UHD-EX230A-K Overview and Use Cases

What Is the UHD-EX230A-K?

The OREI UHD-EX230A-K is an 18Gbps HDMI extender kit that sends HDMI video, audio, ARC, and bi-directional IR control up to 70m / 230ft over a single CAT 6 / CAT 6a cable.

The kit includes a Transmitter and Receiver. The HDMI source connects to the Transmitter, the remote display connects to the Receiver, and a CAT 6 / CAT 6a cable connects the Transmitter to the Receiver.

The UHD-EX230A-K supports HDMI 2.0b and HDCP 2.2, with a video bandwidth of 18Gbps. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz RGB / YCbCr 4:4:4, HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, EDID copy/pass-through, HDMI loop out on the Transmitter, TOSLINK audio output on the Receiver, ARC, audio de-embedding, bi-directional IR control, and bi-directional POC.

The UHD-EX230A-K is useful for home theaters, conference rooms, classrooms, offices, retail displays, houses of worship, multimedia halls, TV teaching, and large-screen display setups where a 4K HDMI source needs to be extended to a remote display using CAT cable.

IMPORTANT — UHD-EX230A-K Supports 4K@60Hz 4:4:4

The UHD-EX230A-K supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz RGB / YCbCr 4:4:4.

This makes it suitable for HDMI 2.0 installations that need 4K@60Hz video over longer distances than a standard HDMI cable can usually support.

To get 4K@60Hz performance, the HDMI source, HDMI display, HDMI cables, and CAT cable must all support the required bandwidth and signal quality.

IMPORTANT — Use CAT 6 / CAT 6a Cable

The UHD-EX230A-K extends HDMI up to 70m / 230ft over a single CAT 6 / CAT 6a cable.

The manual lists 70m transmission distance for both 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 and 1080p when using CAT 6 / CAT 6a cable.

For best performance, use a high-quality CAT 6 or CAT 6a cable.

IMPORTANT — Use a Direct CAT Cable Connection

The UHD-EX230A-K should be connected directly from the Transmitter CAT OUT port to the Receiver CAT IN port.

Do not connect the extender through:

1. Network switch
2. Router
3. Internet network
4. LAN switch
5. Ethernet distribution system 
    
   This product is not an AV-over-IP extender. The CAT cable is used as a direct signal extension cable between the Transmitter and Receiver.

IMPORTANT — Bi-Directional POC Is Supported

The UHD-EX230A-K supports bi-directional POC, meaning Power over Cable.

This means either the Transmitter or Receiver can be connected to the included 12V/1A power adapter, and the other unit receives power through the CAT cable.

Only one power adapter is required.

If one side does not power on, check the CAT cable connection and confirm the power adapter is connected to either the Transmitter or Receiver.

IMPORTANT — HDMI Loop Out Is on the Transmitter

The Transmitter includes an HDMI OUT port.

This is a loop output for connecting a local display near the HDMI source.

For example, a Blu-ray player can connect to the Transmitter HDMI IN, a nearby TV can connect to the Transmitter HDMI OUT, and the remote TV can connect to the Receiver HDMI OUT.

IMPORTANT — ARC and Audio De-Embedding Are Supported

The UHD-EX230A-K supports ARC and audio de-embedding.

The Receiver includes a TOSLINK Optical audio output.

This allows audio to be output through the Receiver’s Optical port to an amplifier, soundbar, AVR, or audio system.

The manual lists Optical audio support for Dolby 5.1, DTS 5.1, and PCM 2.0.

IMPORTANT — Optical Audio Output Has Format Limits

The TOSLINK Optical output supports:

1. Dolby 5.1
2. DTS 5.1
3. PCM 2.0 
    
   If there is no audio from the Optical output, set the source device or TV audio output to PCM, Dolby Digital, or DTS 5.1. 
    
   Optical does not support full HDMI audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, or LPCM 7.1 as Optical output.

IMPORTANT — HDMI Audio Supports High-Resolution Formats

HDMI audio supports LPCM 7.1CH, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio.

These formats can pass through HDMI when the connected source, display, and audio equipment support them.

However, the Receiver’s Optical output has separate limits and supports Dolby 5.1, DTS 5.1, and PCM 2.0.

IMPORTANT — EDID DIP Switch Controls Compatibility

The Transmitter includes an EDID DIP switch.

The EDID DIP switch controls what EDID information is sent to the source device.

Use 4K@60Hz Stereo when the setup needs a fixed 4K@60Hz EDID.

Use 1080p Stereo for troubleshooting or older displays.

Use copy modes when you want the source to follow the local or remote display capability.

IMPORTANT — ARC DIP Switch Is on the Receiver

The Receiver includes an ARC DIP switch.

Only the left switch is valid. The right switch is not used.

Use ARC mode when the TV audio needs to return through HDMI and output through the Receiver’s TOSLINK port.

IMPORTANT — Service Ports Are for Firmware Update

Both the Transmitter and Receiver include SERVICE ports.

These ports are used for firmware updates.

They are not used for normal HDMI extension setup.

Ports and Panel Layout

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Connect the HDMI source device to HDMI IN on the Transmitter. 
   Examples include a Blu-ray player, DVD player, streaming device, cable box, laptop, media player, or game console.
2. Connect a local display to HDMI OUT on the Transmitter if needed.
3. Connect the remote display to HDMI OUT on the Receiver.
4. Connect a CAT 6 / CAT 6a cable from CAT OUT on the Transmitter to CAT IN on the Receiver.
5. Connect the included 12V/1A locking power adapter to either the Transmitter or Receiver.
6. Power on the HDMI source device and displays.
7. Check that the Link Signal Indicator and Data Signal Indicator are active.
8. If using external audio, connect the Receiver TOSLINK output to an amplifier, soundbar, AVR, or audio system.
9. If using IR control, connect the IR receiver and IR blaster cables based on the direction of control needed.
10. Set the EDID DIP switch on the Transmitter based on the display and resolution requirement.
11. If using ARC, enable ARC using the Receiver ARC DIP switch.
12. Test video, audio, ARC, and IR control.

CAT Cable Requirement — Critical

For best performance, use high-quality CAT 6 / CAT 6a cable.

Poor-quality, damaged, or incorrectly terminated CAT cable may cause:

1. No video
2. Flickering
3. Black screen
4. Link indicator flashing
5. Receiver not powering on
6. 4K@60Hz not working
7. HDR or Dolby Vision issues
8. Audio dropouts
9. ARC issues
10. IR control issues 
     
    Do not connect the CAT cable through a network switch or router.

HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical

Use high-quality HDMI cables that support HDMI 2.0 and 18Gbps bandwidth.

Poor HDMI cables may cause:

1. No video
2. Flickering
3. Black screen
4. Audio dropouts
5. HDR not working
6. Dolby Vision not working
7. 4K@60Hz not working
8. HDCP handshake issues 
    
   For troubleshooting, test the source directly with the display and try shorter HDMI cables.

Understanding the Transmitter

The Transmitter is installed near the HDMI source device.

It has:

1. HDMI IN for the source
2. HDMI OUT for local loop output
3. CAT OUT to connect to the Receiver
4. IR IN and IR OUT for bi-directional IR
5. EDID DIP switch
6. SERVICE firmware update port
7. DC 12V power input 
    
   The Transmitter can be powered directly using the included 12V/1A adapter, or it can receive power through the CAT cable if the Receiver side is powered.

Understanding the Receiver

The Receiver is installed near the remote display.

It has:

1. CAT IN from the Transmitter
2. HDMI OUT to the remote display
3. TOSLINK Optical audio output
4. IR IN and IR OUT for bi-directional IR
5. ARC DIP switch
6. SERVICE firmware update port
7. DC 12V power input 
    
   The Receiver can be powered directly using the included 12V/1A adapter, or it can receive power through the CAT cable if the Transmitter side is powered.

Understanding HDMI Loop Out

The HDMI OUT port on the Transmitter is a loop output.

This allows a local display to be connected near the HDMI source.

Example setup:

This is useful when the source needs to be shown on both a nearby display and a remote display.

Understanding Bi-Directional IR

The UHD-EX230A-K supports bi-directional IR control.

This means IR signals can travel in both directions between the Transmitter and Receiver.

Example 1: Control source from the remote display location

1. Place the IR Receiver near the remote TV
2. Connect it to IR IN on the Receiver
3. Place the IR Blaster near the HDMI source device
4. Connect it to IR OUT on the Transmitter 
    
   Example 2: Control display from the source location
5. Place the IR Receiver near the source location
6. Connect it to IR IN on the Transmitter
7. Place the IR Blaster near the remote display
8. Connect it to IR OUT on the Receiver

Understanding IR Cable Placement

The IR Receiver receives commands from the remote control.

The IR Blaster sends commands to the device being controlled.

For reliable IR control:

1. Place the IR Receiver where the remote control has line of sight
2. Place the IR Blaster near the IR sensor of the device being controlled
3. Confirm the IR Receiver and IR Blaster are not reversed 
    
   The manual notes IR receiver distance as:

Understanding ARC Mode

ARC stands for Audio Return Channel.

On the UHD-EX230A-K, ARC is controlled by the ARC DIP switch on the Receiver.

When ARC is enabled:

1. The connected TV must support ARC
2. The TV sends audio back through HDMI
3. The Receiver can output audio through the TOSLINK port
4. The audio format must be supported by Optical output 
    
   Use ARC when you want audio from the TV’s internal apps or tuner to play through an external audio system connected to the Receiver’s TOSLINK port.

Understanding TOSLINK Audio Output

The Receiver includes a TOSLINK Optical audio output.

If TOSLINK audio does not work, set the source or TV ARC audio output to PCM 2.0, Dolby Digital 5.1, or DTS 5.1.

Understanding EDID Settings

The UHD-EX230A-K has a 2-switch EDID DIP setting on the Transmitter.

If there is no video, no audio, or wrong resolution, try a different EDID mode.

After changing EDID, power cycle the source device if it does not update automatically.

Understanding Indicator Lamps

The UHD-EX230A-K includes Link and Data indicators.

Use these indicator lamps when troubleshooting no video, unstable signal, or HDCP issues.

Supported Video and Audio

The UHD-EX230A-K supports video formats up to:

Supported audio:

What Source Devices Is the UHD-EX230A-K Compatible With?

The OREI UHD-EX230A-K is compatible with HDMI source devices such as:

1. Blu-ray players
2. DVD players
3. Streaming devices
4. Cable boxes
5. Satellite receivers
6. Set-top boxes
7. Media players
8. Laptops with HDMI output
9. Desktop PCs with HDMI output
10. Game consoles
11. HDMI matrix systems 
     
    For 4K@60Hz, HDR, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, or HLG, the source device, HDMI cable, extender, and display must all support the selected format.

What Displays Is the UHD-EX230A-K Compatible With?

The UHD-EX230A-K can connect to HDMI displays such as:

1. 4K TVs
2. 1080p TVs
3. Monitors
4. Projectors
5. Commercial displays
6. Classroom displays
7. Conference room displays
8. Retail displays
9. Large-screen displays 
    
   For 4K@60Hz, the connected display must support 4K@60Hz over HDMI. 
    
   For ARC, the display connected to the Receiver HDMI OUT must support ARC.

What Audio Devices Is the UHD-EX230A-K Compatible With?

The UHD-EX230A-K can send audio to:

1. Optical soundbars
2. AV receivers
3. Audio amplifiers
4. Audio processors
5. HDMI TVs
6. HDMI AVRs
7. HDMI audio systems 
    
   Use TOSLINK for Dolby 5.1, DTS 5.1, or PCM 2.0 audio. 
    
   Use HDMI audio pass-through for higher-resolution HDMI audio formats when supported by the connected equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI UHD-EX230A-K used for? 
A: The UHD-EX230A-K is used to extend a 4K HDMI signal up to 70m / 230ft over a single CAT 6 / CAT 6a cable. It also supports HDMI loop out, ARC, TOSLINK audio output, EDID settings, bi-directional IR, and bi-directional POC.

Q: Does the UHD-EX230A-K support 4K@60Hz? 
A: Yes. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz RGB / YCbCr 4:4:4.

Q: Does the UHD-EX230A-K support 8K? 
A: No. It supports up to 4K@60Hz. It does not support 8K.

Q: Does the UHD-EX230A-K support 4K@120Hz? 
A: No. It does not support 4K@120Hz.

Q: What HDMI version does it support? 
A: It supports HDMI 2.0b.

Q: What HDCP version does it support? 
A: It supports HDCP 2.2.

Q: What video bandwidth does it support? 
A: It supports 18Gbps video bandwidth.

Q: Does it support HDR and Dolby Vision? 
A: Yes. It supports HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG.

Q: How far can it extend HDMI? 
A: It can extend up to 70m / 230ft over CAT 6 / CAT 6a cable.

Q: What CAT cable should I use? 
A: Use high-quality CAT 6 or CAT 6a cable.

Q: Can I connect it through a network switch or router? 
A: No. The Transmitter and Receiver must be connected directly with CAT cable.

Q: Does it need power on both ends? 
A: No. It supports bi-directional POC, so the power adapter can be connected to either the Transmitter or Receiver.

Q: What is POC? 
A: POC means Power over Cable. It allows one unit to power the other unit through the CAT cable.

Q: Does the Transmitter have HDMI loop out? 
A: Yes. The Transmitter has HDMI OUT for connecting a local display.

Q: What is HDMI loop out used for? 
A: It lets you connect a local display near the source while also extending the signal to the remote display.

Q: Does the UHD-EX230A-K support ARC? 
A: Yes. ARC can be enabled using the ARC DIP switch on the Receiver.

Q: How do I enable ARC? 
A: Set the Receiver ARC DIP switch to 1X. Only the left switch is valid.

Q: How do I disable ARC? 
A: Set the Receiver ARC DIP switch to 0X.

Q: Does it have audio extraction? 
A: Yes. The Receiver includes a TOSLINK Optical audio output.

Q: What audio does the TOSLINK output support? 
A: TOSLINK supports Dolby 5.1, DTS 5.1, and PCM 2.0.

Q: Does TOSLINK support Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio? 
A: No. Those formats are supported through HDMI audio pass-through, not through TOSLINK.

Q: What HDMI audio formats are supported? 
A: HDMI supports LPCM 7.1CH, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Q: Does the extender support IR control? 
A: Yes. It supports bi-directional IR control.

Q: Which IR cable goes into IR IN? 
A: The IR Receiver cable connects to IR IN.

Q: Which IR cable goes into IR OUT? 
A: The IR Blaster cable connects to IR OUT.

Q: What EDID modes are available? 
A: The EDID DIP switch supports Copy Receiver EDID, 4K@60Hz Stereo, 1080p Stereo, and Copy Transmitter HDMI OUT EDID.

Q: Which EDID mode should I use for troubleshooting? 
A: Try 1080p Stereo first if there is no video or compatibility issue.

Q: What does the green Link indicator mean? 
A: Solid green means good connection, flashing means poor connection, and off means the Transmitter and Receiver are not connected.

Q: What does the orange Data indicator mean? 
A: Solid orange means HDMI signal with HDCP, flashing means HDMI signal without HDCP, and off means no HDMI signal.

Q: What are the SERVICE ports used for? 
A: The SERVICE ports are used for firmware updates.

Q: What should I do if there is no video? 
A: Check the CAT cable, make sure the Transmitter and Receiver are directly connected, check the green Link indicator, try 1080p Stereo EDID, and test the HDMI source directly with the display.

Q: What should I do if 4K@60Hz does not work? 
A: Use high-quality CAT 6 / CAT 6a cable, use HDMI 2.0 / 18Gbps HDMI cables, confirm the source and display support 4K@60Hz, and set EDID to 4K@60Hz Stereo.

Q: What should I do if Optical audio does not work? 
A: Set the source or TV ARC audio output to PCM 2.0, Dolby Digital 5.1, or DTS 5.1, and confirm ARC is enabled if using TV return audio.

Q: Does the UHD-EX230A-K need external power? 
A: Yes. Connect the included 12V/1A locking power adapter to either the Transmitter or Receiver. The other side is powered through CAT cable.