The flagship Zone2-Pro is a THENAUDIO dual-output eARC audio processor that also functions as an advanced HDMI 2.1, 8K, 48 Gbps (FRL 6) CEC-controlled A/V switcher through its onboard version of a limited GUIDE switch. Able to distribute eARC audio simultaneously to two separate audio systems, the Zone2-Pro maintains matched volume output levels through TRACKSYNC. This proprietary algorithm overcomes interoperability issues for connected devices inherent in the CEC specification.
One example is an eARC signal directed from a TV to a soundbar. With the Zone2-Pro inserted into this signal path, eARC audio data is decoded and then re-encoded with THENAUDIO metadata designed to optimize the interface with compatible legacy audio processors that lack a formal eARC-designated input. Splitting the signal path into two, one path carries on to the soundbar, and the second is extracted for connection to a lossless format-compatible legacy AVR. (Note: Audio is extracted and remains in its digital multi-channel codec form; it is NOT downmixed or converted into analog stereo for distributed multi-zone use). Video content passes through unaltered and is not decoded.
Two HDMI 2.1 HDMI 8K, 48 Gbps inputs accommodate post-18 Gbps media consoles with bandwidth headroom for the latest 4K/120 fps HDR games up to 8K/ 60 fps, 4:4:4 color space. Unique CEC port switching enables respective device remote controls to activate input switching on a TV or projector to finally deliver on the promise of CEC control that has seldom functioned with sustained repeatability.
Retain Legacy Surround Components for Extended Use: Consumer Dolby Atmos debuted in 2014, while eARC, formally introduced in 2017, became widely available in compatible AVRs and processors in 2019. The Zone2-Pro enables eARC to be split for extraction to two audio devices/systems simultaneously while remaining in the digital multi-channel domain. AVRs and processors absent an eARC input but compatible with lossless immersive audio formats may be retained as primary or secondary audio-centric components without requiring needless replacement.
Audio Format Support: All digital audio formats, including metadata-derived atmospheric immersive are supported, limited only by the passthrough capabilities of the Television.
Video Format Support: Formats up to HDMI 2.1, 48 Gbps, FRL 6 are supported.
TOSLINK Optical Out: Supports Dolby Digital Plus Atmos at up to 192 kHz output.
CEC Port Switching: The Zone2-Pro always remains connected to the TV’s eARC port, maintaining CEC communication with CEC-capable sources. THENAUDIO’s one-of-a-kind CEC architecture places Zone2-Pro input selection into the TV onscreen menu for access through the TV remote. When a source remote is pressed, the source wakes and informs the Zone2-Pro to select its input for pass-through to the TV for seamless operation.
Volume TRACKSYNC: Independent CEC control, especially for display volume,
is maintained by the Zone2-Pro, along with CEC switching and command passthrough.