VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM
Quick take
This HDMI audio extractor pulls sound from an HDMI source and outputs it through either optical (TOSLINK) or a 3.5mm AUX connection. It is especially useful when your TV, projector, or HDMI-only player does not provide a usable digital audio out. The main catch is mode selection: use 2.0CH for 3.5mm, 5.1CH for optical, and switch to pass mode if you do not get audio and video as expected.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Dual output options: optical plus 3.5mm, so you can match more receiver/speaker setups.
- Mode switching for different output formats (2.0CH, 5.1CH, and pass mode).
- Designed for HDMI sources without built-in audio output, with plug-and-play style operation.
- Receives power from a USB 5V connection, avoiding a separate power brick in many setups.
Cons
- No ARC/eARC support, so it does not replace an ARC-capable TV audio return channel.
- Surround availability can depend on device behavior and the selected mode (some setups trade off 4K signaling vs 1080p when switching modes).
- It does not support 7.1 channels.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is strongly oriented toward “works as intended” use cases. Many people use the extractor to add digital audio (optical) to older TVs and projectors, or to give an optical-ready receiver a signal from HDMI-only devices. Setup is often described as straightforward, and several reviews highlight that audio quality can be strong once the correct output mode is used. Evidence is also mixed around compatibility with certain consoles, where changing the audio mode can affect which video resolution the display accepts.
What this HDMI audio extractor is for
If you have an HDMI source (streaming box, game console, Blu-ray player, cable/satellite receiver, or PC with HDMI output) but your display or audio gear does not provide the audio connection you want, an extractor like this bridges the gap. It takes audio from the HDMI stream and outputs it separately through:
- Optical (TOSLINK): supported for DTS 5.1 output.
- 3.5mm AUX: supported for PCM 2.0 output.
It also includes an HDMI “pass” mode so you have a path to handle situations where audio or video does not appear after selecting a specific output mode.
Key features that matter in real setups
Choose the right output mode (this is the biggest practical decision)
The unit provides three modes you switch between depending on which audio output you are using and whether you need to pass the original HDMI signal:
- 2.0CH mode: intended for 3.5mm stereo output.
- 5.1CH mode: intended for optical output (with DTS 5.1 support).
- Pass mode: a fallback if you find you are not getting the expected audio and video output with the first two modes.
When the mode and cable connection match your audio device, reviews generally describe the results as reliable.
HDMI and copy-protection compatibility
It supports HDCP 1.4 and is rated for HDMI 1.4V signal handling with up to 4K at 30Hz (RGB/YUV 4:4:4). That can be enough for many entertainment setups, especially where 4K is present but high refresh rates are not the priority.
Video and audio tradeoffs can show up with some consoles
Some buyers report that switching between audio modes can change what the console thinks your display supports, leading to a resolution drop to 1080p in certain configurations. This is not necessarily a defect in the extractor itself, but it is a compatibility reality to plan for when you use game consoles or devices with strict handshake behavior.
Power and connections are designed to be simple
It is powered via a USB 5V connection (up to a 5V USB port from another device or a compatible USB power adapter). Reviews also mention convenience in setups where the same HDMI device provides power for the extractor, reducing the number of wall adapters you need.
Pros and cons in context
Best for
- Anyone trying to get optical audio from an HDMI-only source to a soundbar, AV receiver, or DAC.
- Older TVs or projectors that lack digital audio output (or only offer outputs you cannot use).
- Home theater setups that want a dedicated audio path (optical for DTS 5.1, 3.5mm for stereo PCM).
- Budget-minded buyers who want a compact solution instead of replacing the source device.
Who should avoid it
- TVs that rely on ARC/eARC to send audio back to a receiver, because this extractor is not an ARC/eARC solution.
- People counting on 7.1 channel output, since it does not support 7.1.
- Users who cannot tolerate resolution changes when adjusting audio modes on certain consoles, since some setups may behave differently depending on how the HDMI handshake is negotiated.
Verdict
The VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor is a practical choice when your goal is simple: pull audio out of HDMI and feed it into optical or AUX without changing your HDMI source. It tends to satisfy buyers who match the output mode to the cable and receiver input they are using. If your setup depends on ARC/eARC, needs 7.1 surround, or must maintain a specific 4K refresh behavior across audio-mode changes, you may want to plan around those limitations before buying.
FAQ
Does this support ARC or eARC?
No. It does not support ARC or eARC as an input source.
Which mode should I use for optical audio?
Use the 5.1CH mode for optical output. If you do not get audio and video as expected, you may need to try pass mode.
Which mode should I use for the 3.5mm AUX output?
Use the 2.0CH mode for 3.5mm stereo output.
What audio formats can it output?
Optical output supports DTS 5.1, while the 3.5mm output supports PCM 2.0. It does not support 7.1 channels.
Will it pass 4K video?
It is rated for up to 4K at 30Hz (HDMI 1.4V). Some HDMI devices may change what resolution is reported depending on the selected audio mode, so plan to verify your specific console and TV/projector combination.
How does it get power?
It requires a USB 5V connection. Many users power it from a 5V USB port on a connected device, or you can use a compatible USB power adapter.
Specifications
| Product Title | VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Home Audio > Home Audio Accessories > Digital-Analog Converters |
| Brand | VPFET |
| Manufacturer | VPFET |
| Maximum Supply Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Minimum Supply Voltage | 4.5 Volts |
| Mounting Type | Freestanding |
| Number of Pins | 27 |
| Interface | Coaxial, Optical |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Item Dimensions L x W | 2.28"L x 2.04"W |
| Material Type | Aluminum |
| Brand Name | VPFET |
| UPC | 077063294066 |
| Part Number | EDUPUP |
| Model | EDUPUP |
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