Product Overview

The Lightware HDMI-4K De-embedder extracts embedded audio from an HDMI 4K signal and outputs it as discrete analog and digital audio while simultaneously passing the HDMI video signal through unmodified. Designed for professional AV installations where audio must be routed independently of the video path such as feeding an audio system, DSP processor, or amplifier from an HDMI source that would otherwise bypass the audio infrastructure. Available from Creation Networks.

Product Description

Modern AV sources PCs, media players, Blu-ray players, cable boxes embed audio in the HDMI stream. When these sources feed a display directly, audio is handled by the display. But in professional AV installations, audio must be routed separately to a DSP processor, audio matrix, amplifier, or assistive listening system. The HDMI-4K De-embedder solves this by tapping the HDMI signal, extracting the embedded audio, and outputting it on analog (balanced or unbalanced) and digital (S/PDIF or AES/EBU) connectors while the HDMI output continues the video (and audio) to the display. This allows the same HDMI source to simultaneously feed the display and the building audio system without requiring a separate audio connection from the source device or AV control system intervention.

Key Features

• HDMI loop-through output video and embedded audio continue to the display unaffected
• Extracts embedded audio from HDMI 4K sources
• Analog audio output balanced and/or unbalanced
• Digital audio output S/PDIF (optical and/or coaxial) and AES/EBU
• Supports LPCM 2.0 audio extraction
• Compact form factor for rack shelf or surface mounting
• No signal processing on the HDMI video path transparent pass-through
• No configuration software required for basic operation

Typical Applications

• Conference rooms extracting HDMI audio from a presentation laptop to feed the room’s installed audio system
• Lecture halls routing HDMI source audio to the assistive listening system and DSP processor independently
• Boardrooms with separate video display and audio systems requiring a common HDMI source
• Hospitality AV routing in-room HDMI content audio to the installed ceiling speaker system
• Broadcast and production splitting HDMI program audio for monitoring, recording, or IFB systems
• Digital signage with audio sending media player audio to a separate amplifier or zone

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the HDMI output continue carrying audio after de-embedding?Yes. The HDMI loop-through output carries the original HDMI signal including the embedded audio, so the connected display receives both video and audio normally. The de-embedder extracts a copy of the audio it does not remove it from the HDMI stream.What audio formats does the de-embedder support?The unit extracts LPCM 2-channel (stereo) audio. Bitstream formats (Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA) are not extracted as discrete audio the source must be set to output LPCM if discrete analog or digital audio extraction is required.Can it de-embed audio from a 4K HDR source?Yes. The HDMI input and output support 4K. The de-embedder does not process or modify the video signal it passes through transparently regardless of HDR, resolution, or color space.Is any configuration required?No configuration is required for basic audio de-embedding and HDMI pass-through. Power on the unit and connect the HDMI source, HDMI display, and audio system.What is the difference between using a de-embedder versus taking audio from the source device?Many source devices (PCs, media players) have separate audio outputs, but in AV installations the source is often wall-plate or rack-mounted without convenient access to its audio outputs, or the source may not have analog audio outputs at all. A de-embedder provides a standardized extraction point on the HDMI signal path, independent of the source device type. Contact Creation Networks for system design guidance.