AVPro Edge Point to Point audio extender using eARC over a single category cable

Overview

The AVPro Edge Point-to-Point eARC Audio Extender transmits Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) signals from a display back to an AV receiver or processor over a single category cable. Where HDMI ARC and eARC natively travel over the HDMI cable itself, this extender decouples the audio return path from the video path, allowing the TV or display to be located at a distance from the AV equipment rack — connected only by the category cable infrastructure already present in the wall. It supports the full eARC audio bandwidth, including lossless formats such as Dolby TrueHD with Atmos object metadata and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Description

eARC was introduced with HDMI 2.1 to replace the older ARC channel, increasing audio return bandwidth from approximately 1 Mbps (ARC) to over 37 Mbps (eARC). This increased bandwidth is what makes lossless Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Dolby Atmos object-based audio possible over the return channel. In installations where the AV processor is in a rack closet and the display is wall-mounted in another room, the standard HDMI cable connecting them may be impractically long or already replaced by an HDMI extender that does not carry eARC.

This extender solves that problem by creating a dedicated eARC extension path over a single Cat cable run. One unit connects to the HDMI eARC port on the display; the other connects to the eARC or ARC input on the AV receiver or processor. The audio return path operates independently of the video distribution system, giving integrators flexibility in how they route signals.

Key Features

• Extends eARC over a single CAT5e/6 cable — no dedicated HDMI run required for audio return
• Supports full eARC bandwidth: Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X
• Backward compatible with standard ARC for displays that do not support eARC
• Point-to-point design — plug-in and go, no IP configuration required
• Allows TV to be located remotely from AV rack without sacrificing lossless audio return
• Compact extender units suitable for behind-TV or behind-rack-shelf mounting
• Enables clean installations with minimal visible cabling at the display location

Typical Applications

• Home theater systems where the TV is in a different room or cabinet from the AV processor
• Commercial installations with remote displays requiring audio return to a central rack
• Upgrade retrofits for existing HDMI extender installations lacking eARC pass-through
• Multi-room AV systems where streaming audio from a TV app must return to the main audio system
• Hospitality guest rooms with in-wall cat cable runs and rack-mounted AV equipment

Technical Specs

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the display need to support HDMI 2.1 for eARC to work?

The display must have an HDMI port labeled eARC (typically HDMI 2.1). However, the extender is also backward compatible with standard ARC ports on HDMI 2.0 displays, though audio will be limited to compressed formats in that case.

Can this extender be used alongside a separate HDMI video extender?

Yes. This unit handles only the eARC audio return signal. The video feed to the display is independent and can use any HDMI extender or direct cable. The two paths operate separately over their respective cabling.

Does it require any IP configuration or a control system?

No. The extender is plug-and-play. Connect the HDMI end to the display's eARC port and the RJ45 to the category cable run. The other unit connects to the AV receiver or processor's ARC/eARC input. No software or network configuration is needed.

Will Dolby Atmos from a streaming app on a smart TV pass through?

Yes, provided the TV supports eARC output of the Dolby Atmos TrueHD stream. Most current smart TVs that decode Atmos internally output it via eARC. Check the TV's eARC audio output settings to ensure passthrough is enabled.