BK-EXB330EAU-K Overview and Use Cases

What Is the BK-EXB330EAU-K?

The OREI BK-EXB330EAU-K is an 8K HDMI and KVM extender over HDBaseT 3.0. It sends HDMI video, HDMI audio, eARC / ARC, USB 2.0, 1GbE Ethernet, RS-232, bi-directional IR, and analog audio over a single CAT cable.

The kit includes a Transmitter and Receiver. The HDMI source connects to the Transmitter, the HDMI display connects to the Receiver, and a CAT 6A / CAT 7 cable connects the Transmitter and Receiver.

The BK-EXB330EAU-K supports HDMI 2.1 and HDCP 2.3, with up to 40Gbps FRL and 18Gbps TMDS video bandwidth. It supports video resolutions up to 8K@30Hz 4:4:4 10-bit and 4K@120Hz 4:4:4 10-bit, HDBaseT 3.0, eARC / ARC, VRR, ALLM, FVA, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, USB 2.0 KVM up to 350Mbps, advanced EDID management, bi-directional 24V PoC, 1GbE Ethernet pass-through, RS-232, and bi-directional IR.

The BK-EXB330EAU-K is useful for home theater setups, gaming rooms, conference rooms, classrooms, control rooms, AV racks, offices, and professional AV installations where high-bandwidth HDMI, USB, audio return, network, and control signals need to be extended over one CAT cable.

IMPORTANT — BK-EXB330EAU-K Supports 8K@30Hz and 4K@120Hz

The BK-EXB330EAU-K supports video resolutions up to:

To use 8K@30Hz or 4K@120Hz, the HDMI source, display, HDMI cables, CAT cable, EDID setting, and source video settings must all support the required resolution and bandwidth.

IMPORTANT — Maximum Distance Depends on Cable Type

The BK-EXB330EAU-K supports different transmission distances depending on the CAT cable type.

The FAQ page also mentions a maximum cable length of 330ft, but the specifications table lists CAT 6 at 60m / 197ft and CAT 6A / CAT 7 at 90m / 295ft. For installation planning, use the specification table values.

For best performance, use high-quality CAT 6A or CAT 7 cable.

IMPORTANT — Use a Direct CAT Cable Connection

The BK-EXB330EAU-K is an HDBaseT extender and requires a direct connection between the Transmitter and Receiver.

Do not connect the HDBT cable through:

1. Network switch
2. Router
3. Internet network
4. LAN switch
5. Home or office network system 
    
   The manual FAQ specifically states that this model will not work over a network switch and requires a direct connection between the Transmitter and Receiver. 
    
   The Ethernet ports are for LAN pass-through only. They do not mean the HDMI signal can be routed through a network switch.

IMPORTANT — CAT 5e May Work, but CAT 6 or Better Is Recommended

The manual FAQ says the device can work with CAT 5e cable, but recommends CAT 6.

For best performance, especially with 8K@30Hz, 4K@120Hz, USB 2.0, Ethernet, eARC / ARC, and control signals, use CAT 6A or CAT 7.

IMPORTANT — Power over Cable Is Supported

The BK-EXB330EAU-K supports bi-directional 24V PoC, meaning Power over Cable.

Only one 24V/2.7A locking power supply is included.

The power adapter can be connected to either:

1. Transmitter
2. Receiver 
    
   The other unit receives power through the CAT cable.

IMPORTANT — eARC / ARC Is Supported

The BK-EXB330EAU-K supports eARC / ARC.

This allows audio from an eARC / ARC TV on the Receiver side to return back to an eARC / ARC amplifier, soundbar, or AVR on the Transmitter side.

To use eARC / ARC:

1. Use the eARC / ARC HDMI ports
2. Press the eARC buttons on both Transmitter and Receiver to enable eARC / ARC mode
3. Make sure the TV and audio device support ARC or eARC
4. Use compatible HDMI cables
5. Disable eARC / ARC mode when using ordinary HDMI connection mode

IMPORTANT — eARC Button Must Be Set Correctly

The Transmitter and Receiver each have an eARC button.

For eARC / ARC application mode, press the eARC buttons on both units to enable eARC / ARC.

For ordinary connection mode, press the eARC buttons to disable eARC / ARC.

IMPORTANT — USB 2.0 KVM Is Supported up to 350Mbps

The BK-EXB330EAU-K supports USB 2.0 KVM function with speeds up to 350Mbps.

It can support USB devices such as:

1. Keyboard
2. Mouse
3. USB drive
4. USB camera
5. Other compatible USB 2.0 devices 
    
   The manual FAQ says USB storage devices such as pen drives and hard disks can be connected for remote access.

IMPORTANT — USB Host / Device Mode Must Be Set Correctly

The BK-EXB330EAU-K supports configurable USB direction.

After changing the HOST / DEVICE USB CONTROL switch, power off and reboot the unit for the mode change to apply.

If the Transmitter is set to USB HOST mode, the Receiver must be set to USB DEVICE mode.

If the Receiver is set to USB HOST mode, the Transmitter must be set to USB DEVICE mode.

IMPORTANT — HDMI Loop Out Is on the Transmitter

The Transmitter includes HDMI OUT.

This HDMI OUT port can be used as a local loop output near the source.

For example, a desktop computer can connect to the Transmitter HDMI IN, a local monitor can connect to the Transmitter HDMI OUT, and the remote display can connect to the Receiver HDMI OUT.

IMPORTANT — Receiver HDMI IN Is a Reserved Reverse Video Port

The Receiver includes an HDMI IN port.

The manual notes that this port can transmit 1080p@24Hz video in reverse to the HDMI OUT port of the Transmitter.

Important limitations:

1. It is reserved
2. It is closed by default
3. It must be enabled through command control
4. eARC function must be disabled before using it 
    
   For most users, the normal setup is HDMI source into the Transmitter and HDMI display from the Receiver.

IMPORTANT — Analog Audio Input and Output Are Supported

Both the Transmitter and Receiver include AUDIO IN and AUDIO OUT ports.

This allows analog audio to be sent in either direction depending on the setup.

Analog audio supports PCM 2.0 48kHz.

IMPORTANT — HDMI Audio Supports Advanced Formats

HDMI audio supports:

1. PCM 2.0
2. LPCM 5.1 / 7.1
3. Dolby Digital
4. Dolby Digital Plus
5. Dolby TrueHD
6. Dolby Atmos
7. DTS Surround
8. DTS 96/24
9. DTS-ES
10. DTS Express
11. DTS-HD HRA
12. DTS-HD Master
13. DTS:X 
     
    The connected source, extender, TV, AVR, or soundbar must also support the selected audio format.

IMPORTANT — EDID DIP Switch Has Multiple Modes

The Transmitter includes an EDID DIP switch.

The default setting is 000.

Use EDID settings when the source does not output the expected resolution or audio format.

IMPORTANT — LAN Pass-Through Is Supported

The BK-EXB330EAU-K includes Ethernet ports for network pass-through.

The Ethernet port supports adaptive rate behavior.

Ethernet indicator meanings:

This LAN port is for Ethernet pass-through between the two locations. It does not allow HDMI extension through a network switch.

IMPORTANT — RS-232 Has Multiple Modes

The RS-232 port can be configured using the CONFIG DIP switch.

Use the RS-232 mode that matches the installation requirement.

IMPORTANT — IR Level Can Be Set to 5V or 12V

The CONFIG DIP switch also sets the IR level.

The supported IR frequency is 20kHz to 60kHz.

Ports and Panel Layout

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Connect the HDMI source device to eARC / HDMI IN on the Transmitter. 
   Examples include a desktop PC, gaming console, Blu-ray player, streaming device, cable box, or HDMI matrix output.
2. Connect the Receiver eARC / HDMI OUT to the HDMI display. 
   Examples include a TV, monitor, projector, or ARC/eARC TV.
3. Connect HDBT OUT on the Transmitter to HDBT IN on the Receiver using CAT 6A / CAT 7 cable.
4. Connect the included 24V/2.7A locking power supply to either the Transmitter or Receiver.
5. If using a local display, connect it to HDMI OUT on the Transmitter.
6. Set the EDID DIP switch on the Transmitter based on the required resolution and audio format.
7. If using USB forward mode, set the Transmitter to HOST and the Receiver to DEVICE, then reboot both units.
8. If using USB reverse mode, set the Transmitter to DEVICE and the Receiver to HOST, then reboot both units.
9. Connect USB devices such as keyboard, mouse, USB camera, or USB drive to the correct USB DEVICE ports.
10. If using eARC / ARC, connect the ARC/eARC TV and ARC/eARC soundbar or AVR, then press the eARC buttons to enable eARC / ARC mode.
11. If using ordinary HDMI mode, press the eARC buttons to disable eARC / ARC mode.
12. If using analog audio, connect audio cables to AUDIO IN / AUDIO OUT as needed.
13. If using Ethernet pass-through, connect network devices to the Ethernet ports.
14. If using IR, connect IR Receiver and IR Blaster cables to the correct IR IN and IR OUT ports.
15. If using RS-232, set the CONFIG DIP switch and connect the RS-232 Phoenix connectors.
16. Power on the HDMI source, display, Transmitter, Receiver, and connected devices.
17. Check Power, Link, Data, IN, OUT, and eARC LEDs.
18. Test video, audio, USB, Ethernet, IR, RS-232, and eARC / ARC functions.

CAT Cable Requirement — Critical

Use high-quality CAT 6A / CAT 7 cable for best performance.

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

1. No video
2. Flickering
3. Black screen
4. Link LED flashing
5. 8K@30Hz not working
6. 4K@120Hz not working
7. USB devices not working
8. Ethernet pass-through issues
9. eARC / ARC audio issues
10. Audio dropouts
11. IR control problems
12. RS-232 control issues
13. PoC power issues 
     
    Do not connect the HDBT cable through a network switch or router.

HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical

Use Premium High Speed HDMI cables.

The manual lists HDMI cable length guidance:

Poor HDMI cables may cause:

1. No picture
2. Flickering
3. Black screen
4. 8K@30Hz not working
5. 4K@120Hz not working
6. HDR / Dolby Vision issues
7. eARC / ARC issues
8. Audio dropouts
9. HDCP handshake issues

Understanding the Transmitter

The Transmitter is installed near the HDMI source, local display, AVR, USB host, or control equipment.

It has:

1. eARC / HDMI IN
2. HDMI OUT
3. HDBT OUT
4. USB HOST
5. Three USB DEVICE ports
6. Ethernet
7. AUDIO IN / OUT
8. IR IN / OUT
9. RS-232
10. EDID DIP switch
11. CONFIG DIP switch
12. eARC button
13. DC 24V power input 
     
    The Transmitter can be powered directly or through PoC from the Receiver.

Understanding the Receiver

The Receiver is installed near the display, TV, USB devices, speakers, router, microphone, or control equipment.

It has:

1. HDBT IN
2. eARC / HDMI OUT
3. Reserved HDMI IN
4. USB HOST
5. Three USB DEVICE ports
6. Ethernet
7. AUDIO IN / OUT
8. IR IN / OUT
9. RS-232
10. CONFIG DIP switch
11. eARC button
12. DC 24V power input 
     
    The Receiver can be powered directly or through PoC from the Transmitter.

Understanding eARC / ARC Mode

eARC / ARC sends TV audio from the Receiver side back to the Transmitter side.

Typical setup:

Press the eARC buttons on both the Transmitter and Receiver to enable eARC / ARC before using this mode.

Understanding Ordinary HDMI Mode

Ordinary HDMI mode is used for normal video extension.

Typical setup:

In ordinary mode, press the eARC buttons to disable eARC / ARC.

Understanding USB Forward Mode From TX to RX

USB forward mode is used when the computer is on the Transmitter side and USB devices are on the Receiver side.

After changing the switches, power off and reboot both units.

Use this mode when a PC at the Transmitter side needs to be controlled with keyboard, mouse, USB camera, or USB storage near the Receiver side.

Understanding USB Reverse Mode From RX to TX

USB reverse mode is used when the computer is on the Receiver side and USB devices are on the Transmitter side.

After changing the switches, power off and reboot both units.

Use this mode when a laptop or PC is located at the Receiver side and USB devices are connected at the Transmitter side.

Understanding Ethernet Pass-Through

The Ethernet ports allow network data to pass between the Transmitter and Receiver locations.

Example:

This is Ethernet pass-through only.

It does not allow the HDMI extender signal to operate through a network switch.

Understanding Bi-Directional IR

Bi-directional IR allows IR remote control signals to travel in either direction.

Example 1: Control source from Receiver side

1. Connect IR Receiver to IR IN on the Receiver
2. Connect IR Blaster to IR OUT on the Transmitter
3. Place IR Receiver near the display
4. Place IR Blaster near the source device’s IR sensor 
    
   Example 2: Control display from Transmitter side
5. Connect IR Receiver to IR IN on the Transmitter
6. Connect IR Blaster to IR OUT on the Receiver
7. Place IR Receiver near the source-side remote location
8. Place IR Blaster near the display’s IR sensor 
    
   IR receiver distance:

Understanding Link, Data, IN, and OUT LEDs

Supported Video and Audio

The BK-EXB330EAU-K supports video formats including:

Supported HDMI audio formats include:

Supported analog audio:

What Source Devices Is the BK-EXB330EAU-K Compatible With?

The OREI BK-EXB330EAU-K is compatible with HDMI source devices such as:

1. Gaming PCs
2. Desktop PCs
3. Laptops with HDMI output
4. 8K media players
5. 4K@120Hz game consoles
6. Blu-ray players
7. Streaming devices
8. Cable boxes
9. HDMI matrix outputs
10. AV receivers
11. Media players 
     
    For USB function, the source computer must be connected to the correct USB HOST side. 
     
    For 8K@30Hz or 4K@120Hz, the source must support that output format.

What Displays Is the BK-EXB330EAU-K Compatible With?

The BK-EXB330EAU-K can connect to HDMI displays such as:

1. 8K TVs
2. 4K@120Hz TVs
3. Gaming monitors
4. 4K TVs
5. ARC/eARC TVs
6. Projectors
7. Commercial displays
8. Conference room displays
9. Control room displays
10. Home theater displays 
     
    For eARC / ARC, the connected TV must support ARC or eARC.

What USB Devices Is the BK-EXB330EAU-K Compatible With?

The USB 2.0 function can work with devices such as:

1. Keyboard
2. Mouse
3. USB camera
4. USB flash drive
5. USB hard disk
6. Other compatible USB 2.0 devices 
    
   For high-power USB devices, use external power if needed.

What Audio Devices Is the BK-EXB330EAU-K Compatible With?

The BK-EXB330EAU-K can work with:

1. eARC / ARC soundbars
2. eARC / ARC AV receivers
3. HDMI AV receivers
4. Powered speakers
5. Stereo amplifiers
6. Audio systems with 3.5mm analog input
7. Microphones or analog audio sources, depending on routing 
    
   For analog audio output, use PCM 2.0 audio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI BK-EXB330EAU-K used for? 
A: The BK-EXB330EAU-K is used to extend 8K / 4K HDMI video, HDMI audio, eARC / ARC, USB 2.0, Ethernet, RS-232, bi-directional IR, and analog audio over a single CAT cable using HDBaseT 3.0.

Q: Does the BK-EXB330EAU-K support 8K? 
A: Yes. It supports up to 8K@30Hz 4:4:4 10-bit.

Q: Does it support 4K@120Hz? 
A: Yes. It supports 4K@120Hz 4:4:4 10-bit.

Q: Does it support 4K@60Hz? 
A: Yes. 4K@60Hz is supported.

Q: What HDMI version does it support? 
A: It supports HDMI 2.1.

Q: What HDCP version does it support? 
A: It supports HDCP 2.3.

Q: What video bandwidth does it support? 
A: It supports up to 40Gbps FRL and 18Gbps TMDS video bandwidth.

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

Q: Does it support VRR, ALLM, and FVA? 
A: Yes. The manual lists VRR, ALLM, and FVA support.

Q: How far can it extend HDMI? 
A: The specifications list up to 60m / 197ft over CAT 6 and up to 90m / 295ft over CAT 6A / CAT 7.

Q: The FAQ says 330ft. Which distance should I use? 
A: The FAQ states 330ft, but the specifications list 60m / 197ft for CAT 6 and 90m / 295ft for CAT 6A / CAT 7. For planning and troubleshooting, use the specification table values.

Q: What CAT cable should I use? 
A: Use CAT 6A or CAT 7 for best performance. The FAQ says CAT 5e can work, but CAT 6 or better is recommended.

Q: Can I connect it through a network switch? 
A: No. The manual FAQ states that this model will not work over a network switch and requires a direct connection between the Transmitter and Receiver.

Q: Does the Ethernet port mean HDMI can go through my network? 
A: No. The Ethernet ports are for LAN pass-through only. The HDBaseT connection must still be direct between the Transmitter and Receiver.

Q: Does it support Power over Cable? 
A: Yes. It supports bi-directional 24V PoC.

Q: Why is there only one power supply? 
A: Because the extender supports PoC. Connect the included 24V/2.7A power supply to either the Transmitter or Receiver, and the other unit receives power through CAT cable.

Q: Does it support eARC / ARC? 
A: Yes. It supports eARC / ARC audio return.

Q: How do I enable eARC / ARC? 
A: Press the eARC buttons on the Transmitter and Receiver to enable eARC / ARC mode.

Q: What does the eARC LED mean? 
A: On means eARC / ARC mode is enabled and working normally, flashing means eARC / ARC mode is enabled but working abnormally, and off means eARC / ARC mode is disabled.

Q: Does it support USB KVM? 
A: Yes. It supports USB 2.0 KVM up to 350Mbps.

Q: Can I connect a USB hard drive? 
A: Yes. The manual FAQ says USB devices such as pen drives and hard disks can be connected.

Q: Can USB work in both directions? 
A: Yes. USB Host / Device mode is configurable, so USB can work from TX to RX or RX to TX.

Q: Do I need to reboot after changing USB mode? 
A: Yes. After changing the HOST / DEVICE USB CONTROL switch, power off and reboot the unit.

Q: Does the Transmitter have HDMI loop out? 
A: Yes. The Transmitter has HDMI OUT for local video loop output.

Q: What is the Receiver HDMI IN port used for? 
A: It is a reserved reverse HDMI input. It can transmit 1080p@24Hz video in reverse to the Transmitter HDMI OUT, but it is disabled by default and must be enabled through command control with eARC disabled.

Q: Does it support analog audio? 
A: Yes. Both the Transmitter and Receiver include AUDIO IN and AUDIO OUT ports.

Q: What audio format does analog audio support? 
A: Analog audio supports PCM 2.0 48kHz.

Q: What HDMI audio formats are supported? 
A: HDMI audio supports PCM 2.0, LPCM 5.1 / 7.1, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS formats, DTS-HD Master, and DTS:X.

Q: Does it support IR control? 
A: Yes. It supports bi-directional IR from 20kHz to 60kHz.

Q: What IR level does it support? 
A: The CONFIG DIP switch can set IR level to 12V or 5V.

Q: Does it support RS-232? 
A: Yes. RS-232 can be used for pass-through, control / firmware upgrade, VS3000 firmware upgrade, or debugging depending on the CONFIG DIP switch.

Q: Does it support EDID management? 
A: Yes. It has an EDID DIP switch with multiple 1080p, 4K@60Hz, 8K@30Hz, and 4K@120Hz EDID presets.

Q: What should I do if there is no video or audio? 
A: Check the Green and Yellow indicators on both units, connect a display to the Transmitter HDMI OUT to test the source side, change the CAT cable, and check the device LEDs.

Q: What should I do if 8K@30Hz or 4K@120Hz does not work? 
A: Use short high-quality HDMI cables, use CAT 6A / CAT 7 cable, confirm the source and display support the selected format, and choose an EDID setting that supports 8K@30Hz or 4K@120Hz.

Q: What should I do if USB devices do not work? 
A: Check the USB Host / Device switch settings, power off and reboot after changing USB mode, confirm the host computer is connected to the USB HOST port, and test with a keyboard or mouse first.

Q: What should I do if eARC / ARC does not work? 
A: Make sure both devices support eARC / ARC, use the correct HDMI ports, press the eARC buttons to enable eARC / ARC, and check whether the eARC LED is on or flashing.

Q: Does the BK-EXB330EAU-K need external power? 
A: Yes. Connect the included 24V/2.7A locking power supply to either the Transmitter or Receiver. The other unit receives power through CAT cable.