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4K 18Gbps HDMI Switchers with ARC
About ARC HDMI Switchers
VigilLink's ARC switcher range provides 4x1 HDMI 2.0 source selection with an Audio Return Channel on the output, allowing a connected television or display to send audio back through the HDMI cable to an AV receiver, soundbar, or amplifier without a separate optical or analog audio connection. The VLSW-41H20R supports standard ARC for PCM stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS 5.1 return audio.
The VLSW-41H20ER upgrades the return path to eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), supporting uncompressed Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Dolby Atmos object audio at full bitrate — the formats required for high-quality audio from modern streaming services and 4K Blu-ray. Both models operate at HDMI 2.0 18Gbps, supporting 4K@60Hz, HDCP 2.2, and HDR passthrough, and ship with VigilLink's 6-year warranty.
Choosing the Right ARC HDMI Switcher
Standard ARC — VLSW-41H20R: 4x1 HDMI 2.0 switcher with a standard ARC-enabled output port. Audio return supports PCM 2.0, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS 5.1 — the formats available from broadcast TV, standard streaming services, and most cable boxes. Choose the VLSW-41H20R when the AV receiver or soundbar in the system does not support eARC, or when the audio return requirement is limited to surround sound from broadcast or streaming sources without the need for lossless audio.
Enhanced eARC — VLSW-41H20ER: 4x1 HDMI 2.0 switcher with an eARC-enabled output port. Audio return supports the full eARC format range including uncompressed Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos (object-based), and DTS:X — required for lossless audio from 4K Blu-ray and high-quality streaming services. eARC also eliminates the lip-sync and CEC compatibility issues that can affect standard ARC implementations. Choose the VLSW-41H20ER when the display and AV receiver both support eARC and the installation requires the highest possible audio quality from the television's audio return path.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ARC and how does it work through an HDMI switcher?
ARC (Audio Return Channel) is a feature built into HDMI that allows a television or display to send audio back down the HDMI cable to a connected AV receiver or soundbar — in the reverse direction of the normal video signal. In an HDMI switcher installation, ARC enables the TV's built-in audio (from apps, broadcast, or streaming) to reach the room's sound system through the same HDMI cable connection used for the primary video signal, without a separate optical or analog audio cable.
What is the difference between ARC and eARC?
ARC supports PCM 2.0, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS 5.1 on the audio return path — sufficient for broadcast TV and most streaming audio. eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel, introduced in HDMI 2.1) expands the return bandwidth to support uncompressed Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X at full bitrate. eARC also uses a dedicated channel that avoids the CEC timing conflicts that sometimes cause audio delays or dropouts with standard ARC. The VLSW-41H20R supports ARC; the VLSW-41H20ER supports eARC.
Does my AV receiver and TV both need to support eARC for it to work?
Yes. eARC requires eARC support at both ends of the HDMI connection — the television's HDMI ARC port must be eARC-capable, and the AV receiver or soundbar's input must also support eARC. If either device supports only ARC, the connection will fall back to standard ARC behavior. The VLSW-41H20ER passes the eARC signal transparently; it does not convert or upgrade ARC to eARC.
Do these switchers support 4K HDR passthrough?
Yes. Both the VLSW-41H20R and VLSW-41H20ER support 4K@60Hz with HDR passthrough at HDMI 2.0 18Gbps bandwidth, including HDR10 and HLG. Dolby Vision passthrough support should be verified against individual product specifications. Neither model supports 8K or 4K@120Hz — for those requirements, select from the HDMI 2.1 48Gbps switcher range.
Will ARC still work if I switch to a different HDMI input?
Yes. The ARC return path on the output port operates independently of the selected HDMI input. Switching the active input changes only which source signal is routed to the display — the ARC audio return from the television continues uninterrupted regardless of which input is selected.
Can these ARC switchers be used without utilizing the ARC function?
Yes. Both models function as standard 4x1 HDMI 2.0 switchers regardless of whether the ARC function is used. If the AV receiver or display does not support ARC, the switcher still performs clean 4x1 HDMI source selection at 4K@60Hz. The ARC port is simply an additional feature of the HDMI output connection.
What audio formats does the standard ARC output support on the VLSW-41H20R?
The VLSW-41H20R supports standard ARC audio return formats: PCM 2.0 (uncompressed stereo), Dolby Digital 5.1 (AC-3), and DTS 5.1. These are the formats available from broadcast TV, cable, and standard streaming service audio. Lossless formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA are not supported on standard ARC — the VLSW-41H20ER with eARC is required for those formats.
Are these switchers compatible with control systems for automated input switching?
Both models include front-panel button input selection and IR remote control as standard. For integration with Crestron, Extron, AMX, or VigilLynx control systems, consult individual product documentation or contact VigilLink for RS-232 and IR control details.