AX110 HDMI eARC Audio Converter | Convert TV sound for HDMI sound systems

I chose this product so I could route the audio from my LG C4 (or Xbox Series X) to my Denon X4800H (HDMI input!). Previously, the eARC function wasn't possible over the 12-meter distance between these two devices, despite the fiber optic cable. What I didn't realize until a certain point was that the Audio Return Channel uses regular copper instead of fiber optic, and that's no longer sufficient to ensure eARC over long distances. When using the AX110, however, I always had to deactivate and reactivate the eARC function on the TV after turning on the devices before I could hear any sound. So I tried the AX211 as well, and everything worked right away (see AX211 review). This was probably because the AV receiver was connected to the TV twice (Denon OUT -> LG TV IN + LG TV OUT -> AX110 -> Denon IN). Without double cabling between the devices, the AX110 is definitely recommended. Feintech's support is great, and questions are answered quickly and thoroughly!

It's annoying when you buy a new TV and then the slightly older Hermann model in the box isn't recognized. But thanks to the adapter, I now have decent sound through my system again, and I'm happy. It's nice that someone has addressed this issue and found a solution.

Works perfectly between LG OLED G4 and Denon 3808.

Top workmanship (metal housing, very solid).

I haven't tested CEC features yet.

It does exactly what you'd expect. Even older receivers work flawlessly again.

I have an LG OLED 55 C3 with HDMI 2.1 and eArc. As described, I connected it to my Marantz NR1508 AV receiver (Arc only) via a standard HDMI input. After some initial problems, which were due to the TV's settings, I can now route the audio data directly to the AVR as a PCM 5.1 signal. I didn't notice any audio delay. Without an adapter, only PCM 2.1 and at most Dolby Digital were possible via the built-in Arc port.
I set the PS5 to LPCM on the TV, but all other configurable formats are also sent directly to the AVR, as long as they are supported. DTS was also possible. It's important that the HDMI input on the TV and the eARC connection to the AX110 are set to Bitstream, even though PCM would be more logical when using LPCM. However, the PCM setting on the LG is more intended to allow the TV to generate PCM.

Now comes the big BUT, regarding the functionality of CEC control signals. However, these are explicitly not the responsibility of the adapter offered here. Hence the 5-star rating.
However, it might be helpful for others too. At first, the control signals worked, as Feintech stated for the product. The AVR also accepts them via a conventional input. Volume up, down, mute, menu control, and power on and off with the TV. Now I want to connect some other devices on the AV receiver to the TV. So I connected the HDMI output to a normal HDMI input on the TV. After that, the only thing that worked was turning the AVR off. It seems that control signals are now being sent to the AVR in a loop, and the AVR isn't interpreting the signals correctly. Sometimes the receiver suddenly turns back on again. However, on the LG and the Marantz, you can only turn HDMI-CEC on or off completely; you can't set it separately for each port.

I've now found a solution to disable CEC for individual connections. There's an adapter that disables the HDMI CEC channel (PIN 13). Just search for "HDMI CEC lock" here on Amazon.
The only limitation is that the devices on the AVR can no longer be controlled via CEC. However, the AVR can still be controlled via the TV and connected game consoles.

Conclusion: Full marks for the Feintech team, who offer solutions that the various manufacturers have still not been able to standardize in two decades of HDMI standards.

Perhaps Feintech can include this in their FAQs and possibly include such an adapter in their product range or include it with the AX110.