What Is the DXA-ARC-TX?
The ToVi DXA-ARC-TX is a Dante HDMI ARC Encoder designed to convert two-channel HDMI ARC audio from a compatible TV into Dante 2-channel digital audio.
The DXA-ARC-TX is built on the Dante Ultimo 2x2 platform and is designed for professional networked audio systems. It receives PCM 2-channel HDMI ARC audio from a TV’s ARC HDMI port and sends it as Dante digital audio over a standard IP network.
The unit supports HDMI ARC input sampling rates from 32kHz to 192kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit depth. Dante output supports PCM 2-channel audio at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, and 96kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit depth.
The DXA-ARC-TX supports Dante Controller software for routing, AES67 compatibility, configurable Dante latency of 1ms, 2ms, or 5ms, PoE power, USB-C power, API command control, and compact installation.
The DXA-ARC-TX is useful for professional AV systems, conference rooms, broadcast setups, recording studios, live performances, concerts, art festivals, Dante audio networks, and installations where HDMI ARC TV audio needs to be sent into a Dante network.
IMPORTANT — DXA-ARC-TX Converts HDMI ARC Audio to Dante Audio
The DXA-ARC-TX is an HDMI ARC audio encoder.
| Function | Support |
| HDMI ARC audio input | Supported |
| Dante 2CH digital audio output | Supported |
| PCM 2-channel audio | Supported |
| Dante Controller routing | Supported |
| AES67 compatibility | Supported |
| HDMI video output | Not supported |
| HDMI eARC input | Not supported |
| ARC soundbar connection | Not supported |
This model is for converting incoming ARC audio from a compatible TV into Dante network audio.
It is not an HDMI video extender, HDMI matrix, ARC extractor with analog output, or eARC converter.
IMPORTANT — Standard ARC Only, Not eARC
The DXA-ARC-TX supports standard HDMI ARC.
| ARC Feature | Support |
| HDMI ARC | Supported |
| HDMI eARC | Not supported |
| PCM stereo ARC audio | Supported |
| Dolby Atmos through eARC | Not supported |
| Multichannel ARC audio | Not listed |
If the TV supports eARC, disable eARC in the TV audio settings and use standard ARC mode.
Set the TV audio format to PCM or Stereo for best compatibility.
IMPORTANT — Connect to the TV’s ARC HDMI Port
The ARC port on the DXA-ARC-TX must connect to the TV’s HDMI port labeled ARC.
| Connection | Requirement |
| TV HDMI port | Must be labeled ARC |
| HDMI cable | ARC-compatible HDMI cable |
| TV audio setting | ARC enabled |
| TV audio format | PCM or Stereo |
| eARC setting | Disabled if TV has eARC |
If the TV is not connected through its ARC HDMI port, the DXA-ARC-TX may not receive audio.
IMPORTANT — DXA-ARC-TX Is Not for ARC Soundbars
The DXA-ARC-TX accepts incoming ARC audio from a compatible TV.
| Device Type | Compatible? |
| TV with HDMI ARC output | Yes |
| ARC soundbar as input | No |
| HDMI source device without ARC | No |
| HDMI eARC-only audio path | No |
Do not connect an ARC soundbar to the DXA-ARC-TX as the audio source.
This unit is designed to receive ARC from a TV and send that audio into a Dante network.
IMPORTANT — Dante Controller Is Required for Audio Routing
All Dante audio routing is managed through Dante Controller software.
| Dante Function | Support |
| Dante Controller routing | Supported |
| Device appears as Dante transmitter | Supported |
| Route to Dante-enabled devices | Supported |
| Route to ToVi Dante models | Supported |
| AES67 interoperability | Supported |
The DXA-ARC-TX appears as a Dante transmitter in Dante Controller.
Use Dante Controller to route the DXA-ARC-TX audio channels to Dante decoders, Dante amplifiers, DSPs, mixers, processors, or other Dante-enabled devices.
IMPORTANT — Dante Ultimo 2x2 Platform
The DXA-ARC-TX is built on the Dante Ultimo 2x2 platform.
| Dante Feature | Support |
| Dante Ultimo 2x2 | Supported |
| Dante 2CH digital audio output | Supported |
| Low-latency audio over IP | Supported |
| AES67 compatibility | Supported |
| Dante Controller management | Supported |
This provides reliable Dante audio transport over standard IP networks.
IMPORTANT — Audio Sampling Rate Support
The DXA-ARC-TX supports different sample rates on the HDMI ARC input and Dante output.
| Audio Path | Supported Format |
| ARC IN | PCM 2CH, 32kHz–192kHz, 16/24-bit |
| Dante OUT | PCM 2CH, 44.1kHz–96kHz, 16/24-bit |
Supported Dante output sample rates include:
| Dante Output Sample Rate |
| 44.1kHz |
| 48kHz |
| 88.2kHz |
| 96kHz |
Make sure the Dante receiving device supports the selected Dante sample rate.
IMPORTANT — Configurable Dante Latency Is Supported
The DXA-ARC-TX supports configurable Dante device latency.
| Latency Setting | Support |
| 1ms | Supported |
| 2ms | Supported |
| 5ms | Supported |
Latency is configured using Dante Controller.
Use a higher latency setting if the Dante network is large, heavily loaded, or includes more switching hops.
IMPORTANT — AES67 Compatibility Is Supported
The DXA-ARC-TX supports AES67 compatibility.
| Network Audio Feature | Support |
| Dante audio | Supported |
| AES67 compatibility | Supported |
| Dante Controller routing | Supported |
| Interoperability with AES67 systems | Supported |
AES67 support helps the unit work with compatible AES67-enabled network audio systems.
IMPORTANT — Network Distance up to 328ft / 100m
The DXA-ARC-TX connects to the Dante network through its RJ45 DANTE port.
| Cable Type | Maximum Distance |
| CAT6 / CAT6A / CAT7 | Up to 328ft / 100m |
Use high-quality network cable and a suitable network switch.
Poor network cable, damaged connectors, weak terminations, or incorrect network settings may cause the device not to appear in Dante Controller, audio dropouts, unstable routing, or network discovery problems.
IMPORTANT — PoE and USB-C Power Are Supported
The DXA-ARC-TX can be powered through PoE or USB-C.
| Power Method | Support |
| PoE through Dante RJ45 port | Supported |
| PoE standard | IEEE 802.3af Class 0 |
| USB-C power | 5V/500mA |
| Power consumption | 0.85W max |
If the Dante network switch supports PoE, the USB-C power connection is not required for normal power.
If PoE is not available, power the unit using the USB-C POWER port with a 5V/500mA power supply.
IMPORTANT — USB-C Port Also Supports API and Firmware Updates
The USB-C POWER port is used for more than power.
| USB-C Function | Support |
| Power input | Supported |
| Firmware update | Supported |
| API command control | Supported |
| USB-C virtual RS-232 | Supported |
For API command control, connect the USB-C POWER port to a PC using a USB-C cable and use a serial command tool.
Ports and Panel Layout
| Port / Button / Indicator | Function |
| DANTE / PoE port | Connect to a 1G network switch for Dante audio, PoE, and signal transmission |
| Green LINK LED | Stays steady when the network connection is established |
| Yellow DATA LED | Blinks during active Dante audio data transmission |
| ARC LED | Steady when active audio input is detected; flashing while booting |
| ARC port | Connect to the ARC port of a compatible TV |
| RESET button | Press to factory reset the unit |
| POWER USB-C port | Connect 5V/500mA power supply; also supports firmware update and API control |
Understanding the LED Indicators
| Indicator | Status | Meaning |
| Green LINK LED on Dante port | Steady | Network connection is established successfully |
| Yellow DATA LED on Dante port | Blinking | Dante audio data is transmitting |
| ARC LED | Flashing | Unit is booting |
| ARC LED | Steady | Active ARC audio input is detected |
Use these indicators first when troubleshooting power, network connection, Dante activity, or ARC audio input.
Step-by-Step Setup
- Connect the TV’s HDMI ARC port to the ARC port on the DXA-ARC-TX using an ARC-compatible HDMI cable.
- Make sure the HDMI port on the TV is labeled ARC.
- Enable ARC in the TV audio settings.
- Set the TV audio output format to PCM or Stereo.
- If the TV supports eARC, disable eARC and use standard ARC mode.
- Connect the DANTE / PoE port on the DXA-ARC-TX to a 1G network switch.
- If using a PoE switch, confirm the switch supports IEEE 802.3af PoE.
- If PoE is not available, connect a 5V/500mA USB-C power supply to the POWER port.
- Connect the computer running Dante Controller to the same Dante network.
- Open Dante Controller.
- Confirm the DXA-ARC-TX appears as a Dante transmitter.
- Route the DXA-ARC-TX audio channels to the desired Dante receiver, amplifier, DSP, mixer, or other Dante-enabled device.
- Set Dante latency to 1ms, 2ms, or 5ms as required.
- Confirm the ARC LED is steady when ARC audio is detected.
- Confirm the Dante port DATA LED blinks during audio transmission.
- Test audio from the TV through the Dante receiving device.
Dante Controller Setup Requirement — Critical
Use Dante Controller to route audio.
| Requirement | Details |
| Software | Dante Controller |
| Computer network | Same network / subnet as DXA-ARC-TX |
| Device role | Dante transmitter |
| Output channels | Dante 2CH digital audio |
| Routing target | Dante receiver, amplifier, DSP, mixer, or decoder |
If the device does not appear in Dante Controller:
- Confirm the DXA-ARC-TX is powered by PoE or USB-C.
- Confirm the computer and DXA-ARC-TX are on the same network or subnet.
- Check the network switch and Ethernet cable.
- Disable or configure firewall settings that may block Dante discovery.
- Confirm the network adapter on the PC is selected correctly in Dante Controller.
HDMI ARC Setup Requirement — Critical
ARC must be enabled correctly on the TV.
| Requirement | Details |
| TV HDMI port | Must be labeled ARC |
| TV ARC setting | Enabled |
| TV audio format | PCM or Stereo |
| eARC | Disable if TV is eARC compatible |
| HDMI cable | ARC-compatible HDMI cable |
If audio still plays through the TV speakers and does not pass through the DXA-ARC-TX:
- Confirm the HDMI cable is connected to the TV’s ARC HDMI port.
- Enable ARC in the TV settings.
- Set the TV audio format to PCM or Stereo.
- Use an ARC-compatible HDMI 2.0 cable.
- Disable eARC if the TV is eARC compatible.
Network Cable Requirement — Critical
Use high-quality CAT6 / CAT6A / CAT7 cable.
| Requirement | Specification |
| Network bandwidth | 100Mbps |
| Maximum distance | 328ft / 100m |
| Cable type | CAT6 / CAT6A / CAT7 |
| PoE support | IEEE 802.3af Class 0 |
Poor network cable or network setup may cause:
- Device not appearing in Dante Controller
- Dante routing failure
- Audio dropouts
- DATA LED not blinking
- LINK LED not steady
- Discovery issues
- PoE power problems
- Audio not heard on Dante receiving devices
Use direct, properly terminated network cable whenever possible.
Power Requirement — Critical
The DXA-ARC-TX can be powered through PoE or USB-C.
| Power Detail | Specification |
| USB-C input | 5V/500mA |
| PoE input | IEEE 802.3af Class 0 |
| Power consumption | 0.85W max |
If the unit does not power on:
- Check the PoE switch.
- Check the Ethernet cable.
- Check the USB-C power source.
- Confirm the USB-C power supply provides 5V/500mA.
- Try another network port or USB-C cable.
Surge protection is recommended.
API Command Control
The DXA-ARC-TX supports API command control through the USB-C POWER port.
To use API commands:
- Connect the POWER USB-C port to a PC using a USB-C cable.
- Open a serial command tool on the PC.
- Set the serial parameters.
- Send the supported API commands.
| Serial Setting | Value |
| Baud rate | 115200 |
| Data bit | 8 |
| Stop bit | 1 |
| Parity | None |
Supported API commands include:
| Command | Function |
| ? | List all commands |
| help | List all commands |
| get fw version | Get firmware version |
| set reboot | Reboot the device |
| get status | Get system status |
| get arc | Get ARC status |
| set arc | Toggle ARC event by disabling and enabling HDMI output 5V |
Example get status feedback includes device status, MCU version, HDMI cable status, and ARC status.
Factory Reset
The DXA-ARC-TX includes a RESET button.
| Reset Function | Description |
| RESET button | Press to factory reset the unit |
Use factory reset only when necessary for troubleshooting or recovery.
Understanding the Application Example
The application diagram shows the DXA-ARC-TX connected to a TV through HDMI ARC. The DANTE / PoE network port connects to a PoE network switch. A computer running Dante Controller is connected to the same network switch. A Dante amplifier is also connected to the network switch.
This shows the main use case: TV ARC audio enters the DXA-ARC-TX, is converted into Dante 2-channel audio, then is routed through Dante Controller to a Dante amplifier or another Dante-enabled receiving device.
Supported Technical Specifications
| Specification | Support |
| Product Type | Dante HDMI ARC Encoder |
| Model | DXA-ARC-TX |
| Platform | Dante Ultimo 2x2 |
| Input | Two-channel HDMI ARC audio |
| Output | Dante 2CH digital audio |
| Control Method | Dante Controller |
| Network Bandwidth | 100Mbps |
| Audio Latency | Configurable Dante device latency: 1ms, 2ms, or 5ms |
| ARC Audio Input | PCM 2CH, 32kHz–192kHz, 16/24-bit |
| Dante Audio Output | PCM 2CH, 44.1kHz–96kHz, 16/24-bit |
| Transmission Distance | 328ft / 100m over CAT6 / CAT6A / CAT7 |
| AES67 | Supported |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Dynamic Range | Greater than 130dB at 0dBu, 1kHz A-weighted |
| Audio S/N Ratio | Greater than 130dB at 0dBu, 1kHz A-weighted |
| Audio THD+N | Less than 0.01% at +4dBu, 1kHz |
| Audio Output Delay | Less than 1ms |
| ARC Input Port | 1 x ARC IN, HDMI Type-A 19-pin female |
| Dante Output Port | 1 x DANTE RJ45 with PoE |
| Power Port | 1 x USB-C |
| Power Supply | USB input 5V/500mA or PoE IEEE 802.3af Class 0 |
| Power Consumption | 0.85W max |
| ESD Protection | ±8kV air-gap discharge, ±4kV contact discharge |
| Housing | Plastic enclosure |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 115mm x 40mm x 28mm / 4.53in x 1.57in x 1.10in |
| Weight | 87g / 3.07oz |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 40°C / 32°F to 104°F |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 60°C / -4°F to 140°F |
| Operating Humidity | 20%–80% RH, non-condensing |
| Storage Humidity | 10%–90% RH, non-condensing |
Package Contents
| Item | Quantity |
| DXA-ARC-TX | 1 |
| Hook & Loop | 2 |
| User Manual | 1 |
What TVs Is the DXA-ARC-TX Compatible With?
The DXA-ARC-TX is compatible with TVs that support standard HDMI ARC.
Compatible TV requirements:
- HDMI port labeled ARC
- ARC enabled in TV audio settings
- PCM or Stereo audio output option
- Standard ARC mode
- eARC disabled if the TV has eARC
The DXA-ARC-TX is not designed for eARC-only operation.
What Dante Devices Is the DXA-ARC-TX Compatible With?
The DXA-ARC-TX can route audio to Dante-enabled devices such as:
- Dante amplifiers
- Dante decoders
- Dante DSPs
- Dante mixers
- Dante interfaces
- Dante-enabled speakers
- ToVi Dante models
- AES67-compatible network audio devices
Routing must be configured in Dante Controller.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the DXA-ARC-TX used for?
A: It converts HDMI ARC audio from a compatible TV into Dante 2-channel digital audio for networked audio systems.
Q: Is the DXA-ARC-TX a Dante encoder?
A: Yes. It is a Dante HDMI ARC Encoder.
Q: What Dante platform does it use?
A: It is built on the Dante Ultimo 2x2 platform.
Q: Does it support HDMI ARC?
A: Yes. It accepts two-channel HDMI ARC audio.
Q: Does it support HDMI eARC?
A: No. It supports standard ARC only. If the TV supports eARC, disable eARC in the TV settings.
Q: Does it support Dolby Atmos?
A: Dolby Atmos is not supported. The unit supports PCM 2-channel ARC audio.
Q: Does it support Dolby Digital or DTS?
A: Dolby Digital and DTS are not listed. Set the TV audio output to PCM or Stereo.
Q: What HDMI audio format should I use from the TV?
A: Use PCM or Stereo.
Q: What HDMI port should I use on the TV?
A: Use the HDMI port labeled ARC.
Q: Can I connect an ARC soundbar to the DXA-ARC-TX?
A: No. It only accepts incoming ARC signals from a compatible TV.
Q: Does it output analog audio?
A: No analog audio output is listed. It outputs Dante 2-channel digital audio.
Q: Does it output HDMI video?
A: No. This model is for ARC audio to Dante conversion.
Q: What is the Dante output format?
A: Dante output is PCM 2CH at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, or 96kHz, with 16-bit or 24-bit depth.
Q: What ARC input sample rates are supported?
A: ARC input supports PCM 2CH from 32kHz to 192kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit depth.
Q: Does it support AES67?
A: Yes. AES67 compatibility is supported.
Q: How do I route audio from the device?
A: Use Dante Controller software. The device appears as a Dante transmitter and can be routed to Dante-enabled receivers.
Q: Does it need Dante Controller?
A: Yes. Dante Controller is used for audio routing and latency configuration.
Q: What Dante latency settings are supported?
A: 1ms, 2ms, and 5ms configurable Dante latency settings are supported.
Q: What is the audio output delay?
A: The manual lists audio output delay as less than 1ms.
Q: What network cable should I use?
A: Use CAT6, CAT6A, or CAT7 cable.
Q: What is the maximum network distance?
A: Up to 328ft / 100m.
Q: What network bandwidth does it use?
A: The manual lists network bandwidth as 100Mbps.
Q: Does it support PoE?
A: Yes. It supports PoE IEEE 802.3af Class 0 through the Dante RJ45 port.
Q: Can it be powered by USB-C?
A: Yes. It can be powered through USB-C using a 5V/500mA power supply.
Q: Do I need USB-C power if using PoE?
A: No. If the Dante port is connected to a PoE switch, USB-C power is not required for normal operation.
Q: What is the power consumption?
A: The manual lists power consumption as 0.85W max.
Q: What does the green LINK LED mean?
A: It stays steady when the network connection is established successfully.
Q: What does the yellow DATA LED mean?
A: It blinks during active Dante audio data transmission.
Q: What does the ARC LED mean?
A: Flashing means the unit is booting. Steady means active ARC audio input is detected.
Q: What should I do if audio still plays through the TV speakers and does not pass through the encoder?
A: Confirm the TV HDMI port is labeled ARC, enable ARC in the TV audio settings, set the TV audio format to PCM or Stereo, use an ARC-compatible HDMI 2.0 cable, and disable eARC if the TV is eARC compatible.
Q: What should I do if audio is not heard on Dante decoders?
A: Check routing in Dante Controller, confirm the source sample rate is supported by the decoders, and make sure the decoders are on the same network or subnet.
Q: What should I do if the device does not appear in Dante Controller?
A: Confirm the device is powered by USB-C or PoE, make sure the computer and device are on the same network or subnet, and disable or configure firewalls that may block network discovery.
Q: Does the unit support API commands?
A: Yes. API command control is supported through the USB-C POWER port.
Q: What serial settings are used for API commands?
A: Baud rate 115200, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity.
Q: What does the get arc command do?
A: It gets the ARC status.
Q: What does the set arc command do?
A: It toggles the ARC event by disabling and enabling HDMI output 5V.
Q: How do I reboot the device through API?
A: Use the set reboot command.
Q: How do I check firmware version through API?
A: Use the get fw version command.
Q: How do I factory reset the DXA-ARC-TX?
A: Press the RESET button on the unit.
Q: Does the DXA-ARC-TX need external power?
A: It can be powered through PoE or through USB-C 5V/500mA.
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