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Support › Knowledge base › AUD-EXT-EARC100M

AUD-EXT-EARC100M: eARC and S/PDIF Audio Over One CAT Cable

AUD-EXT-EARC100M AUD-EXT-EARC100M HDMI eARC w/ SPDIF Audio over CAT Extender 100m POC Extend TV Audio to a Remote Soundbar or AVR Over a Single CAT Cable Product page →

The AUD-EXT-EARC100M is a transmitter and receiver pair that sends a TV's HDMI eARC/ARC audio or its S/PDIF optical audio to a remote soundbar, AVR or multi-room audio system. It carries eARC or S/PDIF audio up to 100m/328ft over a single CAT cable. Bi-directional Power over Cable (PoC) means you only need power at one end.

Applies to: AUD-EXT-EARC100M HDMI eARC w/ SPDIF Audio over CAT Extender

What is the AUD-EXT-EARC100M used for?

It is for systems where the display and the audio equipment are in different places. Typical examples are a TV on one wall with the AVR in an equipment rack, or a display that has to feed a soundbar or audio system in another room. The transmitter connects to the TV's eARC/ARC port or optical output. The receiver sits at the audio endpoint and outputs the audio on HDMI eARC or S/PDIF optical. It carries audio only and does not carry video.

What connections are on the transmitter and receiver?

The transmitter has one eARC IN (HDMI Type A, 19-pin female), one S/PDIF IN (optical audio jack), one CAT OUT (RJ45, female) and a SERVICE port. The receiver mirrors it with one CAT IN (RJ45, female), one eARC OUT (HDMI Type A, 19-pin female), one S/PDIF OUT (optical audio jack) and a SERVICE port.

How do eARC mode and S/PDIF mode differ?

A front-panel S/PDIF/eARC switch on the transmitter selects which path is active. In eARC mode, the receiver's eARC OUT carries the audio from the transmitter's eARC IN. In S/PDIF mode, the receiver's S/PDIF OUT carries the audio from the transmitter's S/PDIF IN. S/PDIF is an independent optical path for TVs without HDMI eARC.

Which audio formats does each mode carry?

  • eARC: PCM 2.0/5.1/7.1ch, DD, DD+, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, Dolby Atmos
  • ARC: PCM 2.0CH, Dolby 5.1CH, DTS 5.1CH
  • S/PDIF: PCM 2.0CH, Dolby 5.1CH, DTS 5.1CH

Lossless and object-based formats such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA and Dolby Atmos are carried only when the TV connects over eARC. A TV that offers only ARC, or a connection made over optical, is limited to the ARC or S/PDIF format list.

Yes, but only in eARC mode. CEC is passed through when HDMI eARC mode is selected, so device control is kept across the link. The TV must have ARC/eARC and CEC enabled in its settings. CEC is not carried in S/PDIF mode.

Do I need power at both ends?

No. PoC is bi-directional, so the single 12V/1A locking power adapter in the box can connect to either the transmitter or the receiver, and power reaches the other unit over the CAT cable. Put the adapter wherever an outlet is easiest to reach, at the TV side or at the amplifier side.

What cable does the CAT run need?

Use Cat6, Cat6a or Cat7 UTP/STP cable, terminated straight-through (T568B at both ends). The maximum run for eARC or S/PDIF audio is 100m/328ft. Do not use crossover cables. Shielded (STP) cable is recommended where there is high electromagnetic interference.

What comes in the box?

One HDMI Audio Extender transmitter, one HDMI Audio Extender receiver, one 12V/1A locking power adapter and one user manual.

Key specifications

SpecificationValue
Transmission Distance100m / 328ft
ESD ProtectionIEC 61000-4-2: ±8kV (air-gap) & ±4kV (contact)
Power SupplyAC 100-240V 50/60Hz → DC 12V/1A (CE/FCC/UL)
Power Consumption5.65W (Max)
Dimensions90mm (W) x 72mm (D) x 20mm (H) - TX & RX each
Weight184g (TX/RX each)
Operating Temperature0-40°C / 32-104°F
Relative Humidity20-90% RH (non-condensing)
RegulatoryCE, FCC, UL