ARC Audio Extender: TV Audio to the Rack over One CAT Cable

The AUD-EXT-ARC150M is a transmitter and receiver kit that brings a display's audio back to an amplifier, AV receiver, soundbar or multi-room audio system that sits far from the screen. It carries HDMI ARC or optical S/PDIF audio over a single CAT5e, CAT6 or CAT7 cable. It is for integrators working on commercial and residential AV systems where the display and the audio equipment are separated by a ceiling, a conduit run or a floor.

Applies to: AUD-EXT-ARC150M

What problem does this extender solve?

An ARC-capable display sends its audio back down its HDMI connection, but that only works if the amplifier is close enough for a normal HDMI cable. When the rack is across the building, the AUD-EXT-ARC150M takes the display's audio at the transmitter and sends it over one CAT cable to the receiver at the rack. That one cable takes the place of signal repeaters, analog conversion or a separate audio cable run. Both units are in metal housings and sized to fit behind panels, in ceiling spaces, in wall cavities or in AV racks.

How far can I run the audio at each sample rate?

Reach depends on the audio channel and the sample rate. ARC audio at 96kHz reaches 150m / 495ft. ARC audio at 192kHz reaches 90m / 295ft. S/PDIF audio at 96kHz reaches 150m / 495ft. The 192kHz rate works only on the ARC channel, so plan the run around the highest sample rate the source will send. All three distances apply to any of the listed cable types (CAT5e, CAT6 or CAT7). The cable must be wired straight-through to T568B at both ends. A crossover cable will not work.

Should I use the ARC input or the optical S/PDIF input?

Use ARC when the display has an HDMI ARC port and the far-end device is a soundbar or AV receiver with ARC. Use S/PDIF when the display has no ARC, or when the source is any other optical digital audio device connected by TOSLINK. A front-panel S/PDIF / ARC toggle switch on the transmitter selects the channel. The manual says to set it before powering up. Only one channel is carried at a time: in the ARC position the receiver's ARC OUT carries the audio, and in the S/PDIF position its S/PDIF OUT does. Because one kit takes both input types, you can stock the same part for ARC-capable displays and for older sources without ARC.

Will the TV remote still control the amplifier's volume?

Yes, in ARC mode. The extender passes CEC between the transmitter's ARC IN port and the receiver's ARC OUT port. This lets the TV and the audio device complete the handshake ARC needs, and the TV remote's volume control keeps working with no extra control equipment. CEC pass-through does not work in S/PDIF mode. CEC must be turned on in the TV's settings, and the amplifier or soundbar must support both ARC and CEC.

Which audio formats does it carry?

The extender supports PCM 2.0ch, Dolby Digital 5.1ch and DTS 5.1ch, with a maximum sample rate of 192kHz on the ARC channel.

Does it need software, a control system or local power?

It needs no software or control system. The kit is plug-and-play, and the only control is the S/PDIF / ARC switch on the transmitter. Each unit needs its own DC 5V / 1A supply through its Micro USB port. The kit includes two 5V/1A power adapters and two USB-A to Micro USB shielded cables, each 1m long. A red Power LED on each unit shows when it is powered. The manual strongly recommends surge protection and says to keep the CAT cable away from high-voltage power cables.

Key specifications