IT66326 (2 IN to 1 OUT HDMI2.1 Switch with eARC RX)

The IT66326 is a HDMI2.1 2 IN to 1 OUT switch with eARC receiver function which supports maximum signaling rate up to 12Gbps/channel. It is compliant to the latest HDMI2.1a specification and backward compatible to the HDMI2.0 and HDMI1.4 specifications. With 12Gbps/channel capability, the IT66326 can support ultra-high resolution content streams, such as 8K@60Hz and 4K@144Hz video formats.

All 2 input ports and 1 output port support HDMI2.1 data rate up to 48Gb/s, and the IT66326 also supports various data processing functions, such as video color space conversion function and audio extract/merge function. For the audio content in HDMI data stream, the IT66326 can extract the audio from the input stream and/or merge the external audio to the output stream.

With the audio extract/merge function, the audio stream from HDMI RX port can be extracted and output to external audio processor through various audio interfaces. After processing by the audio processor, the new audio content can be encoded to audio stream and merged to original video stream from RX port and then a complete video/audio stream can be transmitted by TX port.

The IT66326 TX port contains an audio receiver designed for Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) and it is also backward compatible to the HDMI1.4 Audio Return Channel (ARC). When operating in eARC mode, the Differential Mode Audio Channel (DMAC) bandwidth, i.e. 98.304Mbps, allows receiving 8-channel 192K or 8-channel 96K audio from HDMI Sink. 

The IT66326 also builds in HDCP1.4/2.3 hardware engines which can be used to disable the HDCP encryption at the output port or convert HDCP2.3 to HDCP1.4 for closed system application. Each IT66326 chip comes preprogrammed with an unique HDCP key, in compliance with the HDCP 1.4/2.3 standard so as to provide secure transmission of high-definition content. Users of the IT66326 need not purchase any HDCP keys or ROMs.

The IT66326 also provides a complete solution of Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) function. This optional CEC feature of HDMI specification allows the user to control two or more CEC-enabled devices through HDMI network. With IT66326 embedded CEC PHY, user can use high-level software API to easily implement all the necessary remote control commands. The CEC bus related protocol is handled by the CEC PHY which eliminates extra loading of the MCU.

• 2-input, 1-output HDMI transceiver with eARC Rx
• Compliant with HDMI1.4b, HDMI2.1a, HDCP1.4, HDCP2.3 specifications
• Embedded MCU and Flash
• 48 Gbps FRL support, 18 Gbps TMDS video support
• 8K@60 Video Support, and 4K@144 4:4:4 high frame rate video support
• Support DSC pass-through mode
• Audio extraction and output data thru I2S/TDM, SPDIF and DSD audio interface.
• HDMI2.1 Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) support
• Dolby Vision pass-through support           

• Application for Sound bar, AVR, ProAV Box, HDCP/Audio encoder and decoder
• Verified SOC include MTK, NXP, Amlogic, Sunplus and Rockchip

As the demand for high-definition visuals and immersive audio continues to grow in home entertainment and professional AV systems, chipset solutions must evolve accordingly. The IT66326 from ITE is a highly integrated 2-in-1-out HDMI 2.1 switch designed to meet these expectations, featuring built-in eARC audio receiving, full video/audio compliance, and seamless system integration—ideal for soundbars, AVRs, and professional-grade audio-visual equipment.

High-Speed Transmission for Future-Proof Video

Fully compliant with HDMI 2.1a and backward compatible with HDMI 2.0/1.4, the IT66326 supports up to 48Gbps total bandwidth (12Gbps per lane)—capable of handling ultra-high resolution and high refresh rate formats such as 8K@60Hz and 4K@144Hz 4:4:4. It also supports Display Stream Compression (DSC) passthrough to ensure pristine video output even under limited bandwidth conditions.

Advanced Audio Processing with Perfect A/V Synchronization

More than just a video switch, the IT66326 offers audio extraction and embedding capabilities, and features a built-in eARC receiver (backward compatible with ARC), supporting up to 8-channel 192kHz LPCM audio. With support for multiple audio interfaces—including I2S/TDM, SPDIF, and DSD—it can easily interface with external DSPs for audio enhancement or re-encoding before embedding the new audio stream into the HDMI output.

Content Protection and CEC Integration for Streamlined Design

The IT66326 includes built-in HDCP 1.4/2.3 engines and unique device keys, eliminating the need for additional HDCP licensing or ROM. It also supports HDCP 2.3-to-1.4 conversion for closed-system applications. Integrated CEC PHY and a high-level software API enable seamless multi-device control over HDMI, significantly reducing MCU workload and simplifying system architecture.

Smart Integration for Efficient AV Platforms

The IT66326 supports key HDMI 2.1 dynamic features such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), ensuring smooth, tear-free visuals and ultra-low latency performance for gaming and interactive content. An onboard MCU and flash memory offer greater system integration and faster time-to-market.

Broad Compatibility with Proven SoC Platforms

The IT66326 has been validated with major SoC platforms including MTK, NXP, Amlogic, Sunplus, and Rockchip, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of products—from premium soundbars and AVRs to professional HDCP encoders and central AV processors.

Elevate Your AV Products with the IT66326

Whether you're building consumer electronics or high-end AV gear, the IT66326 delivers industry-leading video and audio integration, making it the ideal core for next-generation multimedia designs.

• ITE Official Site: https://www.ite.com.tw/tw
• Macnica Anstek (Taiwan Region Distributer) :marketing.anstek@macnica.com.tw