OREI HDMI ARC Audio Extender Over Cat6 Review

OREI builds this extender around a specific problem: getting HDMI ARC or S/PDIF audio from a TV back to an amplifier located in a separate media closet, without running a full HDMI cable that distance. Instead, the unit sends the audio signal over a single Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat7 LAN cable, which OREI states supports distances up to 300 feet.

Audio format support covers PCM 2.0 channel and Dolby 5.1 channel audio, with CEC pass through maintained between the HDMI ARC input and output ports so devices connected through the extender can still exchange CEC commands. For TVs without an ARC port, the extender provides an independent S/PDIF passthrough channel from an optical input on the transmitter to an optical output on the receiver.

OREI frames the unit as a plug and play solution, built into a metal housing in a Shadow Black finish, aimed at setups where running a long HDMI cable to a separate equipment location is impractical.

Dimensions are stated at 10.43 inches long, 8.26 inches wide and 2.75 inches tall, in a Shadow Black metal housing, with the model number ARC-EX300-K printed on the part number field. OREI positions the metal build as part of the product's overall construction quality for an always-on media rack device.

Transmission distance depends on the audio sample rate being carried: OREI states the extender transmits HDMI ARC and S/PDIF signals up to 150m, listed as 492 feet, at 96kHz, or up to 90m, listed as 295 feet, at 192kHz. The listing also states a 300 foot figure at 196kHz specifically for the Cat5e/6/7 LAN cable connection.

Connectivity centers on a single Cat cable run between a transmitter and receiver unit rather than a direct HDMI cable, with CEC pass through maintained between the ARC input and output ports, and a separate S/PDIF optical passthrough channel provided for TVs that lack an ARC port.

The core functional tradeoff is distance versus audio quality: OREI states the unit reaches up to 150m, or 492 feet, of transmission at the lower 96kHz sample rate, dropping to 90m, or 295 feet, at the higher 192kHz rate, with a separate 300 foot figure stated at 196kHz over the Cat5e/6/7 connection. Buyers running the longest possible cable distance may need to use a lower sample rate to stay within range.

Format support covers PCM 2.0 channel stereo as well as Dolby 5.1 channel surround audio, giving flexibility for both simple stereo setups and full surround sound amplifiers. CEC pass through between the ARC input and output ports keeps device control commands working through the extender rather than being blocked by the long cable run.

For TVs that lack an ARC port specifically, the independent S/PDIF passthrough channel gives an alternative path to send optical audio from the transmitter to the receiver, extending the extender's usefulness beyond ARC-only setups.