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Setup #10 · PC / HTPC

Windows gaming PC with Arcana and Arcana 2

A modern gaming PC with HDMI 2.1 requires Arcana 2 for 4K120 and VRR.

Compare both setupsCorrect settings
PC
Arcana 2 strongly recommended4K120 · VRR · HDR · AtmosMost flexible
Windows gaming PC connected to an HDfury Arcana, TV and Dolby Atmos audio system
Windows gaming PC through HDfury Arcana for video and audio.
About this player

Why use Windows gaming PC with HDfury Arcana?

Een gaming-pc kan zeer uiteenlopende resoluties, verversingssnelheden and audioformaten uitsturen. A vaste, gecheckde configuratie voorkomt Windows-handshakeproblemen and ongewenste PCM- of stereoweergave.

Arcana extracts audio from the HDMI signal before a TV or projector can restrict it. A compatible soundbar or receiver can therefore receive the best available soundtrack while the video signal continues to the display.

  • After installation, verify that the TV reports the correct resolution and HDR mode.
  • Check the Sonos app or receiver display to confirm that Dolby Atmos or the intended surround format is received.
  • Only force EDID or scaling when the automatic configuration is not stable.
Two different connection methods

Arcana and Arcana 2 are not the same

Arcana is suitable for 4K60 desktop and movie use. Arcana 2 is required for the full HDMI 2.1 gaming experience.

With limitations

Setup with Arcana

Up to 18 Gbps · maximum 4K60
Windows gaming PCHDMI source
→
ArcanaSeparate audio and video
→
TV / projectorVideo
+
Soundbar / AVRAudio

Cable order: Windows gaming PC → Arcana HDMI IN → HDMI OUT to TV/projector + eARC to soundbar

Use this route when 4K60 is sufficient and you need one video output.

Recommended

Setup with Arcana 2

Up to 40 Gbps · 4K120 · VRR · FRL5
Windows gaming PCHDMI source
→
Arcana 2Separate audio and video
→
TV / projectorVideo
+
Soundbar / AVRAudio

Cable order: Windows gaming PC → Arcana 2 HDMI IN → TX0 to TV/projector + eARC to soundbar

Use TX1/HDMI audio when a second display or HDMI receiver is required.

Key difference for Windows gaming PC

Arcana is suitable for 4K60 desktop and movie use. Arcana 2 is required for the full HDMI 2.1 gaming experience.

Recommended configuration

Configure the player correctly first

Only use EDID, scaling or lip-sync corrections afterwards when the standard route demonstrably does not work.

V

Video settings

Windows resolutie3840×2160
Vernieuwingsfrequentie120 Hz when supported
HDROn for HDR content
VRR / G-Sync / FreeSyncOn
A

Audio settings

Windows luidsprekerconfiguratieDolby Atmos for home theater of passende kanaalindeling
App-passthroughOn waar available
H

Arcana choice

Recommended modelArcana 2 strongly recommended
ArcanaMaximum 18 Gbps / 4K60
Arcana 2Up to 40 Gbps / 4K120 / VRR
EDIDStart with Automix / default profile
ScalingOff unless displays use different resolutions
In practice

What actually trips people up on this device

The settings above are the starting point. These are the things that most often go wrong on this specific device.

Menu path: GPU control panel plus Windows Settings › System › Display

DSC support is the variable that catches people out

Display Stream Compression is what makes 4K120 with 10-bit colour fit, and support for it differs between GPU generations and even driver versions. If the resolution list simply does not offer 120 Hz, check whether your GPU supports DSC over HDMI at all before you start replacing cables.

Windows reads the EDID that the Arcana presents

The available refresh rates and colour formats come from the EDID the Arcana passes on. Changing the EDID profile on the Arcana therefore changes what Windows offers — which makes the Arcana a useful tool here rather than an obstacle.

Spatial audio is not the same as bitstream Atmos

Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos for Headphones are rendered by the PC. For Atmos as a bitstream to an AV receiver, select the HDMI output device and enable the Dolby Atmos for home theater format on it.

Still not right? Work through the troubleshooting pages — no Atmos, eARC falling back, lip sync and a black screen at 4K120 are covered there step by step.

Quick choice

Which one should you choose?

Choose Arcana

When this player uses up to 4K60, you have one display and audio must be sent to an ARC/eARC soundbar.

Choose Arcana 2

When you need 4K120, VRR, HDMI 2.1, a second video output or a separate HDMI audio output.

Buy the Arcana or Arcana 2 at HDfury.eu

Current pricing, availability, payment and European delivery are handled centrally through HDfury.eu.

Buy the ArcanaBuy the Arcana 2
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