AVPro Edge AC-EX70-UHD-ARC Ultra Slim 4K HDMI via HDBaseT 70 Meter Extender with Audio Return Channel

Product Overview

The AVPro Edge AC-EX70-UHD-ARC is an ultra-slim HDBaseT 4K HDMI extender kit that transmits HDMI signals up to 70 meters over a single CAT 5e or CAT 6a cable and includes full Audio Return Channel (ARC) support for bidirectional audio delivery. At 12mm thick, the transmitter and receiver units can be mounted in locations where traditional extenders would not fit, making them practical for behind-display, under-desk, and ceiling-void installations. ARC functionality allows audio from smart TV apps — such as Netflix, Hulu, or streaming services running natively on the display — to be returned over the same CAT cable to a headend amplifier or AVR, eliminating the need for a separate audio return path. This extender is engineered for commercial and residential installers who need reliable 4K extension with bidirectional control and audio return in a single, compact package.

Product Description

The AC-EX70-UHD-ARC kit includes a transmitter (AC-EX70-UHD-ARC-T) and receiver (AC-EX70-UHD-ARC-R) connected via a single UTP or STP CAT cable in place of an HDMI run that would otherwise be unreliable beyond 25 feet. At 1080p, the system achieves a 70-meter (230-foot) transmission distance; at 4K, the distance is 40 meters (131 feet) at 4K60 4:2:0 or 4K30 4:4:4. The ARC feature sends local display audio — typically from built-in smart apps — back to the transmitter end, where it can be fed into an amplifier or audio distribution system. Bidirectional RS-232 and IR control allow the control system at the rack to operate the display, or inversely for local IR commands to reach the source at the headend. Power over HDBaseT (PoH) at 48V means only one power supply is needed — the unit can be powered from either end — which reduces cabling complexity at the display location. The I-Pass feature routes control system IR emitter signals directly through the transmitter's mono 3.5mm IR port, with a built-in Voltage Protection Circuit (VPC) preventing damage to sensitive control system electronics during IR transport. ESD protection circuitry rated to 7kV on all inputs and outputs protects the unit from electrostatic damage during installation and operation. EDID management is included for reliable source-to-display compatibility, and the unit supports cascading for extended topology builds.

Key Features

• Audio Return Channel (ARC) — returns smart TV app audio to the headend over the same CAT cable
• 70m (230ft) at 1080p; 40m (131ft) at 4K over CAT 5e / CAT 6a
• 4K60 4:2:0 and 4K30 4:4:4 with HDR support up to 4:2:2 12-bit
• HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 compliance and CEC pass-through
• 48V Power over HDBaseT — only one power supply required, powered from either end
• Ultra-slim 12mm (0.47 inch) form factor for space-constrained mounting locations
• I-Pass IR port with Voltage Protection Circuit for safe control system integration
• Bidirectional RS-232 and IR control for headend-to-display or display-to-source command routing
• ESD protection to 7kV on all inputs and outputs
• EDID management for reliable source-display compatibility
• Supports audio formats: PCM 2-ch, LPCM 5.1/7.1, Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD-Master Audio, Atmos over HDMI
• Cascade-capable for extended installation topologies

Typical Applications

• Residential and commercial installations where smart TV streaming audio must return to an AVR or audio amplifier via ARC
• Hotel guest room AV where the display's built-in streaming apps provide audio that must route back to the room's audio system
• Corporate conference rooms replacing unreliable long HDMI cable runs with structured CAT cabling
• Classroom and training room AV with a rack-mounted source and display at the far end of the room
• Retail and hospitality digital signage requiring a clean, minimal-hardware install at the display location
• Residential custom AV installations where the extender must be concealed behind the display or within the wall

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Audio Return Channel (ARC) and why does it matter for this extender?

ARC is an HDMI feature that allows a display to send audio back to a connected receiver or amplifier over the same HDMI connection. In the context of this extender, ARC allows audio from smart TV apps running on the display — such as Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube — to travel back over the HDBaseT CAT cable to the headend, where it can be fed into an audio amplifier or distribution system. This eliminates the need for a separate audio return cable from the display location.

Does the Extron DTP HDMI 4K 230 Tx support ARC?

No. The Extron DTP HDMI 4K 230 Tx does not support Audio Return Channel, which is a meaningful limitation when the display will use built-in streaming apps for content delivery. The AVPro Edge AC-EX70-UHD-ARC includes full ARC support, making it the more capable choice in ARC-dependent installations.

What cable type is recommended for 4K performance?

CAT 6a is recommended for 4K operation at the maximum 40-meter distance. CAT 5e is supported but may limit performance at longer runs. STP (shielded) cable is recommended in electrically noisy environments to maintain signal integrity.

Can this extender be powered from the display end?

Yes. Power over HDBaseT allows the included 48V power supply to be connected to either the transmitter or the receiver end. This is useful when power is only readily available at the display location, avoiding the need to run a separate power circuit to the rack.

Is this extender compatible with all HDBaseT receivers?

The AC-EX70-UHD-ARC is a kit that includes both a matched transmitter and receiver. HDBaseT interoperability with third-party receivers depends on the receiver's HDBaseT certification and feature set. AVPro Edge recommends using the matched TX/RX pair for guaranteed ARC and control feature compatibility.