The SHARC-V2 is a THENAUDIO eARC two-zone audio processor that adds a low noise, quality DAC for high dynamic range via a 3.5 mm analog output natively converts up to 384 kHz sampling rates. The SHARC-V2 also functions as an advanced HDMI 2.1, 8K, 48 Gbps (FRL 6) CEC-controlled A/V switcher through its onboard version of a limited THENAUDIO GUIDE switch. (Note: Audio is extracted and remains in its digital multi-channel codec form; it is NOT downmixed or converted into analog stereo for distributed multi-zone use. For analog output, the source must originate as two-channel PCM). Video content passes through unaltered and is not decoded.

Two HDMI 2.1 HDMI 8K, 48 Gbps inputs accommodate post-18 Gbps media consoles with bandwidth headroom for the latest 4K/120 fps HDR games up to 8K/ 60 fps, 4:4:4 color space. Unique CEC port switching enables respective device remote controls to activate input switching on a TV or projector to finally deliver on the promise of CEC control that has seldom functioned with sustained repeatability.

Key Benefits

Retain Legacy Surround Components for Extended Use: Consumer Dolby Atmos debuted in 2014, while eARC, formally introduced in 2017, became widely available in compatible AVRs and processors in 2019. The SHARC-2 enables eARC to be split for extraction to two audio devices/systems simultaneously while remaining in the digital multi-channel domain. AVRs and processors absent an eARC input but compatible with lossless immersive audio formats may be retained as primary or secondary audio-centric components without requiring needless replacement.

Audio Format Support: All digital audio formats, including metadata-derived atmospheric immersive are supported, limited only by the passthrough capabilities of the Television.

Video Format Support: Formats up to HDMI 2.1, 48 Gbps, FRL 6 are supported.

TOSLINK Optical Out: Supports Dolby Digital Plus Atmos at up to 192 kHz output.

CEC Port Switching: The Zone2-Pro always remains connected to the TV’s eARC port, maintaining CEC communication with CEC-capable sources. THENAUDIO’s one-of-a-kind CEC architecture places SHARC-2 input selection into the TV onscreen menu for access through the TV remote. When a source remote is pressed, the source wakes and informs the SHARC-2 to select its input for pass-through to the TV for seamless operation.

Volume TRACKSYNC: Independent CEC control, especially for display volume,

is maintained by the SHARC-2, along with CEC switching and command passthrough.

HEADPHONE/ANALOG OUTPUT: Optimized for headphones, with output level controllable by TV or source remote. For analog output, the source must originate as two-channel PCM.

aka SHARK-V2