Vanco has created three new products for enhancing functionality and ease of use for residential audio systems: the PA-EARCX HDMI Audio Extractor with eARC; the PA230BWA 2 Channel, In-Wall Addressable Bluetooth Amplifier; and the PA230SWA 2 Channel, In-Wall Wi-Fi Streaming Amplifier.
Created in direct response to integrator feedback, these products enable affordable, high-performance, and easy-to-integrate audio capture and installed audio solutions.
PulseAudio PA-EARCX HDMI Audio Extractor with eARC
PA-EARCX is an ideal solution to add ARC or eARC breakout capabilities to any system.
As an HDMI audio extractor, it can de-embed or break out audio from an HDMI source to a soundbar, AV receiver, or amplifier without affecting the video output to the main display.
The PA-EARCX supports both Audio Return Channel (ARC) and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), with Dolby and DTS format pass-through such as Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, and DTS-HD Master Audio.
The device features two HDMI outputs: one for video, and one for dedicated audio breakout. The video output passes 18 Gbps video at 4K@60Hz resolution with 4:4:4 sampling and advanced EDID management. The PA-EARCX is HDMI 2.0b and HDCP 2.3 compliant, and compatible with HDR formats including HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision.
PA230BWA 30W, 2 Channel, In-Wall Addressable Bluetooth Amplifier
The PA230BWA is an in-wall Bluetooth audio receiver with a built-in Class D 2X30W amplifier, supporting 4Ω and 8Ω speakers. It allows users to send streaming audio from a phone, tablet, or computer to a single amplified audio zone, connecting via Bluetooth v5.0 or 3.5mm analog stereo input.
The PA230BWA switches between sources automatically, with priority for Bluetooth connections. Its single-gang wall-plate form factor allows it to be unobtrusively integrated into any space.
Each unit is uniquely addressable, allowing integrators to install multiple units in a single building.
PulseAudio PA230SWA 30W, 2 Channel In-Wall Wi-Fi Streaming Amplifier
The PA230SWA offers the same single gang form factor and built-in 2-Channel amplifier as the PA230BWA for Wi-Fi streaming applications. It can stream music directly or through a mobile, tablet, or laptop device connected to the same network. The PASTREAM app, available for iOS and Android, allows users to play and control music from a synced Spotify, Amazon Music, Qplay, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, or Tidal account.
The PA230SWA is also compatible with AirPlay and Wi-Fi Direct, allowing users to easily play songs from their personal music libraries. Integrators can install multiple PA230SWA amplifiers to create a multi-zone system with wireless distribution. Units can be used separately or joined together for “party mode.”
“These additions to the PulseAudio line combine professional functionality with the simplicity today’s end users expect,” said Randy Blanchard, director of audio products for Vanco. “No one should have to choose between full, immersive sound and the ability to extend or distribute video, or between the elegance of installed speakers and the simplicity of streaming audio. With these affordable additions to the Vanco line, no one will have to.”
Related: Vanco Introduces New Multi-Format Collaboration Switcher for Videoconferencing Huddle Spaces
