What Is the EARC-EX330-K?
The OREI EARC-EX330-K is an HDMI ARC / eARC and S/PDIF audio extender kit that sends TV audio to a remote soundbar, AVR, amplifier, or multi-room audio system over a single CAT6 / CAT7 cable.
The kit includes one Transmitter, one Receiver, one power adapter, and a user manual. The TV connects to the Transmitter using either HDMI ARC / eARC or optical S/PDIF. The soundbar, AVR, or amplifier connects to the Receiver using either HDMI ARC / eARC or optical S/PDIF.
The EARC-EX330-K supports HDMI ARC / eARC and S/PDIF audio transmission up to 100m / 328ft over CAT6 / CAT7 cable. It supports eARC audio formats including PCM 2.0 / 5.1 / 7.1CH, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, and Dolby Atmos. ARC and S/PDIF support PCM 2.0CH, Dolby 5.1CH, and DTS 5.1CH. It also supports CEC pass-through when HDMI eARC mode is enabled and uses Power over Cable, so only one power adapter is required at one end.
The EARC-EX330-K is useful for home theaters, media closets, AV racks, wall-mounted TVs, soundbar installations, AVR setups, multi-room audio systems, and installations where TV audio needs to be sent over a long distance.
IMPORTANT — EARC-EX330-K Extends Audio Only
The EARC-EX330-K is an audio extender.
It does not extend:
- HDMI video
- DisplayPort video
- USB data
- Ethernet internet
- HDMI source video to a display
- Matrix switching
- Extended desktop screens
It is designed to extend HDMI ARC / eARC audio or optical S/PDIF audio from a TV or monitor to a remote soundbar, AVR, amplifier, or audio system.
IMPORTANT — Supports Both HDMI ARC/eARC and S/PDIF
The EARC-EX330-K gives two audio extension options.
| Audio Mode | Transmitter Input | Receiver Output |
| ARC / eARC | eARC IN | eARC OUT |
| S/PDIF | S/PDIF IN | S/PDIF OUT |
Use HDMI ARC / eARC when connecting to a soundbar or AVR with HDMI ARC / eARC.
Use S/PDIF when the TV does not have ARC / eARC or when the audio system uses optical input.
IMPORTANT — Use the Transmitter Switch to Select Audio Mode
The Transmitter includes an S/PDIF / eARC switch.
| Switch Position | Function |
| S/PDIF | Receiver S/PDIF OUT outputs audio received from Transmitter S/PDIF IN |
| eARC | Receiver eARC OUT outputs ARC / eARC audio received from Transmitter eARC IN |
For ARC / eARC setups, set the switch to eARC.
For optical audio setups, set the switch to S/PDIF.
If the switch is in the wrong position, audio may not output.
IMPORTANT — Correct ARC / eARC Connection
For ARC / eARC mode, connect the system like this:
| Device | Connection |
| TV ARC / eARC port | Transmitter eARC IN |
| Transmitter CAT OUT | CAT6 / CAT7 cable to Receiver CAT IN |
| Receiver eARC OUT | Soundbar / AVR ARC / eARC port |
| Transmitter switch | Set to eARC |
The manual’s FAQ confirms that the TV ARC / eARC port connects to eARC IN on the Transmitter, the soundbar / AVR ARC / eARC port connects to eARC OUT on the Receiver, and the Transmitter switch must be set to eARC.
IMPORTANT — Correct S/PDIF Connection
For S/PDIF mode, connect the system like this:
| Device | Connection |
| TV optical output | Transmitter S/PDIF IN |
| Transmitter CAT OUT | CAT6 / CAT7 cable to Receiver CAT IN |
| Receiver S/PDIF OUT | Amplifier / AVR / soundbar optical input |
| Transmitter switch | Set to S/PDIF |
This is useful for TVs, monitors, amplifiers, or audio systems that use optical audio instead of HDMI ARC / eARC.
IMPORTANT — Extends Audio up to 100m / 328ft
The EARC-EX330-K extends audio up to 100m / 328ft.
| Cable Type | Maximum Distance |
| CAT6 / CAT7 | Up to 100m / 328ft |
For best performance, use high-quality CAT6 or CAT7 cable with proper termination.
Poor CAT cable, damaged connectors, weak terminations, couplers, or long patching paths may cause no audio, dropouts, ARC / eARC handshake issues, or S/PDIF signal issues.
IMPORTANT — Use Direct CAT Cable Connection
Connect the Transmitter CAT OUT directly to the Receiver CAT IN using CAT6 / CAT7 cable.
Do not connect the CAT cable through:
- Network switch
- Router
- Internet network
- LAN switch
- Standard Ethernet network
This product uses CAT cable as a direct audio extension path. It is not an Ethernet or AV-over-IP system.
IMPORTANT — eARC Supports Higher Audio Formats Than ARC and S/PDIF
The supported audio format depends on the selected mode.
| Mode | Supported Audio Formats |
| eARC | PCM 2.0 / 5.1 / 7.1CH, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, 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 |
Use eARC when you need higher-bandwidth audio such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, or Dolby Atmos.
IMPORTANT — CEC Pass-Through Works in eARC Mode
The EARC-EX330-K supports CEC pass-through when HDMI eARC mode is enabled.
CEC may help with:
- ARC / eARC handshake
- TV remote volume control
- Soundbar / AVR detection
- Power control between TV and audio device
Make sure CEC, ARC, and eARC are enabled in the TV and audio device settings.
CEC may appear under brand-specific names such as HDMI Control, Anynet+, Simplink, Bravia Sync, or VIERA Link.
IMPORTANT — HDMI 2.1 Cables Are Recommended for ARC / eARC
The troubleshooting section says to make sure HDMI 2.1 cables are used if audio is not working.
Use HDMI 2.1 cables for:
| Connection | Recommended Cable |
| TV ARC / eARC port to Transmitter eARC IN | HDMI 2.1 cable |
| Receiver eARC OUT to soundbar / AVR ARC / eARC port | HDMI 2.1 cable |
Poor or older HDMI cables may cause no audio, eARC not detected, Dolby Atmos not passing, audio dropouts, or CEC issues.
IMPORTANT — Power over Cable Is Supported
The EARC-EX330-K supports Power over Cable.
This means only one end needs the included DC 12V/1A power adapter.
| Power Setup | Support |
| Power Transmitter only | Supported |
| Power Receiver only | Supported |
| Power both units | Not required |
| Included power adapter | 1 piece |
If one unit is powered, the other unit can receive power through the CAT cable.
Ports and Panel Layout
| Port / Switch / Indicator | Unit | Function |
| Power LED | Transmitter | Red LED lights when the Transmitter is powered |
| SERVICE | Transmitter | Firmware update port |
| S/PDIF / eARC switch | Transmitter | Selects S/PDIF or eARC audio pass-through mode |
| CAT OUT | Transmitter | Connect CAT6 / CAT7 cable to Receiver |
| S/PDIF IN | Transmitter | Connect optical output from TV or monitor |
| eARC IN | Transmitter | Connect ARC / eARC port of TV |
| DC 12V | Transmitter | Connect included power adapter |
| Power LED | Receiver | Red LED lights when the Receiver is powered |
| SERVICE | Receiver | Firmware update port |
| CAT IN | Receiver | Connect CAT6 / CAT7 cable from Transmitter |
| S/PDIF OUT | Receiver | Connect optical input of soundbar, AVR, or amplifier |
| eARC OUT | Receiver | Connect ARC / eARC port of soundbar or AVR |
| DC 12V | Receiver | Connect power adapter if powering from Receiver side |
Step-by-Step Setup — ARC / eARC Mode
- Connect the TV’s HDMI ARC / eARC port to eARC IN on the Transmitter.
- Set the Transmitter switch to eARC.
- Connect CAT OUT on the Transmitter to CAT IN on the Receiver using CAT6 / CAT7 cable.
- Connect eARC OUT on the Receiver to the HDMI ARC / eARC port on the soundbar, AVR, or audio system.
- Connect the included DC 12V/1A power adapter to either the Transmitter or the Receiver.
- Enable ARC / eARC in the TV audio settings.
- Enable HDMI CEC / HDMI Control if required by the TV or soundbar.
- Set the TV audio format to a compatible format.
- Power on the TV, soundbar / AVR, Transmitter, and Receiver.
- Check that the red Power LEDs are on.
- Test TV audio through the soundbar or AVR.
Step-by-Step Setup — S/PDIF Mode
- Connect the TV or monitor optical output to S/PDIF IN on the Transmitter.
- Set the Transmitter switch to S/PDIF.
- Connect CAT OUT on the Transmitter to CAT IN on the Receiver using CAT6 / CAT7 cable.
- Connect S/PDIF OUT on the Receiver to the optical input of the soundbar, AVR, amplifier, or audio system.
- Connect the included DC 12V/1A power adapter to either the Transmitter or the Receiver.
- Set the TV audio output to optical / digital audio.
- Set the TV audio format to PCM 2.0, Dolby 5.1, or DTS 5.1 based on the audio system.
- Power on the TV, audio system, Transmitter, and Receiver.
- Check that the red Power LEDs are on.
- Test optical audio output.
CAT Cable Requirement — Critical
Use high-quality CAT6 / CAT7 cable.
| Requirement | Specification |
| Cable type | CAT6 / CAT7 |
| Maximum distance | 100m / 328ft |
| Connection | Transmitter CAT OUT to Receiver CAT IN |
Poor CAT cable may cause:
- No audio
- Audio dropouts
- ARC / eARC handshake issues
- S/PDIF signal loss
- CEC pass-through issues
- Power over Cable issues
Use a direct cable run whenever possible.
HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical
Use HDMI 2.1 cables for ARC / eARC connections.
| Connection | Recommended Cable |
| TV to Transmitter | HDMI 2.1 cable |
| Receiver to soundbar / AVR | HDMI 2.1 cable |
Poor HDMI cables may cause:
- No ARC / eARC audio
- Dolby Atmos not working
- eARC device not detected
- CEC not working
- Audio dropouts
Optical Cable Requirement — Critical
Use good-quality optical Toslink cables for S/PDIF connections.
| Connection | Cable |
| TV optical output to Transmitter S/PDIF IN | Optical Toslink cable |
| Receiver S/PDIF OUT to audio system | Optical Toslink cable |
Poor optical cables may cause no audio, dropouts, or intermittent digital audio.
Make sure the optical cable is fully inserted into the optical port.
Power Requirement — Critical
The EARC-EX330-K uses one DC 12V/1A power adapter.
| Unit | Power |
| Transmitter | DC 12V/1A, or powered through CAT cable |
| Receiver | DC 12V/1A, or powered through CAT cable |
| Power Detail | Value |
| Power adapter input | AC 100–240V 50/60Hz |
| Power adapter output | DC 12V/1A |
| Maximum power consumption | 5.65W |
Only one side normally needs power because Power over Cable powers the other side through the CAT cable.
Understanding the Transmitter
The Transmitter is installed near the TV or monitor.
It has:
- eARC IN
- S/PDIF IN
- S/PDIF / eARC switch
- CAT OUT
- SERVICE Micro-USB port
- DC 12V input
- Power LED
The Transmitter receives either HDMI ARC / eARC audio or S/PDIF optical audio and sends it over CAT cable to the Receiver.
Understanding the Receiver
The Receiver is installed near the soundbar, AVR, amplifier, or audio system.
It has:
- CAT IN
- eARC OUT
- S/PDIF OUT
- SERVICE Micro-USB port
- DC 12V input
- Power LED
The Receiver outputs the selected audio signal to the connected audio system.
Understanding ARC vs eARC vs S/PDIF
| Feature | ARC | eARC | S/PDIF |
| PCM 2.0 | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Dolby 5.1 | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| DTS 5.1 | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| PCM 5.1 / 7.1 | Not listed | Supported | Not listed |
| Dolby TrueHD | Not listed | Supported | Not listed |
| DTS-HD MA | Not listed | Supported | Not listed |
| Dolby Atmos | Not listed under ARC | Supported under eARC | Not listed |
| Uses HDMI | Yes | Yes | No, optical audio |
| CEC pass-through | Supported when eARC mode is enabled | Supported when eARC mode is enabled | Not applicable |
For best audio quality, use eARC with an eARC-compatible TV and eARC-compatible soundbar or AVR.
For optical-only systems, use S/PDIF mode.
Understanding CEC
CEC allows HDMI-connected devices to communicate control signals.
In ARC / eARC installations, CEC can help with:
- ARC / eARC activation
- TV remote volume control
- Audio device detection
- Power control
If ARC / eARC does not work, check the TV and soundbar / AVR CEC settings first.
Supported Audio
The EARC-EX330-K supports:
| Mode | Supported Audio |
| eARC | PCM 2.0 / 5.1 / 7.1CH |
| eARC | Dolby Digital |
| eARC | Dolby Digital Plus |
| eARC | DTS |
| eARC | Dolby TrueHD |
| eARC | DTS-HD MA |
| eARC | Dolby Atmos |
| ARC | PCM 2.0CH |
| ARC | Dolby 5.1CH |
| ARC | DTS 5.1CH |
| S/PDIF | PCM 2.0CH |
| S/PDIF | Dolby 5.1CH |
| S/PDIF | DTS 5.1CH |
Supported Technical Specifications
| Specification | Support |
| Product Type | HDMI ARC / eARC and S/PDIF audio extender |
| Maximum Distance | 100m / 328ft |
| CAT Cable | CAT6 / CAT7 |
| eARC Audio | PCM 2.0 / 5.1 / 7.1CH, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, Dolby Atmos |
| ARC Audio | PCM 2.0CH, Dolby 5.1CH, DTS 5.1CH |
| S/PDIF Audio | PCM 2.0CH, Dolby 5.1CH, DTS 5.1CH |
| CEC | Pass-through when HDMI eARC mode is enabled |
| Power over Cable | Supported |
| Transmitter Inputs | S/PDIF IN, eARC IN |
| Transmitter Output | CAT OUT |
| Transmitter Control | SERVICE Micro-USB firmware update port |
| Receiver Input | CAT IN |
| Receiver Outputs | S/PDIF OUT, eARC OUT |
| Receiver Control | SERVICE Micro-USB firmware update port |
| Power Supply | DC 12V/1A |
| Power Consumption | 5.65W max |
| ESD Protection | ±8kV air-gap, ±4kV contact |
| Housing | Metal enclosure |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 90mm x 72mm x 20mm |
| Weight | Transmitter / Receiver: 184g / 6.49oz |
| Operating Temperature | 32°F to 104°F / 0°C to 40°C |
| Storage Temperature | -4°F to 140°F / -20°C to 60°C |
| Relative Humidity | 20–90% RH, non-condensing |
What TVs Is the EARC-EX330-K Compatible With?
The EARC-EX330-K is compatible with TVs and monitors that have:
- HDMI ARC output
- HDMI eARC output
- Optical S/PDIF output
Compatible display types include:
- Smart TVs
- OLED TVs
- QLED TVs
- LED TVs
- 4K TVs
- Monitors with optical audio output
- Projector systems with ARC / eARC or S/PDIF support
For ARC / eARC mode, the TV must support ARC or eARC and have it enabled in the settings.
For S/PDIF mode, the TV or monitor must have optical audio output.
What Audio Devices Is the EARC-EX330-K Compatible With?
The EARC-EX330-K can connect to audio devices such as:
- Soundbars with HDMI ARC
- Soundbars with HDMI eARC
- AV receivers with HDMI ARC
- AV receivers with HDMI eARC
- Soundbars with optical input
- AV receivers with optical input
- Audio amplifiers with optical input
- Multi-room audio systems
- Home theater receivers
The audio device must support the selected connection type and audio format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the OREI EARC-EX330-K used for?
A: It is used to extend HDMI ARC / eARC or optical S/PDIF audio from a TV to a remote soundbar, AVR, amplifier, or audio system over CAT6 / CAT7 cable.
Q: Does the EARC-EX330-K extend video?
A: No. It extends audio only.
Q: Does it support eARC?
A: Yes. eARC is supported.
Q: Does it support ARC?
A: Yes. ARC is supported.
Q: Does it support S/PDIF?
A: Yes. It supports optical S/PDIF audio pass-through.
Q: How far can it extend audio?
A: It extends ARC / eARC or S/PDIF audio up to 100m / 328ft.
Q: What CAT cable should I use?
A: Use CAT6 or CAT7 cable.
Q: Can I connect it through a network switch?
A: No. Connect the Transmitter directly to the Receiver using CAT cable.
Q: Is this an Ethernet device?
A: No. It uses CAT cable as a direct audio extension cable.
Q: What connects to the Transmitter?
A: The TV’s HDMI ARC / eARC port connects to eARC IN, or the TV’s optical output connects to S/PDIF IN.
Q: What connects to the Receiver?
A: The soundbar / AVR ARC / eARC port connects to eARC OUT, or the audio system optical input connects to S/PDIF OUT.
Q: What does the S/PDIF / eARC switch do?
A: It selects which audio path is active: S/PDIF mode or eARC mode.
Q: Which switch setting should I use for a soundbar with HDMI ARC / eARC?
A: Set the switch to eARC.
Q: Which switch setting should I use for optical audio?
A: Set the switch to S/PDIF.
Q: Does it support Dolby Atmos?
A: Yes. Dolby Atmos is supported through eARC when the TV, source content, and audio device support it.
Q: Does ARC support Dolby Atmos on this unit?
A: The manual lists Dolby Atmos under eARC support. ARC support is listed as PCM 2.0CH, Dolby 5.1CH, and DTS 5.1CH.
Q: Does S/PDIF support Dolby Atmos?
A: Dolby Atmos is not listed under S/PDIF support. S/PDIF support is listed as PCM 2.0CH, Dolby 5.1CH, and DTS 5.1CH.
Q: Does it support Dolby TrueHD?
A: Yes. Dolby TrueHD is supported through eARC.
Q: Does it support DTS-HD MA?
A: Yes. DTS-HD MA is supported through eARC.
Q: What audio formats are supported through eARC?
A: eARC supports PCM 2.0 / 5.1 / 7.1CH, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, and Dolby Atmos.
Q: What audio formats are supported through ARC?
A: ARC supports PCM 2.0CH, Dolby 5.1CH, and DTS 5.1CH.
Q: What audio formats are supported through S/PDIF?
A: S/PDIF supports PCM 2.0CH, Dolby 5.1CH, and DTS 5.1CH.
Q: Does it support CEC?
A: Yes. CEC pass-through is supported when HDMI eARC mode is enabled.
Q: Does it support IR control?
A: IR control is not listed for this model.
Q: Does it support RS-232?
A: RS-232 is not listed for this model.
Q: Does it have HDMI loop out?
A: No. This model is for ARC / eARC and S/PDIF audio extension and does not list HDMI video loop output.
Q: What power adapter does it use?
A: It uses a DC 12V/1A power adapter.
Q: Do both units need power adapters?
A: No. The product supports Power over Cable and includes one power adapter, so only one side normally needs power.
Q: What should I do if I do not get audio from my soundbar or AVR?
A: Make sure ARC / eARC is enabled on the TV, confirm the Transmitter switch is set to eARC, check that the TV audio format is compatible, and use HDMI 2.1 cables.
Q: What should I check first if ARC / eARC does not work?
A: Check that the TV ARC / eARC port is connected to Transmitter eARC IN, the soundbar / AVR ARC / eARC port is connected to Receiver eARC OUT, the Transmitter switch is set to eARC, the Power LED is on, and ARC / eARC is enabled in the TV settings.
Q: What should I check first if S/PDIF does not work?
A: Check that the TV optical output is connected to Transmitter S/PDIF IN, Receiver S/PDIF OUT is connected to the audio system optical input, the Transmitter switch is set to S/PDIF, and the TV audio output is set to optical / digital audio.
Q: What should I do if Dolby Atmos does not work?
A: Use eARC mode, confirm the TV and soundbar / AVR support Dolby Atmos over eARC, use HDMI 2.1 cables, and select a compatible audio format in the TV settings.
Q: What should I do if CEC volume control does not work?
A: Set the Transmitter switch to eARC, enable HDMI CEC / HDMI Control on both TV and audio device, then power cycle the TV, soundbar / AVR, Transmitter, and Receiver.
Q: Does the EARC-EX330-K need external power?
A: Yes. Connect the included DC 12V/1A power adapter to either the Transmitter or Receiver. The other unit can be powered through CAT cable using Power over Cable.
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.