What Is the EARC-102?
The OREI EARC-102 is a 1x2 eARC HDMI switch designed to connect one ARC/eARC soundbar or AVR to two ARC/eARC TVs or displays.
It is useful for setups where someone has two displays, such as an eARC TV and an eARC projector, but only one eARC soundbar. Instead of constantly unplugging and reconnecting HDMI cables, the EARC-102 allows the user to switch which display sends audio to the shared soundbar.
For example, the EARC-102 can be used with:
- TV 1: eARC TV
- TV 2: eARC projector
- Soundbar: eARC soundbar
When TV 1 is selected, audio from TV 1 is sent to the soundbar. When TV 2 is selected, audio from TV 2 is sent to the same soundbar.
The EARC-102 supports high-bitrate audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, and uncompressed multichannel audio when the connected TV/display and soundbar both support eARC.
| IMPORTANT — EARC-102 Connects 2 TVs or Displays to 1 Soundbar |
|
The EARC-102 is designed for customers who want to share one ARC/eARC soundbar between two ARC/eARC displays. This is especially useful when using:
Only one TV/display is active at a time. The selected TV/display sends its ARC/eARC audio to the connected soundbar. |
| IMPORTANT — eARC Audio Requires eARC on Both the Display and Soundbar |
|
The EARC-102 supports both ARC and eARC connections. However, the audio format depends on the weakest device in the chain. To get full eARC audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, or high-bitrate Dolby Atmos, both the selected TV/display and the soundbar must support eARC. If either the TV, projector, or soundbar only supports ARC, the audio will be limited to ARC-supported formats, such as Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1. The EARC-102 does not upgrade an ARC-only TV or projector into eARC. |
| IMPORTANT — EARC-102 Is Not for Connecting 2 Soundbars to 1 TV |
|
The EARC-102 is for connecting two TVs/displays to one soundbar. It is not designed for connecting one TV to two soundbars. If you want to connect one TV to two soundbars, use the EARC-201 instead. |
Ports and Panel Layout
| Port / LED / Button | Location | Function |
| Select Button | Front panel |
Press to switch between TV 1 and TV 2. Press and hold for 3–5 seconds to enable or disable auto switching |
| eARC Soundbar | Front panel | Connect one ARC/eARC soundbar or AVR |
| Soundbar LED | Front panel | Lights up when a soundbar is connected |
| DC 5V | Front panel | Connect USB power. Also used for firmware updates |
| eARC TV 1 | Rear panel | Connect the first ARC/eARC TV, projector, or display |
| eARC TV 2 | Rear panel | Connect the second ARC/eARC TV, projector, or display |
| eARC TV 1/2 LEDs | Rear panel | Lights up when the corresponding TV/display is selected |
Step-by-Step Setup
- Connect your ARC/eARC soundbar or AVR to the eARC Soundbar port on the EARC-102.
- Connect your first ARC/eARC TV, projector, or display to the eARC TV 1 port.
- Connect your second ARC/eARC TV, projector, or display to the eARC TV 2 port.
- Connect the included USB cable to power the EARC-102 using a USB power adapter.
- Turn on the selected TV/display and the connected soundbar.
- Enable ARC/eARC in the audio settings of each TV or projector.
- Set each TV/display audio output to HDMI ARC/eARC, external speaker, receiver, or audio system depending on the menu.
- Press the Select button to switch between TV 1 and TV 2.
- Confirm the correct TV/display LED is active and audio is playing through the soundbar.
| Cable Requirement — Important |
| For best eARC performance, especially with Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, or DTS:X, use Ultra High Speed certified HDMI 2.1 cables under 10 feet. |
Understanding Auto and Manual Switching
The EARC-102 supports both manual and automatic switching.
In manual mode, press the Select button to switch between TV 1 and TV 2.
Auto switching can be enabled or disabled by pressing and holding the Select button for 3–5 seconds. Auto switching is enabled by default.
When auto switching is enabled:
- If one TV is already connected and another TV is plugged in, the switch automatically selects the newly connected TV.
- If two TVs are connected and one is disconnected, the switch automatically switches to the remaining active TV.
- If only one TV is connected and it is disconnected, the switch will not automatically change to another input.
What TVs, Projectors, or Displays Is the EARC-102 Compatible With?
The EARC-102 is compatible with TVs, projectors, and displays that support HDMI ARC or eARC.
It can be used with:
- eARC TVs
- eARC projectors
- ARC TVs
- ARC projectors
For full eARC audio formats, the selected display and soundbar must both support eARC. If the selected display only supports ARC, the audio will be limited to ARC-supported formats.
What Soundbars or AVRs Is the EARC-102 Compatible With?
The EARC-102 is compatible with ARC/eARC soundbars and AVRs that receive audio through an HDMI ARC/eARC port.
It can be used with:
- eARC soundbars
- ARC soundbars
- eARC AVRs
- ARC AVRs
If the connected soundbar only supports ARC, audio will be limited to ARC formats even if the selected TV supports eARC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the OREI EARC-102 used for?
A: The EARC-102 is used to connect one ARC/eARC soundbar or AVR to two ARC/eARC TVs, projectors, or displays, allowing you to switch which display sends audio to the soundbar.
Q: Can I use this with one eARC TV, one eARC projector, and one eARC soundbar?
A: Yes. This is one of the main use cases for the EARC-102. Connect the TV and projector to the eARC TV 1/2 ports, then connect the soundbar to the eARC Soundbar port.
Q: Does the EARC-102 support regular ARC TVs and soundbars?
A: Yes. It supports both ARC and eARC devices. However, if any device in the selected audio path only supports ARC, the audio will be limited to ARC-supported formats.
Q: Will this convert ARC to eARC?
A: No. The EARC-102 does not upgrade an ARC-only TV, projector, or soundbar to eARC. If one device only supports ARC, the audio format will be limited to ARC.
Q: Can I get Dolby Atmos through the EARC-102?
A: Yes, if the selected TV/display and the soundbar both support eARC and the TV is sending a compatible Dolby Atmos format. If the TV or soundbar only supports ARC, Dolby Atmos support may be limited.
Q: Can I use the TV remote to control the soundbar volume?
A: Yes, the EARC-102 supports CEC passthrough, so volume control can work when CEC is enabled and supported by the connected TV/display and soundbar.
Q: Why am I only getting stereo audio or not getting Dolby Atmos?
A: Check the audio settings on the selected TV/display. Make sure eARC is enabled, the correct audio format is selected, and the connected soundbar supports the format being sent.
Q: Does the EARC-102 support auto switching?
A: Yes. Auto switching is enabled by default and can be turned on or off by pressing and holding the Select button for 3–5 seconds.
Q: Do you have a device to connect 2 Soundbars to 1 TV?
A: Yes. For connecting two soundbars to one TV, use the EARC-201.
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.