OREI HDA-912 4K HDMI Audio Extractor Troubleshooting Guide – OREI

Introduction

This guide helps you troubleshoot common issues with the OREI HDA-912 4K HDMI Audio Extractor. It covers audio, video, CEC, and compatibility problems so you can quickly identify the cause and restore normal operation.

Issue description

The HDA-912 extracts audio from a direct HDMI source connected to HDMI IN and sends video to a display through HDMI OUT while providing audio through OPTICAL OUT and 3.5mm OUT. Common issues include no audio, stereo only, video handshake problems, CEC not working, projector compatibility problems, and no output at all. The unit supports 4K at 60 Hz, HDCP 2.2, Dolby Digital and DTS passthrough, CEC, and HDR. It does not support ARC or eARC.

Signs

No sound from the optical output or 3.5 mm output
Only stereo audio is available instead of 5.1 surround sound
The source or display loses signal, shows snow, or loops between signal and no signal
Audio works directly to the display but not through the HDA-912
CEC control does not work between devices
No audio is heard when using a projector
The unit does not power on or does not pass video or audio

Basic troubleshooting steps

Confirm the HDMI source is connected to HDMI IN and the display is connected to HDMI OUT.
Verify the switch is set correctly: Bitstream for Dolby Digital or DTS passthrough, or 2CH for stereo audio.
Check the audio settings on the source device and set the output format to a compatible option.
Power cycle the source, the HDA-912, the display, and any downstream audio device.
Test with a different HDMI cable and, if needed, a different optical or 3.5mm cable.
Confirm the optical cable end glows red when connected to the optical output.
Make sure the connected AVR, soundbar, or speaker system supports the selected audio format.

Advanced troubleshooting steps

1. No audio from optical SPDIF or 3.5mm

If audio is missing from the optical or 3.5 mm outputs, try these steps:

Confirm the source device is sending an audio format supported by the audio device.
Try a different optical or 3.5mm cable.
Confirm the soundbar, AVR, or audio device supports the selected audio format.
Set the switch to Bitstream for Dolby Digital or DTS passthrough (5.1 surround sound).
Set the switch to PCM if you only need stereo audio.
Check the source device audio menu and choose a compatible output format.
Power cycle the source, the HDA-912, the display, and the audio device.
Confirm the optical cable end glows red when connected to a working optical output.

IMPORTANT: Optical supports up to Dolby Digital 5.1 audio only. It does not support Dolby Atmos or Dolby TrueHD. The 3.5mm output supports stereo audio only. Ensure that the media source device is set to the correct audio format for the respective output to function. If you want audio from both, Optical SPDIF and 3.5mm at the same time, the audio format should be set to Stereo/PCM from the media source.

2. Only getting stereo instead of 5.1 surround

If the audio output is limited to stereo even when surround sound is expected, the DIP switch is likely set to PCM, or the source is not outputting a surround format. Not all streaming content includes 5.1 audio on all plans or apps.

Set the switch to Bitstream.
Check the source audio settings and select a surround-capable output format.
Confirm the AVR or soundbar supports Dolby Digital over optical.
Verify that the content being tested actually includes 5.1 audio.

3. ARC or eARC audio not working

The HDA-912 does not support ARC or eARC. It cannot extract audio from a TV's ARC or eARC HDMI port. It is designed for direct HDMI sources connected to HDMI IN only.

Connect a direct HDMI source such as a streaming device, game console, or media player to HDMI IN.
Do not connect the unit to a TV ARC or eARC port expecting TV audio extraction.
If you need ARC or eARC audio extraction, consider the BKA-1.

IMPORTANT: Connecting the HDA-912 to a TV's ARC or eARC port will not extract audio from the TV.

4. Compatibility issues with specific source devices

Some source devices, particularly Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) and Fire TV Stick, may have HDMI handshake or EDID compatibility issues with the HDA-912. If the source works when connected directly to the display but not through the HDA-912, the issue may be a compatibility problem between that source and the extractor.

Try a different high-speed HDMI cable between the source and the HDA-912.
For Apple TV 4K 3rd generation, set the resolution to 1080p at 60 Hz SDR, disable HDR and Dolby Vision, and set audio to Stereo for testing.
For Fire TV devices, disable HDR and try 1080p resolution for testing.
If the problem continues after testing different settings and cables, contact support for further assistance.

5. Video resolution issues, black screen flashes or intermittent dropouts

If the picture does not display correctly, the screen flashes black or there are intermittent dropouts, the issue may be related to cable quality, EDID handling, or the TV input being used.

Try changing the HDMI cables.
Avoid optical fiber HDMI cables if possible.
Try a different HDMI port on the TV.
Try a lower resolution from the media source.
Connect the media source to the TV directly and check if the video works properly.
Try a different media source, if possible.

6. CEC not working

CEC on the HDA-912 only works between the connected TV and media source. The TV remote or the media source remote cannot control the soundbar, AVR or audio device connected to the Optical or 3.5mm output. CEC is an HDMI-only feature and does not work with Optical or 3.5mm outputs.

7. Unit not working at all

If the HDA-912 appears completely unresponsive, try these things:

Unplug the unit for 30 seconds and reconnect it.
Test the source directly to the TV.
Check the indicator LEDs on the unit.
Try a different power outlet.

Contact support

Contact OREI support if the steps in this guide do not resolve the issue. When you reach out, it would be helpful to have some or all of the details mentioned below:

Your full setup details, including the source device, display, audio system, and cable types used
The problem you are facing and the troubleshooting steps you have already tried
Your purchase invoice or order number
The model numbers of your connected equipment

Our support team is available via phone or email between 9 AM to 5 PM CST, Monday through Friday.

Email: info@orei.com

Phone: +1 877-290-5530

Disclaimer

Troubleshooting results can vary depending on the source device, display, audio equipment, HDMI cables, and system settings. The HDA-912 is designed for direct HDMI source audio extraction and does not support ARC or eARC. If your setup requires TV audio extraction, projector EDID management, or advanced compatibility handling, a different product may be more suitable. Use this guide as a general reference and contact support if the issue remains unresolved.

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