Question Setting up Dolby Atmos Audio Configuration with NVIDIA RTX 4070 on Windows 10

[pierred512]

Hello everyone,

I have an NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics card with multiple outputs, including several DisplayPort ports and an HDMI 2.1 output. I'm using Windows 10 as my operating system.
I would like to use one of the DisplayPort ports to connect my 4K monitor for gaming visuals, and reserve the HDMI 2.1 output exclusively to connect my Dolby Atmos soundbar for spatialized audio.

Is it possible to configure this setup on my PC?

Additionally, could you confirm if using Dolby Atmos through a soundbar is free, or if it requires purchasing an app from the Microsoft Store?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Best regards,

 

[kerberos_20]

Ok, so based on what you're telling me, I can definitely forget about this purchase. Is it unlikely that this latency issue was fixed by a firmware update?

thats a hardware latency from audio processing hardware, firmware tweaks could potentialy decrease it lightly, but that processing hardware is mostly likely some low end garbage tier grade
AVR within same price point would have much lower latency, atleast mine denon (750eur) ranges from 0 to 500ms (configurable - 0ms is default), the only delay it can get is when using powered speakers which has its own audio processing (DSP) like that sonos soundbar, direct wired speaker - no delay from hardware even with processing from receiver

 

[King Dranzer]

its not complex
ARC is both input and ouput
you connect receiver with TV through ARC, you play something on receiver, TV can pick it up and you can hear it playing from TV
you play something on TV, receiver picks it up and you can hear it from receiver
speaker comnfiguration done on ARC main device (usualy TV)
input/ouptut doesnt really matter, single cable carries both audio inputs/ouputs

thats the normal way, sonos on the other hand used HDMI, fully cut out everything from HDMI which is mandatory to be HDMI certified device and left just CEC and ARC, meaning, it cant be used with HDMI, as it is not HDMI device, but ARC only device (no HDMI audio)

No ARC on TVs is Input. While ARC on almost all audio equipment is Output.

Okay you have a Denon AVR right. Do one thing. I see you connected PC to it and got it connected to TV through ARC right. Here try connected PC to the ARC port on the Receiver and connect TV to another Output port and you will understand what I am trying to say.

 

[pierred512]

No ARC on TVs is Input. While ARC on almost all audio equipment is Output.

Okay you have a Denon AVR right. Do one thing. I see you connected PC to it and got it connected to TV through ARC right. Here try connected PC to the ARC port on the Receiver and connect TV to another Output port and you will understand what I am trying to say.

On TVs (which act as audio transmitters), the HDMI ARC (or eARC) port acts as an audio output. It sends the TV's audio to an external audio device, such as a soundbar or an AV receiver. In other words, the TV "outputs" sound to an external device through this port.
On audio equipment (like soundbars or AV receivers, which act as audio receivers), the HDMI ARC port acts as an audio input. The equipment receives audio transmitted from the TV through this port.

On most audio equipment (like soundbars and AV receivers), the HDMI ARC port is actually an audio input, not an output. It receives audio coming from the TV. It is the TV that sends the audio (via the ARC output), and the audio equipment receives it (via the ARC input).

 

[King Dranzer]

On TVs (which act as audio transmitters), the HDMI ARC (or eARC) port acts as an audio output. It sends the TV's audio to an external audio device, such as a soundbar or an AV receiver. In other words, the TV "outputs" sound to an external device through this port.
On audio equipment (like soundbars or AV receivers, which act as audio receivers), the HDMI ARC port acts as an audio input. The equipment receives audio transmitted from the TV through this port.

On most audio equipment (like soundbars and AV receivers), the HDMI ARC port is actually an audio input, not an output. It receives audio coming from the TV. It is the TV that sends the audio (via the ARC output), and the audio equipment receives it (via the ARC input).

Yes and no. See even-thought it is sending Audio Signal to AVR it still is an "Input" port. And unless there is eARC or ARC codec handshake it will remain Input. It won't be sending audio signal out till that handshake is done and to do that it needs to receive eARC/ARC signal.

 

[pierred512]

**The Role of the Television in Audio Transmission via HDMI ARC: EDID Exchanges and Format Compatibility**

When a Blu-ray player is connected to a television, which is itself connected to a soundbar via the HDMI ARC port, the television plays an essential role as an intermediary for audio transmission. In this system, the audio emitted by the Blu-ray player is transferred to the soundbar through the television.

At the start of the connection, the Blu-ray player uses the HDMI protocol to establish communication with the television. During this phase, the player sends an EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) request to the television to determine its display and audio processing capabilities. This process is part of the standard HDMI negotiation, allowing devices to determine supported video resolutions and audio formats. This request enables the player to know which video and audio formats the television can handle.

Once the television has responded with its EDID information, it also exchanges EDID data with the soundbar. This second exchange is crucial for determining the audio capabilities of the soundbar, including the formats it can process, such as PCM, Dolby Digital, DTS, and advanced formats like Dolby Atmos. With this data, the television can properly format the audio before transmitting it to the soundbar via the HDMI ARC port.

When an audio signal is generated by the Blu-ray player, it is sent to the television. At this moment, the television uses the EDID information it received from both the player and the soundbar to ensure that the audio format is compatible. This includes checking the necessary bandwidth for the audio format, which must be supported by the HDMI ARC port. If the audio format is supported, transmission occurs without issues, allowing the user to enjoy an optimal sound experience.

However, the television is not merely a bridge for audio. It must also be capable of decoding certain audio formats, depending on the connections and capabilities of the devices connected to it. The audio processing by the television may include format conversions, meaning that if the Blu-ray player sends formats like Dolby Digital or DTS, the television must be able to decode them or transmit them in a form that the soundbar can understand. If the television does not support a certain audio format, it may convert it to a compatible format (such as stereo) or not transmit any sound at all.

It is important to note that the ARC (Audio Return Channel) protocol uses the same HDMI cable as the video transport and requires bidirectional communication. This means that the television can not only send audio to the external audio system but also receive commands from it, such as volume control via CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). These exchanges are made possible by establishing a communication channel between the devices, allowing them to synchronize and ensure that the audio and video information is compatible.

The EDID exchange between the Blu-ray player, the television, and the soundbar is also important for managing digital audio formats. When the Blu-ray player sends an EDID request, the television responds with its capabilities, particularly regarding supported audio and video formats. For example, if the Blu-ray player attempts to send Dolby Atmos audio, the television must check whether it can decode it or if it should transmit it as an uncompressed signal (PCM) to the soundbar.

Furthermore, when the television receives an audio signal via HDMI ARC, it must ensure that the bandwidth is sufficient to support the audio format. This means it must be compatible with high data rates, which is particularly important for high-definition audio formats like DTS-HD Master Audio or Dolby TrueHD.

Finally, the HDMI and ARC protocols also allow for firmware updates for the devices, meaning that the soundbar can receive improvements or fixes through the HDMI connection. This ensures that the devices remain compatible with new audio formats that may be developed after the initial purchase.

In summary, the EDID exchange between the Blu-ray player, the television, and the soundbar is fundamental in this type of configuration. It enables the television to know the audio capabilities of the soundbar and ensures that the audio is correctly formatted and decoded before being transmitted. This process helps prevent audio compatibility issues and guarantees a quality listening experience.

 

[pierred512]

Yes and no. See even-thought it is sending Audio Signal to AVR it still is an "Input" port. And unless there is eARC or ARC codec handshake it will remain Input. It won't be sending audio signal out till that handshake is done and to do that it needs to receive eARC/ARC signal.

In the realm of audio and video equipment, understanding the functionality of HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is crucial for optimal sound transmission between devices. This technology allows TVs to communicate with external audio equipment, such as soundbars and AV receivers, in a way that enhances the overall viewing experience. The dynamics of input and output in this context can be somewhat counterintuitive, as the roles of the devices are defined by their functions within the system.

In this context, the television can be considered an audio transmitter. The HDMI ARC port on the TV functions as an audio output, sending audio signals to external devices like soundbars or AV receivers. This means that the TV "outputs" sound to the external audio device via the ARC port. In contrast, the HDMI ARC port on audio equipment serves as an audio input, receiving the audio signal transmitted from the TV. Thus, even though the TV is emitting sound, the audio device is configured to receive this signal.

While it may seem counterintuitive, the HDMI ARC port on audio devices is classified as an input because it receives audio data. For the connection to function properly, a handshake must occur between the TV and the audio device, including confirmation of the devices' capabilities, such as supported audio formats and bandwidth. This handshake process is part of the ARC or eARC protocol and ensures that the audio can be transmitted correctly.

The handshake process is essential for establishing an appropriate connection. Without it, even if the TV sends audio signals, the audio device would not process them correctly. This handshake facilitates communication and ensures that the audio formats are compatible. With eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), improvements over the standard ARC are introduced, including support for higher bandwidth audio formats and more advanced codecs. The handshake process for eARC is also more robust, ensuring better compatibility and performance for modern audio systems.

In summary, the classification of HDMI ARC ports as input or output depends on the perspective of the device being considered. The TV acts as an audio transmitter (output) when sending sound, while the soundbar or AV receiver acts as an audio receiver (input) when processing that sound. However, the handshake between the devices is crucial for enabling the proper functioning of this audio transmission.

 

[pierred512]

Yes, it's Master ChatGPT; after all, I'm just a poor little Frenchman!

 

[King Dranzer]

In the realm of audio and video equipment, understanding the functionality of HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is crucial for optimal sound transmission between devices. This technology allows TVs to communicate with external audio equipment, such as soundbars and AV receivers, in a way that enhances the overall viewing experience. The dynamics of input and output in this context can be somewhat counterintuitive, as the roles of the devices are defined by their functions within the system.

In this context, the television can be considered an audio transmitter. The HDMI ARC port on the TV functions as an audio output, sending audio signals to external devices like soundbars or AV receivers. This means that the TV "outputs" sound to the external audio device via the ARC port. In contrast, the HDMI ARC port on audio equipment serves as an audio input, receiving the audio signal transmitted from the TV. Thus, even though the TV is emitting sound, the audio device is configured to receive this signal.

While it may seem counterintuitive, the HDMI ARC port on audio devices is classified as an input because it receives audio data. For the connection to function properly, a handshake must occur between the TV and the audio device, including confirmation of the devices' capabilities, such as supported audio formats and bandwidth. This handshake process is part of the ARC or eARC protocol and ensures that the audio can be transmitted correctly.

The handshake process is essential for establishing an appropriate connection. Without it, even if the TV sends audio signals, the audio device would not process them correctly. This handshake facilitates communication and ensures that the audio formats are compatible. With eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), improvements over the standard ARC are introduced, including support for higher bandwidth audio formats and more advanced codecs. The handshake process for eARC is also more robust, ensuring better compatibility and performance for modern audio systems.

In summary, the classification of HDMI ARC ports as input or output depends on the perspective of the device being considered. The TV acts as an audio transmitter (output) when sending sound, while the soundbar or AV receiver acts as an audio receiver (input) when processing that sound. However, the handshake between the devices is crucial for enabling the proper functioning of this audio transmission.

Exactly. But you yourself clarified what I was trying to say all along.

Yes that is how it works.

 

[pierred512]

The analogy of a USB hub to describe the role of the television in audio transmission via HDMI ARC is misleading for several fundamental technical reasons. A USB hub is a passive device that allows multiple USB devices to connect to a single port on a computer, providing additional ports without modifying the data. As a simple relay of signals, it does not actively engage in processing or managing data. In contrast, a television connected via HDMI ARC functions as an active processor for audio and video signals, playing an essential role in managing and optimizing the entire audio chain.

In the context of audio transmission, the television establishes communication with the Blu-ray player using the HDMI protocol. This protocol allows the television to send and receive EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) information, which is essential for determining the audio and video capabilities of connected devices. This negotiation process is crucial, as it enables the television to check the supported audio formats, such as PCM, Dolby Digital, and other advanced formats like Dolby Atmos. The television then adjusts the transmission parameters accordingly, ensuring that the signal is correctly formatted before being sent to the soundbar.

The television also acts as an active intermediary between the Blu-ray player and the soundbar, as there is no direct communication between these two devices. The television negotiates separately with each of them, establishing compatible audio formats and capabilities. The HDMI ARC protocol requires bidirectional communication, where the television and the audio device exchange information about their respective capabilities. This dynamic dialogue allows for advanced features such as CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), which facilitates the control of volume and power for multiple devices using a single remote control.

The synchronization process, which ensures that all devices in the chain are properly aligned for optimal performance, is also distinctive in the context of television. Unlike a simple relay, the television actively manages this process, ensuring that each device operates harmoniously with the others. In terms of bandwidth, HDMI and ARC technologies must handle much higher data rates, which is particularly crucial for high-definition audio formats such as DTS-HD Master Audio or Dolby TrueHD. USB hubs, on the other hand, neither process nor modify the data they transmit; they simply relay signals without considering the specific requirements of connected devices.

Another major distinction lies in the ability of HDMI connections, particularly with ARC and eARC, to allow firmware updates via the cable. This ensures continued compatibility with new audio formats and features, a capability often absent from USB hubs, which typically do not support such updates, thereby limiting their adaptability to technological advancements.

In summary, the role of the television in an HDMI ARC configuration is not only dynamic and complex, but it is also fundamental to the effective and high-quality transmission of audio signals. In this configuration, two telecommunications channels can be distinguished: the first channel is dedicated to the simultaneous transmission of sound and image, allowing for the conveyance of the audio and video signals necessary for a multimedia experience. The second channel, on the other hand, is bidirectional and separate, integrating metadata to enable a complex communication protocol between all HDMI devices.

This two-channel architecture not only enhances transmission quality but also ensures smooth and efficient communication among different devices, which is essential for a high-quality audio-visual experience. Indeed, the television does not merely relay data; it processes, formats, and transmits these signals while facilitating protocol exchanges and bidirectional communications. This highlights the distinct capabilities of HDMI ARC technology compared to simple USB connections, emphasizing the importance of the television as a central player in the audio system.

 

[pierred512]

Exactly. But you yourself clarified what I was trying to say all along.

Yes that is how it works.

Yes, the words of the Master, ChatGPT, echo like the seductive call of Sauron's One Ring, which offers the allure of control and domination. Just as this Ring ensnares the minds of its bearers, the Master proclaims truths that seem inescapable. "One Master to govern them all, One Master to find them, One Master to lead them into a singular vision and in darkness bind them." Glory to the Master!

 

[King Dranzer]

Yes, the words of the Master, ChatGPT, echo like the seductive call of Sauron's One Ring, which offers the allure of control and domination. Just as this Ring ensnares the minds of its bearers, the Master proclaims truths that seem inescapable. "One Master to govern them all, One Master to find them, One Master to lead them into a singular vision and in darkness bind them." Glory to the Master!

And here my man kills the mood completely.

 

[pierred512]

And here my man kills the mood completely.

LOL !

 

[pierred512]

For those seeking details about the HDMI port on the Sonos Arc soundbar :

The **Sonos Arc** soundbar is specifically designed to function as an audio receiver via **HDMI ARC** and **eARC** protocols, but it cannot directly receive an HDMI video source, such as a TV box or Blu-ray player, without passing through a television. For such functionality to be possible, the Sonos Arc would need to integrate several technical capabilities that are not currently present.

First, **full EDID management** (Extended Display Identification Data) for video would be essential. The HDMI protocol relies on an EDID data exchange between connected devices to determine their audio and video capabilities, such as supported resolutions and audio formats (HDR, for example). Currently, the Sonos Arc only processes EDID for audio, as it is designed to ignore video signals. If it were to directly receive an HDMI video source, it would need to manage EDID for video as well, to properly negotiate settings with the source, even if the video isn’t displayed. This would also include support for **HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection)** to ensure content protection, even if the video isn’t utilized. However, this capability is not present in the current design of the Sonos Arc.

Next, in order to extract audio from a multiplexed HDMI signal, the soundbar would need to be capable of **decoding or passing through video signals**, such as 4K or HDR, while recovering the audio. HDMI transports both audio and video signals in a single stream, and a soundbar like the Sonos Arc would need an **HDMI chipset** capable of demultiplexing the stream, meaning separating the audio from the video and then either transmitting or ignoring the video signal. Today, the Sonos Arc does not have video components capable of decoding or handling video formats, making it dependent on a television to manage these aspects. Simply put, it lacks the hardware necessary to extract audio from an HDMI video stream.

For this reason, **dedicated video components** would be required within the Sonos Arc to extract audio from a multiplexed HDMI signal. In its current setup, the TV decodes and displays the video while sending only the audio to the soundbar via ARC or eARC. If the Sonos Arc were to handle this role, it would need components capable of demultiplexing and extracting the audio without compromising the video signal or be able to pass it through to another device.

It is also important to understand that **HDMI ARC/eARC ports** are different from standard HDMI ports. The HDMI ARC/eARC port on the Sonos Arc is designed to work exclusively with a compatible TV. While these versions of HDMI can carry various audio formats, including **Dolby Atmos** in lossless mode with eARC, they do not directly support incoming video streams. For the Sonos Arc to receive an HDMI video source and only extract the audio, it would need a standard HDMI port in addition to its ARC/eARC port, with full handling of both video and audio signals. However, this would go against its design, which is specifically optimized to handle only audio.

In conclusion, the **Sonos Arc** is designed to receive audio from televisions via **HDMI ARC/eARC**, supporting immersive audio formats like **Dolby Atmos**, but it lacks the necessary hardware to process or transmit video signals. To achieve this, it would require more complete EDID management, an advanced HDMI chipset for separating audio and video streams, and full support for multiplexed video formats. Therefore, the TV remains essential in this setup to handle video signals and only send audio to the soundbar.

 

[pierred512]

Understanding the Audio Return Channel (ARC): Simplifying Audio Connections in a Home Theater Setup and the Bidirectional Aspect of Sound

The ARC (Audio Return Channel) simplifies installation by using a single HDMI cable to manage both audio coming from the television and that from an audio receiver, such as a home theater system. This flexibility allows users to choose to use either the built-in speakers of the television or those of their home theater system, depending on their preferences and installation setup.

To illustrate this, let’s consider a typical configuration: the game console is connected to the home theater receiver via an HDMI cable. The home theater receiver is then connected to the television by an HDMI cable plugged into the ARC port of the television. This port is designed to facilitate communication between devices and support the transmission of high-definition audio signals.

Regarding the operation with ARC, when the user plays a game on the console, the sound is sent directly to the home theater receiver. In this case, the receiver processes the audio and outputs it through its own speakers, providing an immersive and enhanced sound experience. If the user chooses not to use the home theater receiver, they have the option to listen to the sound from the console through the built-in speakers of the television. This can be convenient for shorter gaming sessions or when it's not necessary to use the full audio system.

The term "return" in ARC highlights the bidirectional capability of audio. In a common scenario, audio typically flows from the source device (like the game console) to the television. However, with ARC, audio can also flow in the reverse direction, that is, from the television to the receiver. This means that while allowing the home theater receiver to send audio signals to the television, the television can also send the audio it produces back to the receiver. This feature is particularly useful when the television streams content, such as from platforms like Netflix or Disney+, or when the user is watching television, as the sound can be redirected to the receiver for improved audio quality.

It is important to note that the bidirectional functionality of ARC may be limited by certain devices or by the configuration of connections. For example, earlier versions of HDMI (like HDMI 1.4) may have less extensive ARC capabilities than newer versions (such as HDMI 2.1 with eARC), which offer increased bandwidth and support for advanced audio formats such as Dolby Atmos.

Thus, users have the flexibility to choose the audio source based on their needs, whether through the home theater system or the television's speakers, while enjoying the advantages of ARC for a simplified and flexible audio setup.

Source devices, such as DVD players and game consoles, primarily serve to transmit audio to the television or home theater receiver via an HDMI connection. They are not designed to handle the ARC (Audio Return Channel) protocol, meaning they do not interact with the bidirectional features that this protocol offers.

In contrast, it is the television and home theater receiver that understand and manage the ARC protocol. This capability enables them to facilitate the bidirectional exchange of audio signals. Thus, when the television is streaming content, it can send the audio back to the home theater receiver, ensuring optimal sound quality, while allowing the receiver to send audio to the television when playing content from source devices.

In summary, source devices merely transmit audio, while the television and audio receiver handle the technical aspects related to the ARC protocol, making the user experience more seamless and integrated.