ARC/eARC Audio Channel Switching Without CEC Volume Failures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display apparatuses face challenges in efficiently switching between Audio Return Channel (ARC) and enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) due to reliance on Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), leading to user experience issues such as volume control failures and sudden volume changes when using external power amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a display apparatus to independently manage ARC and eARC connections through a processor, allowing seamless switching and prompt user feedback, even when CEC is off, and processing volume control messages efficiently to prevent sudden volume changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If CEC is used to switch between ARC and eARC, then audio output channel switching is enabled, but volume control failures and sudden volume changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the control of ARC and eARC channels from the CEC dependency. The processor independently manages channel switching and volume control, dividing the previously coupled CEC-based control system into independent channel management and volume management modules. This segmentation allows reliable volume control while maintaining channel switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary between the user interface and the audio output channels. Instead of relying on CEC as the intermediary, the processor directly receives user input for volume control and channel switching, mediating the control signals independently of CEC status. This eliminates the volume control failures associated with CEC-based mediation.
2Reliability
If CEC is turned off, then volume control reliability improves, but automatic channel switching capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic channel switching without requiring CEC or complex user intervention. The processor monitors audio output status and automatically switches between ARC and eARC channels based on detected audio formats and channel availability, making the system self-sufficient in channel management while maintaining volume control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor pre-configures multiple audio output channels (ARC and eARC) and prepares switching logic in advance. When volume control is needed, the system already has the channel states prepared, allowing immediate reliable volume adjustment without waiting for CEC handshake. The switching capability is preliminarily established so it can activate automatically when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple audio output channels are supported, then adaptability to external devices improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor implements a universal audio output management system that handles both ARC and eARC channels through a single integrated interface. The same processor logic manages channel switching, volume control, and format detection for multiple output types, making the system multi-functional without proportionally increasing complexity. The unified approach allows the display apparatus to adapt to various external power amplifiers while maintaining manageable system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a switching method for an audio output channel, and a display apparatus. The method includes: in response to a switch operation for switching an audio output channel of an external power amplifier, obtaining a first state value corresponding to the switch operation, where the audio output channel of the external power amplifier includes an ARC and/or an eARC, and the first state value is used for indicating an on/off state of the eARC specified by the switch operation; and adjusting a connection state of the ARC and a connection state of the eARC according to the first state value, and determining a target channel for outputting audio according to an adjusting result; and displaying the on/off state of the eARC matching with the target channel.