OREI 4K eARC HDMI Extender Balun UltraHD 4K @ 60Hz 4:4:4 Over Single CAT6/7 Cable with CEC, ARC & Bi Directional IR Support, RS-232 Up to 165 Ft Audio Out - PoC
Quick take
The OREI UHD-EX165EA-K is an HDMI extender that sends 4K/60 video over a single CAT6/7 run up to 165 ft, while supporting eARC/ARC audio and bi-directional IR control. Buyers tend to like it for multi-room installs and longer cable management, with reports of stable, crisp picture and responsive control features. The main buying caveat is compatibility and configuration, since you will need the right HDMI and audio path setup to take advantage of eARC/ARC and the control features.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Extends UHD 4K/60 over a single CAT6A/7 cable (rated up to 165 ft) with minimal latency claims and a straightforward CAT cable run.
- Full eARC/ARC support for returning audio through the HDMI chain, plus support for common HDR formats and standard HDMI audio formats.
- Bi-directional IR control to move remote control commands between locations without needing a direct line of sight.
- Power over Cable (PoC) uses one power adapter for both the transmitter and receiver, helping keep installations tidy.
Cons
- To get the most value, you need to plan your HDMI, audio, and device control layout (CEC/eARC/IR behavior depends on your source and display configuration).
- Not a “replace any cable” solution, it’s a system extender, so you will still need proper CAT6/7 cabling and correct port connections (HDMI in/out, optical S/PDIF options, IR).
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence for this extender is limited in volume, but recurring themes are clear: people report stable signal extension at 4K/60 without noticeable artifacts, flicker, or dropouts, especially in longer or multi-room layouts. Several buyers highlight easy installation, strong plug-and-play behavior once set up, and solid build quality (including a metal construction feel). Control features are also a consistent talking point, with buyers specifically calling out the bi-directional IR behavior for setups where line of sight is difficult. Finally, buyers describe the overall feature set as more capable than they personally needed, which suggests the extender is positioned for advanced AV layouts rather than only simple, short extensions.
What this extender does (and why it’s different)
Most HDMI extenders trade off one thing or another: distance, resolution, audio features, or control. This one is designed around keeping a modern HDMI workflow intact while shifting the “long run” from thick HDMI cable to a single CAT6/7 cable. That matters when you want a cleaner install across rooms or along walls where running multiple long HDMI cables is impractical.
Key capabilities include:
- 4K/60 extension over CAT6/7: Rated for UHD 4K/60Hz YUV 4:4:4, with an 18Gbps bandwidth specification.
- HDR support: Includes HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision support.
- Audio return features: Supports eARC/ARC over HDMI audio, plus optical S/PDIF connections in the transmitter and receiver options.
- Bi-directional IR: Lets you send remote commands between the display side and source side, not just one direction.
- Integration options: Includes CEC pass-through and an RS-232 control port for system-level workflows.
Key specs that affect real-world use
Distance and cable choice
The extender is rated for runs up to 165 ft using a single high quality CAT6A/7 Ethernet cable. In practice, this category lives and dies by your cable quality and installation. If your goal is long-distance stability, use properly terminated CAT cabling and keep the installation as clean as possible.
Video, HDR, and format support
It’s built to support HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2, targeting UHD 4K/60 YUV 4:4:4. HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision support are included, which is a big deal if you watch streaming services or media that depend on HDR metadata.
Audio: eARC/ARC and compatibility expectations
The extender supports both eARC and ARC, making it appropriate when you want the TV to send audio “back” to an AVR or sound system without re-running HDMI audio cables. It also provides optical S/PDIF options via the transmitter and receiver, giving you alternative audio routing depending on your equipment’s inputs.
Control: bi-directional IR, CEC, and RS-232
Bi-directional IR control is intended for setups where you want the ability to control devices from the opposite end, including situations without direct line-of-sight. It also includes CEC pass-through, which may help simplify control across compatible devices. For more advanced control systems, the RS-232 port supports AV integration workflows.
Pros and cons for common buyer scenarios
Best for
- Multi-room video distribution: When you want to avoid long HDMI runs but still keep 4K/60 quality stable.
- Home theater builds with audio return: If you need eARC/ARC behavior so you do not have to redesign your audio path.
- Setups where remote control needs to work across rooms: Bi-directional IR can reduce the need for extra IR blasters and line-of-sight placement.
- Clean installations: PoC can reduce power adapter sprawl.
Who should look elsewhere
- Buyers who only need very short HDMI extension: The feature depth and system setup may be more than needed.
- People not ready to troubleshoot A/V compatibility: If your devices handle eARC/ARC, CEC, and IR control differently, you may need careful configuration to get the behavior you expect.
Simple buying checklist before you order
- Confirm your source and display audio chain: If you want eARC/ARC, map the HDMI path and make sure your TV and receiver support the behavior you need.
- Plan your remote control needs: If you’re relying on IR, decide where the IR sensors and emitters should go for each location.
- Use the right CAT cabling: Choose high quality CAT6/7 and ensure termination quality for long runs.
- Decide if you need RS-232: If you’re not integrating with control systems, you likely won’t use it, but it’s there for advanced builds.
Installation overview (what to expect)
Installation is typically straightforward for HDMI extender users: connect your HDMI source to the transmitter, connect the receiver to the display, run the single CAT6/7 cable between units, then set up IR and audio connections based on your equipment. The included mounting hardware can help with permanent installs, and PoC reduces the number of power adapters you need to manage.
If you want the least stress path, start with video first. Once you confirm stable 4K/60 video extension, then configure audio return (eARC/ARC or optical) and finally dial in IR control behavior and any CEC pass-through expectations.
FAQ
Does this extender support eARC and ARC?
Yes, it supports both eARC and ARC for HDMI audio return, plus it includes optical S/PDIF options for additional audio routing depending on your setup.
Can I run 4K at 60Hz over a single CAT6/7 cable?
Yes. It is rated for UHD 4K/60Hz YUV 4:4:4 over a single CAT6A/7 run up to 165 ft, assuming the cable quality and installation are appropriate.
What is bi-directional IR support used for?
Bi-directional IR support lets you control devices from the opposite end of the extender, which is helpful in multi-room setups or when line of sight between devices is not possible.
Does it use one power adapter or two?
It uses Power over Cable (PoC), meaning only one power adapter is required to operate both the transmitter and receiver.
Will HDR formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+ work?
The extender supports HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision support, along with modern HDMI compatibility features like HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2.
Is RS-232 included, and when would I need it?
An RS-232 control port is included for system integration scenarios. If you are not using an AV control system, you may not need it.
Specifications
| Product Title | OREI 4K eARC HDMI Extender Balun UltraHD 4K @ 60Hz 4:4:4 Over Single CAT6/7 Cable with CEC, ARC & Bi Directional IR Support, RS-232 Up to 165 Ft Audio Out - PoC |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Television & Video > AV Receivers & Amplifiers |
| Brand | OREI |
| Manufacturer | OREI |
| Model Number | UHD-EX165EA-K |
| Color | Black |
| Item Weight | 20 Ounces |
| Connector Type Used on Cable | HDMI |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Cable Type | Ethernet |
| Number of Ports | 6 |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 3.82"D x 3.23"W x 0.71"H |
| UPC | 810162901233 |
| Mfr Part Number | UHD-EX165EA-K |
| Warranty Description | 1 Year Warranty |
| Connector Type | HDMI |
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