Need a monitor with HDMI In (ARC)

[Budgeter]

Does anyone know a monitor which support HDMI In with ARC (any size is fine, I don't care about other features)? My plan is to use it with the following setup: Laptop -> soundbar -> monitor. I've been looking around a lot but still seeing no sign of a monitor which support ARC. Or should I go for TV route instead?

[SupaKomputa]

Never know any monitors that support ARC.

Usually this is a TV feature.

You can also use monitors with audio out (headphones), then send that audio to the soundbar, quality depends on the monitor DAC module.

[Budgeter]

25 minutes ago, SupaKomputa said:

Never know any monitors that support ARC.

Usually this is a TV feature.

You can also use monitors with audio out (headphones), then send that audio to the soundbar, quality depends on the monitor DAC module.

Just a note though, not only DAC but also the AMP section.

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Right now, I'm using Laptop -> soundbar (recognized as a second display). I've looked over all price range and still can't find any.

My guess is I can go Laptop -> monitor -> soundbar if the monitor has passthrough/daisy-chain function, and I think it should work too. However, as I mostly bitstream my surround audio via hdmi, going the mentioned route void this ability.

I already have a dedicated audio setup and there are a lot of ways for me to get audio without the need of ARC, but they all have the limitation as stated.

[SupaKomputa]

34 minutes ago, Budgeter said:

Just a note though, not only DAC but also the AMP section.

Yes, usually it sucks. At least in my monitor. Why dont you just hook it to the audio out?

[Budgeter]

9 minutes ago, SupaKomputa said:

Yes, usually it sucks. At least in my monitor. Why dont you just hook it to the audio out?

Because I want to bitstream the 5.1/7.1 content, only hdmi out on my laptop will work, while the others only support stereo.

[SupaKomputa]

What you need is HDMI audio splitter, HDMI input -> optical out (soundbar), hdmi out (monitor).

[Budgeter]

11 hours ago, SupaKomputa said:

What you need is HDMI audio splitter, HDMI input -> optical out (soundbar), hdmi out (monitor).

Didn't think about this, I will look into that. My guess is it won't work because the splitter stuff cannot preserve the stream quality, both audio and visual wise.

[SupaKomputa]

7 hours ago, Budgeter said:

Didn't think about this, I will look into that. My guess is it won't work because the splitter stuff cannot preserve the stream quality, both audio and visual wise.

It's the opposite, HDMI send digital data (audio & video) the splitter is only separating the channel, so the soundbar still get a digital audio data from the hdmi, same as the video for the monitor. There is no such thing as digital degradation contrary to analog signal. Now it depends on what HDMI version the splitter support for it to pass the resolution or frame rate.

[Budgeter]

On 10/4/2020 at 9:20 PM, SupaKomputa said:

It's the opposite, HDMI send digital data (audio & video) the splitter is only separating the channel, so the soundbar still get a digital audio data from the hdmi, same as the video for the monitor. There is no such thing as digital degradation contrary to analog signal. Now it depends on what HDMI version the splitter support for it to pass the resolution or frame rate.

Actually, what I mentioned was not analog degradation, it was about stream handling capability. For example, can the extractor handle 5.1 properly? Can it handle and passthrough encoded format? Can it handle sample rate and so on? And as you said, I have to consider video passthrough capability too.

 

Tbh, can I hear the differences in sound quality, or see the visual differences? At least with my soundbar and monitor, I doubt that. It's just I'm picky about making my gears run at full potential.

[SupaKomputa]

No. As i said it's only splitting the channel there is no processing involved here.

Why don't you just try it, it's better than buying a new monitor.

[Budgeter]

27 minutes ago, SupaKomputa said:

No. As i said it's only splitting the channel there is no processing involved here.

Why don't you just try it, it's better than buying a new monitor.

Actually, I'm looking at them, you did make a very good suggestion. For now, I haven't seen any splitter that supports my purpose, but I'm still looking around.

And yes, it only splits channel without any form of processing, but by saying "handling", I mean whether it can run or not. For example, trying to passthrough 5.1 content over a usb to optical which only supports up to 2.0, it certainly won't work. The same happens when you try to passthrough/split-channel DTS content on Dolby-only splitter. That's what I meant.

[Girl1der]

Ok if you want to use a 5.1/7.1 bitstream through HDMI (What I'm doing) then you have to have a soundbar that does HDMI Passthrough and has a direct decode option.  I'm using a Bose 300 Soundtouch bar with sub and surrounds.  The only issue is that the sound bar doesn't support refresh rates higher than 60hz at any resolution above 1080P. I am using it with 165Hz 2K gaming monitors so this is my work around. 

HDMI from Nvidia video Card to soundbar > Then use a HDMI dummy monitor plug inserted into the TV port of the sound bar.. I'm using this one:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FB8GJ1Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 

I set this dummy monitor to the lowest resolution setting (to save resources) and move it so I cannot actually move my mouse to it in the windows display settings. If a window opens up on it, I use the "Alt+Tab" to select it, then the "WindowsKey+Left Arrow" to move it to my other screens. 

 

 

The Bose 300 has a Direct delcode option and most Sony sound bars will also switch to processing input sound directly when the connected display doesn't have an ARC channel. Tested on my Sony HT-RT5 (I gave these to my wife and replaced with the Bose 300). 

 

And to show this in action....

 

 

Work with Keyboard Volume control!!!! 

 

 

And I get all the options. Remember the Headphone profiles only work for stereo devices. Also if you are a streamer you will also want to use stereo mode as only the left and right channels are broadcast when streaming from Discord, Zoom, and other applications. 

 

IMPORTANT STUFF!!!!!

The new E-ARC sound bars for HDMI 2.2 will not work with PC's at all until a E-ARC driver is written by a video card manufacturer to allow the HDMI port to be used as a pure Audio only port. (Post this request on Twitter!).  Intel,  NVidia, AMD all need to do this. Imagine the HDMI port on your motherboard actually being useful!   

 

Another route will be if Creative or Turtle Beach put out a Sound Card for HDMI E-ARC devices.  That would be awesome!    

 

Hope this helps.
Enjoy your sound! 
 

 

[Exidor]

There is also the HDfury Arcana

https://hdfury.com/product/4k-arcana-18gbps/

 

That is an audio processor that splits you HDMI into audio and video. Eliminating the need for a "ghost" monitor as suggested above.

They promised to release a HDMI 2.1 version this year that would support all the HDMI2.1 features like 4k 120Hz 4 4 4 with HDR and VRR

 

That would eliminate the need for ARC or EARC 

You would need a soundbar or a AV receiver that supports both Atmos and LPCM to get the most out of it as most sound that your PC via GPU outputs is LPCM.

[Girl1der]

2 minutes ago, Exidor said:

There is also the HDfury Arcana

https://hdfury.com/product/4k-arcana-18gbps/

 

That is an audio processor that splits you HDMI into audio and video. Eliminating the need for a "ghost" monitor as suggested above.

They promised to release a HDMI 2.1 version this year that would support all the HDMI2.1 features like 4k 120Hz 4 4 4 with HDR and VRR

 

That would eliminate the need for ARC or EARC 

You would need a soundbar or a AV receiver that supports both Atmos and LPCM to get the most out of it as most sound that your PC via GPU outputs is LPCM.

Nice Development, but the HDMI 2.1 copy protection system is going to most likely block this when watching protected streams. and at $200 that is crazy!  With Gaming climbing to 4K@165+hz in the next 2 years. Last thing gamers want is another device slowing the processing of video signals. I only see this device being something for people with a really nice home entertainment setup who want to upgrade to dolby atmos without buying a new TV. 

[Exidor]

44 minutes ago, Girl1der said:

Nice Development, but the HDMI 2.1 copy protection system is going to most likely block this when watching protected streams. and at $200 that is crazy!  With Gaming climbing to 4K@165+hz in the next 2 years. Last thing gamers want is another device slowing the processing of video signals. I only see this device being something for people with a really nice home entertainment setup who want to upgrade to dolby atmos without buying a new TV. 

 

There is no real video lag that has been tested.

You can simply set it to pass through luckilly.

 

Same thing as with AV receivers they can turn off all video processing. 

Now EARC on the other hand very often leads to audio lag. Mostly if you run from TV to soundbar or receiver you get audio lag. Also TV manufacturers are extremely bad at supporting audio passthrough. Like I have an LG OLED CX LG killed off DTS support and you think OK fair enough I can use EARC and bit stream that to my soundbar I loose TV apps but hell I can use a different source. But NO the TV tries to decode the signal before sending it over EARC for no good reason and LG confirmed that you can not pass through DTS...... So a big fuck you to everyone.

 

Price vise yea it is expensive and I guess a lot of the price comes from them having to pay licenses on every single codec that thing implements.....

The current Arcana was tested and confirmed to have no lag I really hope they will release the promised HDMI 2.1 version. Because honestly the firmware support on TVs and soundbars is abismall.

Samsung 2020 Soundbars were marketed as HDMI2.1 then it turned out that the port is 2.0b and they only support some features of HDMI 2.1 but here in Europe they still have not changed the packaging still states HDMI 2.1 support the NA and Asia packaging changed and the homepage added a disclaimer.

Also LPCM is broken on the soundbar so you basically get either Atmos or Stereo from your PC correctly while gaming. That they promised to fix in frimware and I hope they will.

 

But honestly the Arcana is a good alternative for people who dont want to have or lack the space for a big AV receiver like me. And just want stuff to work. Currently HDMI2.1 is a dumpsterfire. EARC is always laggy and badly implemented.

 

 

So yea funnily enough considering the prices...... the Arcana is relatively cheap. And they seem to be committed to keeping it up to date. And as that thing has a lot less "smart features" that most people dont want or need you get a lot more updates and mileage out of such a specialised device. 

Even if the HDMI 2.1 version of the Arcana would cost 250 euros I would buy one, still a lot cheaper than getting a new TV or soundbar. High end soundbar or TV run 1500 euros and more each.

[Boy With A Cardboard Face]

On 10/3/2020 at 6:54 PM, Budgeter said:

Does anyone know a monitor which support HDMI In with ARC (any size is fine, I don't care about other features)? My plan is to use it with the following setup: Laptop -> soundbar -> monitor. I've been looking around a lot but still seeing no sign of a monitor which support ARC. Or should I go for TV route instead?

I've looked into this too. Your problem seems resolved, but what I settled on is a high resolution tv. I couldn't find any high refresh rate TVs in a range that I'm willing to really pay for. Plus I'm a sucker for audio and large field of view, even at the expense of giant pixels from my old tech. Cant get curved or high refresh rates. For me this is fine, but for some people it might be more worth it to get a monitor and a good pair of headphones.

[France Da Great]

Yes. Few months ago Samsung has launched 2 models of smart monitor that has HDMI ARC. It also has a Remote along with it. You can also stream YouTube and NetFlix in here. One model has Full HD Display & the other model has a QHD or 4K Display. Even I'm looking to buy a Monitor as a replacement for a Smart TV. Since all the TV companies have stopped manufacturing 32 Inch Full HD Panel smart TV from later 2019. My only cons about the Samsung monitor are that it doesn't have a height Adjustment stand like some monitor has.

 

Below r the amazon link I have given. Do reply me if u like my reply/suggestion

 

Samsung 32 inch (81.28 cm) M7 Smart Monitor with Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and Apple TV Streaming (LS32AM700UWXXL, Black) https://www.amazon.in/dp/B08XBM2TK1/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_dl_AND99XFNK6DRGXQ6Z5N2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

 

Samsung 32 inch (80.1 cm) M5 Smart Monitor with Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and Apple TV Streaming (LS32AM500NWXXL, Black) https://www.amazon.in/dp/B08XB47V8K/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_dl_ZPG60R4AZSTBKAFXFH68?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[Stahlmann]

On 10/4/2020 at 1:54 AM, Budgeter said:

Laptop -> soundbar -> monitor

I don't see a problem. Doesn't your soundbar have HDMI passthrough if it's an ARC device?

Just plug your laptop into your soundbar, then plug the soundbar HDMI out in your monitor's HDMI in. The monitor doesn't need to support ARC in any way when doing it like this.

[Roktruck]

You keep thinking of this as a single stream which you can't split. Why not have a second/third HDMI port on your laptop from a docking station which you plug into the sound bar?  Something like this;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dell-D3100-Docking-Station-452-BBOT/dp/B00O0M46KO/ref=asc_df_B00O0M46KO/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309981988222&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9818522692954070879&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006886&hvtargid=pla-406164589633&psc=1&th=1&psc=1