HDMI Audio Embedder/DeEmbedder

The Kramer FC-69 is a high-performance HDMI audio embedder and de-embedder designed for 4K video and flexible audio routing. It supports 4K@60Hz video with 4:2:0 color sampling, 4Kx2K signals, and bandwidth up to 8.91Gbps. The unit can add analog audio to an HDMI output or extract audio from an HDMI input or the HDMI output Audio Return Channel.

Ideal Use Cases

The FC-69 is suited to HDMI systems that need to combine an analog audio source with an HDMI video signal. Its embedding function routes the supplied analog audio to the HDMI output, providing a direct way to introduce external audio into the HDMI path.

It also serves installations that need separate audio feeds from an HDMI source. Audio can be de-embedded from the HDMI input and delivered to S/PDIF and unbalanced stereo outputs simultaneously. The same outputs can receive audio returned through the HDMI output Audio Return Channel, making the model useful when audio needs to be recovered from either side of the HDMI signal path.

Why Choose This Model

The FC-69 combines audio embedding and de-embedding in one model. This dual-purpose design supports multiple signal requirements without limiting the unit to audio insertion or extraction alone. Users can embed analog audio into HDMI, extract audio arriving through the HDMI input, or recover Audio Return Channel content from the HDMI output.

Simultaneous S/PDIF and unbalanced stereo output is another practical advantage. A de-embedded signal does not have to be limited to one output format, allowing both available audio outputs to operate at the same time.

Installation and Integration

For audio embedding, the FC-69 is positioned in the HDMI signal path and supplied with analog audio. The unit combines that audio with the signal sent through its HDMI output. For de-embedding, it extracts audio carried by the HDMI input and routes it to the S/PDIF and unbalanced stereo outputs.

The unit can also obtain audio through the Audio Return Channel associated with its HDMI output. This provides an additional extraction path when the required audio is returning from the output side of the HDMI connection. The appropriate operating arrangement depends on whether the system needs analog-to-HDMI embedding, HDMI-input extraction, or ARC audio extraction.

Performance Highlights

The FC-69 supports video signals up to 4K@60Hz with 4:2:0 color sampling. The supplied specifications also identify support for 4Kx2K signals, a 60Hz refresh rate, and 8.91Gbps bandwidth. These capabilities allow the audio functions to be incorporated into the specified 4K HDMI signal path.

On the audio side, the unit handles both insertion and extraction. Analog audio can be embedded into the HDMI output, while audio from the HDMI input or HDMI output Audio Return Channel can be de-embedded. During extraction, S/PDIF and unbalanced stereo audio outputs are available simultaneously.

What Makes It Different

The defining feature of the FC-69 is the number of audio-routing tasks consolidated into one device. It is not restricted to extracting HDMI audio: it can also embed analog audio into HDMI and retrieve returned audio through ARC. This provides three clearly defined operating capabilities around a single HDMI path.

Its dual de-embedded outputs further distinguish the routing design. The same extracted audio can be presented through S/PDIF and unbalanced stereo connections at the same time, accommodating both digital and analog output requirements without selecting only one of the two.

Final Assessment

The Kramer FC-69 is a focused solution for systems that require control over audio within a 4K HDMI connection. Its support for 4K@60Hz 4:2:0 signals and 8.91Gbps bandwidth is paired with analog audio embedding, HDMI and ARC audio extraction, and simultaneous S/PDIF and unbalanced stereo outputs. It is especially relevant when a single HDMI signal path must support more than one audio-routing requirement.