HDMI switching options

[mickcooper]

This is not really a Ultra issue but I thought I'd try picking the more experienced brains out there than mine and I can't believe this is so unusual.
I have a TV with one HDMI eArc output. For day to day use I have this connected to a soundbar for audio which works well.
When I watch a film I currently switch the TV audio output to bluetooth to connect to the Ultra (using integrated amp and connected speakers) which is sub optimal.
I'd like to use the HDMI eArc on the Ultra instead of bluetooth but can't find a convenient (cheap) way of switching between the 2 as required, without unplugging and plugging in each in turn.
Any thoughts and solutions would be welcome. Thanks

 

[QuarryHunslet]

Does your TV have an optical out that you could connect to the optical in on your Ultra, and then you could leave your soundbar connected to the HDMI Arc port of your TV.

 

[mickcooper]

It does but isn't optical sub standard to HDMI eArc? Does it support Dolby Atmos for instance.

 

[mickcooper]

I use the Optical currently anyway for my CD (DVD) player which I'd like to continue using as is.

 

[Wiimer]

It does but isn't optical sub standard to HDMI eArc? Does it support Dolby Atmos for instance.

Ultra does not support eARC.

 

[QuarryHunslet]

It does but isn't optical sub standard to HDMI eArc? Does it support Dolby Atmos for instance.

The WiiM Ultra uses HDMI Arc, and doesn't support Dolby Atmos anyway.

 

[mickcooper]

Ah, OK I wasn't aware of that. I'll use Optical. Thanks all, v much appreciated.

 

[QuarryHunslet]

I use the Optical currently anyway for my CD (DVD) player which I'd like to continue using as is.

You were enquiring about switching the HDMI Arc input on the Ultra between two devices, so you could use a HDMI switch, although I don't know whether they all support HDMI Arc.

Another alternative is to use an optical switch to connect your TV and CD (DVD) player to your Ultra optical input.

I am using one of these optical audio switchers with my Ultra, and another one with my Amp Ultra, and they support up to 24-bit 192kHz.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MFJKMRB?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

 

[mickcooper]

I did look at eArc/Arc switchers but they all seem prohibitively expensive. Optical ones look more reasonable, do you have a recommendation?

 

[QuarryHunslet]

I did look at eArc/Arc switchers but they all seem prohibitively expensive. Optical ones look more reasonable, do you have a recommendation?

I have edited my previous post to include the type that I am using.

 

[mickcooper]

Thar looks absolutely perfect. Remote too tickles my lazy bones. Thanks a lot.

 

[QuarryHunslet]

I use the Optical currently anyway for my CD (DVD) player which I'd like to continue using as is.

Just a thought, but is your CD (DVD) player connected to your TV via HDMI cable, if it is you could use a single optical cable from your TV to your Ultra, and get both TV, and CD (DVD) player audio via the same cable without needing a switcher. Although you would need your TV to be on when playing CDs.

 

[mickcooper]

I only use the DVD player for playing CDs, I've re added it recently because I am a gullible trend follower.

 

[QuarryHunslet]

I only use the DVD player for playing CDs, I've re added it recently because I am a gullible trend follower.

In that case, a switcher would be better, and would mean that you could listen to CDs without needing to turn your TV on.