What is HDMI Pass-Through? When is HDMI Passthrough Useful?

What is HDMI Pass-Through? When is Passthrough Useful?

The capability for high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) signal forwarding is included in current home entertainment products such as ultra-high-definition televisions, Blu-ray disc players, video game systems, and surround sound speaker bars. This functionality allows an HDMI-compliant apparatus to pass along an incoming HDMI audio/video feed to another device without modifying or analysing the data stream.

The signal can journey unchanged from an original HDMI source gadget via a go-between unit to ultimately reach the intended display screen or audio speaker setup. HDMI pass-through circumvents unnecessary decoding and recoding steps that could potentially diminish quality. Appliances equipped with HDMI thru-put streamline connectivity and enable pristine transfer of the highest-fidelity signals.

It simply acts as an HDMI signal transmitter. The key benefit of HDMI Pass-Through is that it allows seamless transmission of the original source signal between multiple devices.

This prevents loss of quality that can occur when a device processes and re-encodes the signal. Now let's go over some common examples where HDMI Pass Through delivers major advantages.

Use Case 1: Soundbars
One of the most popular uses of HDMI Pass Through is on soundbars. Let's say you connect your 4K Blu-ray player directly to your TV using one HDMI cable.

To also hear the sound through the soundbar, you would need to use a separate audio connection between the Blu-ray player and soundbar. This forces the player to split and process the audio, degrading quality.

Instead, connect the Blu-ray player directly to the soundbar's HDMI In port. Now the player's HDMI output can pass the full high-quality 4K HDR video + multi-channel audio signal through the soundbar and onwards to the TV via the soundbar's HDMI Out or ARC port.

HDMI Pass Through soundbars like the JBL Bar 5.1 let you create this kind of single-cable HDMI connection for seamless integration.

Use Case 2: Gaming Consoles
Modern gaming consoles rely on HDMI to output 4K graphics and surround sound. Connecting them via HDMI Pass Through ports on the TV ensures the original 4K 60Hz or 120Hz HDR signal passes through without any loss of quality.

4K Passthrough on gaming TVs like the LG C2 or Samsung QN90B prevents lag, compression artifacts or dropped frames. This enables a smoother, more immersive gaming experience.

Use Case 3: AV Receivers
For home theatre buffs, HDMI Pass through receiver is indispensable. Connecting 4K sources like Blu-ray players and media streamers to AVR ports lets the receivers transmit the signal to the TV without needing to decode or process the signal.

This prevents unwanted video/audio delay or loss of HDR/bandwidth. flagship AVRs like the Denon AVR-X4700H feature 8K HDMI Pass Through to handle the very latest sources.

Use Case 4: Dolby Audio
Here's an advanced use case. Dolby audio formats like Dolby Atmos are encoded on TrueHD or Dolby Digital Plus carrier signals. TVs only support basic Dolby Digital and pass these advanced signals as-is to soundbars and AVRs.

This HDMI Pass through of Dolby encoded audio ensures you experience the full object-based audio without transcoding losses.

So in summary, these are the key scenarios where HDMI Pass-Through simplifies connections while delivering pristine AV quality:

Between media sources and soundbars
Gaming consoles to 4K TVs
Blu-ray players/streamers to AV receivers
Passing Dolby Atmos/DTS:X signals from TV to audio gear

HDMI Pass-Through is all about maintaining the purity of source signal across multiple devices. So when buying HDMI-connected equipment, always check for HDMI Pass Through capability. It guarantees you the very best AV quality that the source device can deliver.

Visit our online store Ooberpad to explore our collection of feature-packed soundbars, gaming TVs, AV receivers and more from top brands. Get additional details from our home theatre experts through chat or call.

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