Blustream CAT100EARC eARC/ARC Audio over CAT Extender

Blustream CAT100EARC eARC/ARC Audio over CAT Extender

The Blustream CAT100EARC is a professional eARC/ARC and optical audio over CAT extender kit designed for systems where the TV and audio equipment are not located together. It allows HDMI eARC/ARC audio or optical digital audio to be sent over a single CAT cable, making it a very useful solution for wall-mounted TVs, remote AV racks, media rooms and custom home theatre installations.

In many modern systems, the TV is mounted neatly on the wall while the AV receiver, processor, amplifier, soundbar electronics or distribution equipment are located elsewhere. That can make audio return difficult, especially when relying on standard HDMI or optical cable lengths. The CAT100EARC solves this by extending audio return over structured cabling, giving installers a cleaner and more flexible way to move audio from the display location back to the system.

It supports eARC/ARC audio up to 100m and optical digital audio up to 200m, with CEC pass-through available when HDMI eARC/ARC mode is selected. It also includes a built-in DAC, allowing either HDMI eARC/ARC or optical digital audio to be converted to stereo analogue left/right output where required.

Key Features

• Extends HDMI eARC/ARC or optical digital audio over a single CAT cable
• Up to 100m eARC/ARC extension distance
• Up to 200m optical digital audio extension distance
• Built-in DAC converts digital audio to stereo analogue output
• Analogue output supports 2-channel PCM only
• CEC pass-through when HDMI eARC/ARC mode is selected
• Bitstream passthrough for multichannel surround and object-based audio formats
• Bi-directional PoC allows power from either transmitter or receiver side
• Input selection via DIP switch on the transmitter
• Compact transmitter and receiver units for discreet installation
• Mounting kit included for clean placement in AV racks, behind displays or inside cabinetry

Why Choose the Blustream CAT100EARC?

The CAT100EARC is designed for one of the most common issues in modern AV installation: getting audio back from a TV to equipment that is not sitting directly below it. In a simple setup, a short HDMI or optical lead may be enough. But once the TV is wall-mounted, the source equipment is hidden away, or the audio system is located in a rack, standard cable runs can quickly become awkward or unreliable.

By extending eARC/ARC or optical audio over a single CAT cable, the CAT100EARC gives installers far more flexibility. It is especially useful in clean architectural systems where the TV is visible but the equipment is concealed, or where an AV receiver, processor, amplifier or audio distribution system is positioned away from the screen.

The built-in DAC also adds flexibility. If a system needs a simple stereo analogue feed, the CAT100EARC can convert either HDMI eARC/ARC or optical digital audio to a 3.5mm stereo analogue output. This is particularly handy for zones, amplifiers or audio systems that do not accept HDMI or optical input directly.

Performance & System Matching

For home theatre systems, the CAT100EARC can pass multichannel surround and object-based audio bitstreams in line with HDMI specifications, making it suitable for modern TV audio return applications when used with compatible equipment. This is useful for customers using TV apps such as Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video or other streaming services where the TV itself is the source of the audio.

For simpler stereo systems, the DAC output gives a practical analogue option, but it is important to note that the analogue output is for 2-channel PCM only. If the system requires Dolby Atmos, DTS:X or other multichannel formats, those should be passed through digitally via the HDMI or optical path to compatible equipment.

The bi-directional PoC design also keeps installation tidier. Only one power supply is required, and the system can be powered from either the transmitter or receiver end depending on what is most convenient for the installation.

Ideal Applications

• Wall-mounted TV installations with remote AV equipment
• AV racks located away from the display
• Media rooms and home theatre systems using TV app audio
• Soundbar or AV receiver audio return integration
• Optical digital audio extension over long distances
• Systems needing stereo analogue audio output from a digital source
• Custom installation projects using structured CAT cabling
• Clean retrofit solutions where running new HDMI or optical cable is difficult

Full Specifications

Important Notes

• The CAT100EARC is designed to extend audio return, not full HDMI video.
• Analogue stereo output from the built-in DAC supports 2-channel PCM only.
• For multichannel surround or object-based audio formats, use compatible digital equipment and maintain the digital signal path.
• CEC pass-through is available when HDMI eARC/ARC mode is selected.
• Input mode selection between HDMI eARC/ARC and optical digital audio is made via DIP switch on the transmitter.
• As with all long-distance CAT-based AV products, cable quality and termination quality are important for reliable performance.

Final Word

The Blustream CAT100EARC is a very practical problem-solver for modern AV systems. It gives installers and customers a clean way to extend eARC/ARC or optical digital audio over CAT cable, while also adding useful flexibility through CEC pass-through, PoC power and a built-in stereo DAC. For wall-mounted TVs, remote AV racks and custom home theatre systems, it is exactly the kind of compact integration product that can make a clean installation work properly.