eARC, or Enhanced Audio Return Channel, is a feature within the latest HDMI 2.1b specification that allows for extremely high-quality audio to be transmitted from a TV to a remote soundbar or AV receiver through the same HDMI cable used for video. In practice, eARC simplifies the distribution of audio-visual content and allows non-TV-built-in speakers to be used for an immersive and realistic audio experience.

Unlike the original Audio Return Channel (ARC) format, eARC delivers increased bandwidth and bitrate, enabling uncompressed and lossless audio formats including Dolby Atmos®, DTS-HD Master Audio™, Dolby® TrueHD and DTS:X®. eARC also includes a dedicated data channel for device discovery and lip-sync correction, ensuring pristine performance for up to 32 channels of 192 kHz, 24-bit uncompressed audio.

All of these features require significant bandwidth and eARC signals can push up to 37 Mbps (unlike standard ARC which maxed out at 1 Mbps).

This expanded bandwidth isn’t a problem when a high-quality HDMI cable is used in a short length local setting; however, it can be problematic when distributing audio longer distances, such as to an AV receiver located in a remote rack.

To solve this challenge, Future Ready Solutions introduced the LightSpeed EX100-EARC-KIT which transmits eARC audio up to 100m (330ft) over a single twisted pair cable.

The EX100-EARC-KIT builds from traditional HDMI twisted pair technology with features such as multiple modes of operation, both HDMI and S/PDIF connections, and embedded IR, RS232 and CEC control. Each kit also includes two power supplies and mounting hardware.

The EX100-EARC-KIT is an affordable, easy-to-integrate solution for extending eARC over longer distances.

Additional information on the EX100-EARC-KIT is available from FutureReadySolutions.com.