Installation: Binary B-260-ARC Audio Return Extender for HDMI ARC and SPDIF IN Instruction Guide

Overview

The B-260-ARC Audio Return Extender for HDMI ARC and SPDIF IN sends television audio to a remotely located AV receiver, amplifier, or other compatible audio device. It uses a transmitter, receiver, and one Cat 5e-or-better cable to carry audio over distances up to 70 m (230 ft).

Use ARC mode when the television and AV receiver support HDMI ARC and CEC. Use SPDIF mode when an independent optical-audio connection is preferred or the television does not provide HDMI ARC. The transmitter and receiver must always be configured to the same mode.

Specifications

• Model: B-260-ARC
• Transmission cable: Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a, or Cat 7
• Maximum transmission distance: 70 m (230 ft)
• Transmitter ports: ARC IN, SPDIF IN, UTP OUT, and micro USB POWER
• Receiver ports: ARC OUT, SPDIF OUT, UTP IN, and micro USB POWER
• Supported HDMI audio: PCM 2.0-channel, Dolby 5.1-channel, DTS 5.1-channel, and Dolby Digital Plus
• Supported SPDIF audio: PCM 2.0-channel, Dolby 5.1-channel, DTS 5.1-channel, and Dolby Digital Plus
• Control method: Transmitter and receiver DIP switches
• Power supply: 5 V DC, 1 A
• Maximum power consumption: 0.4 W per unit
• Operating temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
• Storage temperature: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
• Operating humidity: 10% to 90%, non-condensing
• Dimensions: 80 × 20 × 70 mm (3.15 × 0.79 × 2.76 in) per unit
• Weight: 0.18 kg (0.40 lb) per unit

Package Contents

• One B-260-ARC transmitter
• One B-260-ARC receiver
• Two 5 V DC power adapters
• Four mounting ears with screws
• Four mounting screws
• Eight rubber feet
• One user manual

How It Works

The transmitter is installed near the television or SPDIF audio source. It converts the selected audio path for transport through the UTP connection. The receiver is installed near the AV receiver, amplifier, or other destination device and restores the audio connection at its output port.

In ARC mode, the television supplies return audio through its HDMI ARC connection. CEC pass-through between the transmitter and receiver helps the television and AV receiver establish the ARC handshake. In SPDIF mode, audio entering the transmitter’s SPDIF IN port travels to the receiver’s SPDIF OUT port.

Transmitter Parts

• POWER: Connects to the supplied power adapter through the micro USB power input.
• UTP OUT: Connects to the receiver’s UTP IN port.
• STATUS LED: Shows the operating and link condition.
• SPDIF IN: Accepts optical audio from a source device when SPDIF mode is selected.
• ARC IN: Connects to the television’s HDMI ARC port.
• SPDIF/ARC switch: Selects the operating mode.

Receiver Parts

• POWER: Connects to the supplied power adapter. On many televisions, the receiver may also be powered from a TV USB connector.
• UTP IN: Connects to the transmitter’s UTP OUT port.
• STATUS LED: Indicates receiver operation and the transmitter connection.
• SPDIF OUT: Sends optical audio to an amplifier or other SPDIF-compatible device.
• ARC OUT: Connects to an AV receiver’s HDMI ARC input.
• SPDIF/ARC switch: Selects the operating mode and must match the transmitter.

Safety

• Read and retain the installation instructions before using the extender.
• Keep the transmitter, receiver, power adapters, and cables away from rain, moisture, dripping water, and splashing.
• Do not place liquid-filled objects on or near the equipment.
• Do not use the units near water or remove their covers. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
• Keep ventilation openings clear and install the units according to the installation instructions.
• Keep the equipment away from radiators, stoves, amplifiers, and other heat-producing devices.
• Use only the supplied or manufacturer-specified accessories and power equipment.
• Route power cords where they will not be walked on, pinched, or damaged, especially near plugs and connection points.
• Disconnect the power cord from the outlet to completely remove power from the equipment.
• Stop using a unit and obtain qualified service if it has been dropped, exposed to liquid or moisture, damaged, or no longer operates normally.

Setup and Operation

Mounting the Units

Disconnect the equipment from power before mounting or wiring it. Attach a mounting ear to each side of the transmitter using the supplied screws. Secure the mounting ears to the selected wall or surface with the supplied mounting screws. Repeat the same process for the receiver. Rubber feet can be used when the units are placed on a stable horizontal surface instead of being mounted.

ARC Mode

ARC mode sends audio from a television to an AV receiver through the extender’s HDMI ARC path.

1. Confirm that both the television and AV receiver support HDMI ARC.
2. Connect the television’s HDMI ARC port to the transmitter’s ARC IN port.
3. Connect the AV receiver’s ARC input to the receiver’s ARC OUT port.
4. Connect the transmitter’s UTP OUT port to the receiver’s UTP IN port using a Cat 5e-or-better cable.
5. Set the transmitter’s SPDIF/ARC switch to ARC.
6. Set the receiver’s SPDIF/ARC switch to ARC.
7. Enable CEC on the television.
8. Set the AV receiver to its ARC input or channel.
9. Connect the transmitter and receiver to the supplied power adapters. A compatible TV USB port may power the receiver where appropriate.
10. Turn on the television, AV receiver, and extender units.

When the connection is established, audio from the television should be delivered to the AV receiver through the ARC path.

SPDIF Mode

SPDIF mode provides a separate optical-audio pass-through connection for systems that use an independent audio source and destination.

1. Set the transmitter’s SPDIF/ARC switch to SPDIF.
2. Set the receiver’s SPDIF/ARC switch to SPDIF.
3. Connect the optical audio source to the transmitter’s SPDIF IN port.
4. Connect the amplifier or other compatible audio device to the receiver’s SPDIF OUT port.
5. Connect the transmitter and receiver to the supplied power adapters.
6. Turn on all connected equipment.

Audio entering SPDIF IN is carried over the UTP link and delivered through SPDIF OUT.

Status LEDs

• Blinking: The unit is operating correctly and has established communication with the other unit.
• On continuously: The unit is operating correctly, but the transmitter-to-receiver connection has not been established.
• Off: The unit is not operating correctly or is not receiving suitable power.

Troubleshooting

No Audio in ARC Mode

• Verify that both DIP switches are set to ARC.
• Confirm that the television is connected to ARC IN and the AV receiver is connected to ARC OUT.
• Make sure the television’s CEC function is enabled.
• Set the AV receiver to its ARC input or channel.
• Check that the UTP cable is connected from transmitter UTP OUT to receiver UTP IN.
• Confirm that both units and the connected audio devices are powered on.

No Audio in SPDIF Mode

• Set both units to SPDIF mode; mismatched switch positions prevent the selected audio path from operating correctly.
• Confirm that the source is connected to the transmitter’s SPDIF IN port.
• Confirm that the amplifier or audio device is connected to the receiver’s SPDIF OUT port.
• Check the UTP connection and verify that the receiver is set to the correct input.

LED Stays On or Turns Off

• A continuously illuminated LED indicates that the unit has power but the link between transmitter and receiver is not successful. Check the UTP cable, port connections, and power to both units.
• An LED that remains off may indicate a power problem. Check the micro USB power connection and supplied adapter.
• If the cable run is long, use a compatible Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a, or Cat 7 cable and keep all connections secure.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Disconnect the equipment from power before cleaning. Wipe the exterior with a dry cloth only. Keep ventilation openings clear, avoid moisture, and do not open either enclosure. Store the units within the specified storage temperature and humidity limits when they are not installed.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supports both HDMI ARC and independent SPDIF audio transport.
• Extends compatible audio signals up to 70 m over a single Cat 5e-or-better cable.
• Provides CEC pass-through for ARC communication between compatible devices.
• Offers straightforward mode selection through matching transmitter and receiver switches.
• Supports common two-channel and multichannel audio formats, including Dolby and DTS options.

Cons

• ARC operation depends on ARC and CEC support from the television and AV receiver.
• The transmitter and receiver must use the same mode for the selected audio path to function.
• The system requires a separate transmitter, receiver, suitable network cable, and power connections.
• It is designed for audio return and pass-through rather than general-purpose HDMI video extension.