Long-Range ARC Audio Extender over CAT (150m/492ft)
KanexPro AUD-EXT-ARC150M extends HDMI ARC or optical S/PDIF audio up to 150m/492ft over a single CAT5e/6/7 cable. Dual-input TX/RX kit with CEC…
When an ARC-enabled display is installed far from the amplifier or AV rack — across a ceiling, through conduit, or down a floor — the native HDMI cable offers no practical path for audio return. The KanexPro AUD-EXT-ARC150M closes that gap, extending HDMI ARC or optical S/PDIF audio up to 150m/492ft over a single CAT5e/6/7 cable in a compact TX/RX kit. One cable replaces what would otherwise require signal repeaters, analog conversion, or dedicated audio cabling runs. The AUD-EXT-ARC150M accepts either HDMI ARC or optical S/PDIF as a selectable input at the transmitter — covering both ARC-capable displays and legacy sources without an ARC port. CEC pass-through in ARC mode preserves TV remote volume control to the amplifier. High-resolution audio up to 192kHz is supported, with format compatibility for PCM 2.0, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS 5.1. Both transmitter and receiver are metal-housed and USB-powered, sized for discreet installation behind panels or in ceiling spaces.
- Extends HDMI ARC or optical S/PDIF audio up to 150m/492ft over a single CAT5e/6/7 cable — no signal repeaters or dedicated audio cabling required
- Selectable input at transmitter — switch between HDMI ARC and optical S/PDIF to accommodate ARC-capable displays and legacy sources in the same kit
- High-resolution audio support up to 192kHz — 150m reach at 96kHz, 90m/295ft at 192kHz for installations requiring extended sample rates
- CEC pass-through in ARC mode — TV remote volume control is preserved end-to-end without additional control infrastructure
- Supports PCM 2.0, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS 5.1 — compatible with standard surround formats used in commercial and residential AV systems
- Metal-housed TX and RX units with ESD protection (±8kV air-gap / ±4kV contact) — built for installation in ceiling spaces, wall cavities, and AV racks
- Plug-and-play operation — no drivers or software required; 5V Micro USB power on both units
Specifications| Supported Audio Formats | PCM 2.0ch, Dolby Digital 5.1ch, DTS 5.1ch |
|---|
| Maximum Sample Rate | 192kHz |
|---|
| ESD Protection | ±8kV air-gap discharge / ±4kV contact discharge |
|---|
| ARC Audio — 96kHz | 150m / 495ft |
|---|
| ARC Audio — 192kHz | 90m / 295ft |
|---|
| S/PDIF Audio — 96kHz | 150m / 495ft |
|---|
| Cable Type | CAT5e / CAT6 / CAT7 (straight-through, T568B) |
|---|
| Inputs | 1× ARC IN [HDMI Type-A, 19-pin female], 1× S/PDIF IN [Optical Audio Jack], 1× Micro-USB |
|---|
| Output | 1× CAT OUT [RJ45] |
|---|
| Input Select | Front-panel S/PDIF / ARC toggle switch |
|---|
| Inputs | 1× CAT IN [RJ45], 1× Micro-USB |
|---|
| Outputs | 1× ARC OUT [HDMI Type-A, 19-pin female], 1× S/PDIF OUT [Optical Audio Jack] |
|---|
| Housing | Metal Enclosure |
|---|
| Color | Black |
|---|
| Dimensions | 90 × 72 × 20mm (TX & RX) |
|---|
| Weight | 175g (TX & RX) |
|---|
| Power Supply | DC 5V / 1A (Micro USB) |
|---|
| Power Consumption | Transmitter: 0.35W (max) / Receiver: 0.7W (max) |
|---|
| Operating Temperature | 0°C – 40°C / 32°F – 104°F |
|---|
| Storage Temperature | -20°C – 60°C / -4°F – 140°F |
|---|
| Relative Humidity | 20 – 90% RH (non-condensing) |
|---|
| 1× | HDMI Audio Extender (Transmitter) |
|---|
| 1× | HDMI Audio Extender (Receiver) |
|---|
| 2× | USB Shielded Cable (USB-A to Micro USB, 1m) |
|---|
| 2× | 5V/1A Power Adapter |
|---|
| 1× | User Manual |
|---|
Questions
- What audio formats and sample rates does the AUD-EXT-ARC150M support?
- It supports PCM 2.0ch, Dolby Digital 5.1ch, and DTS 5.1ch, with a maximum sample rate of 192kHz.
- What ESD protection does the unit provide?
- The TX and RX units provide ESD protection rated at plus/minus 8kV air-gap discharge and plus/minus 4kV contact discharge (Human-body Model).
- How does the transmitter select between ARC and S/PDIF sources?
- A front-panel S/PDIF/ARC toggle switch on the transmitter selects the active pass-through channel: in S/PDIF mode the receiver's S/PDIF OUT carries audio from the transmitter's S/PDIF IN; in ARC mode the receiver's ARC OUT carries HDMI ARC audio from the transmitter's ARC IN. Set the switch before p
- How does this extender fit into a typical AV system?
- In ARC mode, an HDTV's ARC output feeds the transmitter, which sends audio over a single CAT cable to the receiver at the equipment rack, delivering it to a soundbar or AVR via HDMI ARC OUT. In S/PDIF mode, a TV's optical output feeds the transmitter for delivery to an amplifier's optical input at t
- What are the dimensions and weight of the TX and RX units?
- Each unit (transmitter and receiver) measures 3.54 in x 2.83 in x 0.79 in (90 x 72 x 20mm) and weighs 0.39 lbs (175g), in a metal black enclosure.
- What cable type and wiring standard does the extender require?
- Use CAT5e, CAT6, or CAT7 cable wired straight-through per T568B (direct interconnection). Do not use a crossover cable.
- There is no audio at the receiver output. What should I check?
- Verify the S/PDIF/ARC toggle switch on the transmitter is set to match your connection type, confirm both TX and RX show a lit red power LED, check that the CAT cable is straight-through T568B (not crossover), and ensure cable length does not exceed 150m at 96kHz or 90m at 192kHz for ARC.
- Audio cuts out or is intermittent. What should I check?
- Check CAT cable quality (use CAT5e, CAT6, or CAT7), verify all RJ45 connectors are fully seated, avoid running the CAT cable parallel to high-voltage power cables, and consider shielded CAT cable in electrically noisy environments.
- What makes this extender suitable for mixed-display installs?
- The transmitter has dedicated ARC IN (HDMI) and S/PDIF IN (optical) inputs with a front-panel toggle, so a single kit accommodates both ARC-capable displays and legacy sources without needing separate hardware for each.
- Why choose the AUD-EXT-ARC150M for a display-to-amplifier audio run?
- It extends HDMI ARC or optical S/PDIF audio up to 150m over a single CAT5e/6/7 cable, eliminating the need for signal repeaters or dedicated audio cabling runs between a display and a remote equipment rack.