendly experience of the previous HDMI module.

“Previously, people have been forced to test using chip-level evaluation modules and cobbled together solutions. The APx HDMI2+eARC module makes testing televisions, soundbars, home theatre receivers, internet streaming devices, and other HDMI2 devices a painless exercise while using the most trusted audio analyser in the world,” Knighten added.

The module can be pre-installed in any new APx517, APx52x, APx58x, or APx555 analyser. Moreover, it can be retrofitted to any existing B-Series APx analyser by an APx service centre or accredited service partner.