Lattice Simplifies Audio Connectivity and Improves Performance with HDMI 2.1 Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) Solutions

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PORTLAND, Ore. , Nov. 29, 2017 –  Lattice Semiconductor Corporation (NASDAQ: LSCC), the leading provider of customizable smart connectivity solutions, today announced the release of the SiI9437 and SiI9438, the first HDMI^® 2.1 compliant Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) audio receiver and transmitter devices. eARC future proofs and significantly improves home theater connectivity. This new, simple and trouble-free audio feature is included in the recently announced HDMI 2.1 Specification. Available today, eARC technology was developed by the HDMI Forum, an organization of over 80 leading consumer electronics companies.

As a founder, contributor, and adopter of the HDMI Specification, Lattice continues to lead the market by releasing HDMI 2.1 products supporting eARC technology. The eARC feature makes the audio device work seamlessly with the TV. The device selection and volume control are performed by the TV remote, as if no audio device is attached at all. eARC uses two pins within the HDMI cable – the same pins intended for the HDMI Ethernet Channel feature – to transmit the low-jitter, high-bandwidth audio, and also bi-directional communication signals, which discover and control the audio feature. This is a great improvement over the old TOSLINK and SPDIF audio outputs, which require a separate cable and connector, and lack the ability to communicate between the audio device and TV.

"DTS (now Xperi) was happy to collaborate with Lattice to develop eARC technology because it solves important, long-term compatibility problems in home theaters," said Joanna Skrdlant, General Manager, Home Audio & Solutions Licensing at Xperi. "We believe that the new features coming to consumers with eARC will enhance their home theater experience. Audio content can now move freely through listeners' connected TVs, while preserving the incredible experience of DTS:X immersive audio and DTS-HD surround audio found in Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs, Blu-ray Discs and streaming services worldwide."

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