Overview
Ultra Series Encoders handle audio differently depending on the model. Choose the Encoder at each source location according to the audio format produced by the source and how that audio must be distributed.
Most installations fall into one of these categories:
- Audio pass-through: Preserve the original HDMI audio format.
- Dolby Digital 5.1 downmixing: Serve stereo and surround-sound zones from the same source.
- Analog audio extraction: Send stereo audio to a separate audio distribution system.
- AES67 integration: Exchange LPCM audio with a compatible network audio system.
- Specialty video processing: Account for the audio behavior of the Tiling Encoder or Warp Engine.
Different Ultra Series Encoder models may be used within the same system, allowing each source to use the audio features it requires.
How Encoder Audio Reaches the Destination
The selected Encoder determines the audio format distributed through the system. Ultra Series Decoders output the audio format they receive and do not downmix or convert it.
- The HDMI destination must support the audio format produced by the source or Encoder.
- An analog Stereo Out port produces audio only when the Decoder receives a stereo-compatible signal.
- If stereo audio is required, configure the source for stereo or select an Encoder capable of the required audio processing.
Audio Pass-Through
Standard Ultra Series Encoders pass HDMI audio through the Just Add Power system without changing its format. Use audio pass-through when the original source format must reach the destination, including multichannel formats such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, DTS:X, or multichannel LPCM.
Audio pass-through models include:
- UL-707POE
- UL-707WP2
- UL-708POE
- UL-709P2P
- UL-717WP2
- UL-747POE
The discontinued VBS-HDIP-717HIFI also provides audio pass-through for existing installations.
Destination Compatibility
Audio pass-through does not make every destination compatible with the source format. Each display, AVR, soundbar, or other audio device must support the format produced by the source.
Dolby Digital 5.1 Downmixing
Use an AVP Encoder when the same source must serve stereo and Dolby Digital 5.1 zones simultaneously.
AVP Encoder models include:
- UL-718AVP
- UL-718WP4
- UL-749AVP
AVP Encoders accept stereo or Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. When an AVP Encoder receives Dolby Digital 5.1, it uses Dolby Pro Logic II to downmix the signal to LPCM 2.0.
Stereo-capable destinations can play the resulting LPCM 2.0 signal. A compatible AVR can be set to Dolby Surround to process the signal for a surround-sound zone.
AVP Audio Format Limitation
AVP Encoders do not support audio formats higher than Dolby Digital 5.1. Do not use an AVP Encoder when Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, DTS:X, or multichannel LPCM must be preserved in its original format.
For additional information, see Dolby Audio Downmixing - Specifications.
Analog Audio Extraction
Use an Encoder with an analog Stereo Out port when source audio must also feed a separate analog audio distribution system.
- UL-708POE: Extracts analog stereo when the HDMI source is configured to output stereo. Any required analog audio delay must be provided separately.
- UL-718AVP: Provides analog stereo output, Dolby Digital 5.1 downmixing, and adjustable analog audio delay.
- UL-718WP4: Provides AVP audio processing and analog stereo output in a wallplate form factor.
- UL-749AVP: Provides three independent rackmount AVP Encoders with analog stereo outputs.
- UL-767AES: Provides analog stereo output as part of its AES67 audio integration capabilities.
Stereo Output Requirement
An analog Stereo Out port requires a stereo-compatible signal. A standard Encoder such as the UL-708POE does not downmix multichannel audio to stereo.
AES67 Audio Integration
Use the UL-767AES to integrate an Ultra Series system with an AES67 audio network. The UL-767AES can input HDMI audio into the AES67 system or distribute audio received from the AES67 network through the Ultra Series system.
The UL-767AES supports up to eight channels of LPCM audio. AES67 is the primary method of routing digital audio between current Just Add Power devices and compatible network audio systems.
For configuration requirements and supported audio specifications, see AES67 - Specifications & Instructions.
767DSS Dante End of Support
The VBS-HDIP-767DSS is discontinued. Support for its Dante-related functionality ends January 1, 2027. Specify the UL-767AES for new installations.
When integrating the UL-767AES with a Dante system, AES67 operation must be enabled and properly configured on the Dante network.
For information about the discontinued 767DSS and Dante interoperability, see Dante - Specifications & Instructions.
Specialty Encoder Audio
The Ultra Series Tiling Encoder and Warp Engine receive audio and video from other devices in the Just Add Power system. Their audio behavior must be considered when planning sources and destination zones.
Tiling Encoder
The UL-759A Ultra Series Tiling Encoder combines as many as four sources into a single tiled output. Its audio processing is limited to 2-channel audio.
- Each source processed for audio by the Tiling Encoder must provide 2-channel audio.
- An input containing more than two audio channels produces no audio from the tiled output.
- Only one of the four input audio signals can play at a time.
- The active audio input can be selected independently from the primary video input.
Tiling Encoder Audio Limitation
The Tiling Encoder does not support multichannel audio. Configure the selected source to output stereo when audio will be distributed through the Tiling Encoder.
Preserve Multichannel Audio
When surround or other multichannel audio must be preserved, dedicate a separate Decoder to centralized audio. Configure the audio-only Decoder to watch the original source Encoder directly instead of the Tiling Encoder output.
This allows the video Decoders to display the tiled video while the audio-only Decoder bypasses the Tiling Encoder and passes the source’s original multichannel audio to the centralized audio system.
Audio Bypass Planning
- Video Decoders watch the UL-759A Tiling Encoder output.
- The audio-only Decoder watches the original source Encoder.
- The audio-only Decoder feeds the centralized AVR or audio system.
- The source, audio-only Decoder, and centralized audio system must support the selected multichannel audio format.
For additional information, see the Ultra Series Tiling Encoder Control System API.
Warp Engine
The UL-737POE Ultra Series Warp Engine receives an existing source from the Just Add Power network, rotates or scales its video, and creates a processed source that can be selected by any Decoder.
The Warp Engine passes the source audio through using the Ultra Series lossless audio codec. It supports uncompressed multichannel audio and does not have the 2-channel limitation of the Tiling Encoder.
The UL-737POE does not have a direct HDMI input or analog Stereo Out port. Its audio must originate from another Encoder in the system and remains associated with the video processed by the Warp Engine.
For additional information, see How To: Warp Engine Encoder.
