HDMI over Cat5 Video Extender with Audio - RS232 and IR Control

You should only use video converters and extenders if it is absolutely necessary to do so. In many cases, most video converters and extenders are not necessary if you purchase the correct cable.

The following table lists the maximum length of cable for common video standards.

Note: StarTech.com offers cables longer than what is listed above, including active cables, which typically include built-in active signal boosters that allow for longer cables. Active cables are specifically designed to exceed the suggested maximum lengths and are tested at the listed specifications (for example, the maximum listed resolution).

Video adapters

Video adapters passively adapt a cable from one connector type to another. Video adapters do not change the signal type, or change the video standard.

Examples of common applications for adapters include the following:

• DVI-I to VGA

• RCA to BNC

• Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort

• Couplers (female to female, or male to male)

Note: You can use a coupler to extend a cable for a short distance. However, each coupler that you use can introduce signal loss, which degrades the signal quality.

Video converters

Video converters actively process and change the signal type from one video standard and convert it to another standard. They are typically used to convert digital to analog and vice versa, but can be used to convert a digital signal to another digital video standard (for example, HDMI to DisplayPort).

Video converters work over short distances from the source to the destination: up to 15 feet or 3 meters.

Video extenders

Video extenders convert an input signal to a higher voltage for transmission over longer distances and then convert the input signal back to the original video standard. The input and the output signal will match on a video extender, as the same video standard is maintained end-to-end. If a cable is extended with adapters or converters, the signal quality degrades.

Note: For more information on using a video adapter or converter with a video extender, see the following FAQ: http://www.startech.com/faq/video_signal_converters_convert_then_extend.

If you need to use a video extender with a video adapter or converter, you should position the adapter or converter as close to the video source as possible. For example, if you need to take a VGA signal from a computer and send it 200 feet to an HDMI® projector, you should convert the signal from VGA to HDMI and use an HDMI extender.

Note: For more information on when to use cables or extenders, see the following FAQ: http://www.startech.com/faq/video_signal_converters_when_to_convert.

Yes, this video extender works with set-top boxes, provided the set-top box meets the following requirements:

• The set-top box must be High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) compliant.
• The set-top box must support devices being connected between the video source and display. If the set-top box requires a direct cable connection between the video source and display, it won't work with this video extender.

No, this device is designed to be a point-to-point solution using networking cabling only. 

This device outputs HDMI video signals. If you have a display or video destination that uses another type of video connection, there are ways that you can convert the video signal or connection. These options are outlined below and organized by the target connection.

HDCP

When you consider whether to convert an HDMI video signal to another connection type, it is important to know if the media that is being converted from the HDMI video connection is protected by High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP). If the media is protected by HDCP, you cannot convert to analog video connections because they do not support HDCP. You may experience this issue when you use devices like Blu-ray players, DVD players, and certain gaming consoles.

This device has an HDMI input port.  If you have a video source that uses another video connection, there are options available to convert the video signal or connection. These options will be outlined below for each video source connection.

DisplayPort Passive and Active Conversions

The converter that you require depends on the type of DisplayPort video source that you are using. For more information about converting DisplayPort video signals, refer to the following FAQ: https://www.startech.com/faq/DisplayPort_Converter_DP_Multi_Mode.

There are a few things you'll want to take care of before you deploy your new video extender in your setup.

It’s important to make sure you have everything you will need ahead of time. These items are listed below.

• Transmitter
• Receiver
• Video source
• Display
• Video cables
• (Optional) Ethernet or fiber cables
• (Optional) Power adapter(s)

It’s also important to test everything in a simplified setup ahead of time to make sure everything works and that you understand how it works. 

In order to set up your video extender, complete the following:

1. Position your video transmitter near your video source.
2. Connect the video output from your video source to the video transmitter.
3. (Optional) Connect the power adapter to the video transmitter.

Note: Not all video extenders require external power, or require external power on both ends.  Refer to the manual for more information.

4. Position your video receiver near your display.
5. Connect the video output from your video receiver to your display.
6. (Optional) Connect the power adapter to the video receiver.
7. If using a wired video extender, connect your network cabling between the video transmitter and the video receiver.
8. (Optional) If you are extending anything else supported by your video extender connect those devices to the transmitter and receiver.
9. (Optional) If you are using a wireless extender, there may be a sync button you need to press to pair the transmitter and receiver.

Now that you have set up your video extender, you can check that everything is working.  You should be able to see your video source's output on the display connected to the video receiver.

If at this point you have further questions regarding a Startech.com video extender, contact our technical support team for further assistance. 

To get the highest quality signal from your source to your display when you use an HDMI extender, do the following:

• Make sure that the HDMI versions of the source, extender, and destination are compatible. For example, if you require 3D support, make sure that all of the devices can support 3D over HDMI.

• Use the least amount of adapters, splitters, or converters as possible. Each device that you use in your setup creates additional points of potential failure and creates more steps for an HDCP key to hop through, which may cause issues with older displays. For more information on HDCP, refer to the following FAQ: http://www.startech.com/faq/video_signal_converters_HDCP.

• Use an HDMI extender that exceeds the requirements of the setup. For example, if you need to extend the signal 200 feet, it is best to use an extender capable of more than 200 feet.

• Make sure that all of the CAT 5/6 runs are as straight as possible, with the least amount of coiling.

• Make sure that all of the patches, wall jacks, and cables use the highest possible CAT specification, (for example, CAT 6), and were tested to conform to the standard.

• Use patches, wall jacks, and cables with the same pin configuration. For more information on T568A versus T568B wiring, refer to the following FAQ: http://www.startech.com/faq/network_cables_a_vs_b_pinout.

• Keep the cabling away from sources of high noise.

• Make sure that you use adequate electrical grounding in your setup.