In today’s tech-driven world, HDMI extenders have become essential for anyone needing to transmit high-definition video and audio signals over long distances. However, with so many options available, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—this quick guide will help you figure out which HDMI extender best suits your needs.
Understanding Standard HDMI Transmission Distance
For standard HDMI cables, the transmission distance is limited. At 1080p, the maximum range is about 65 feet before signal degradation starts to occur. For 4K, that distance shortens to just 16 feet. Once the signal degrades, the image quality may suffer from distortion.
If you need to extend beyond these distances, an HDMI extender is necessary. Below are some key factors to consider when choosing the right extender.
Key Considerations When Selecting an HDMI Extender
We've divided the selection process into two categories: primary and secondary considerations. The primary considerations ensure that the extender will meet your basic transmission needs. After all, if it doesn’t work for your setup, additional features won’t matter.
These considerations also apply if you’re looking for DisplayPort extenders or other video extenders.
Primary Considerations
These are the most crucial factors to ensure proper HDMI signal transmission.
Distance
Distance is one of the most important factors in choosing the right HDMI extender. The transmission method and cable type will depend on how far you need to extend the signal.
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HDMI repeaters can extend up to 65 feet with HDMI cables.
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For distances beyond 65 feet, consider network cables (Ethernet), which can reach up to 460 feet.
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Wireless extenders can be used for distances over 328 feet and typically reach up to 656 feet, but the space should be open without obstacles.
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Fiber optic cables can extend the signal up to 37 miles for distances over 460 feet.
Wired or Wireless
HDMI extenders come in both wired and wireless options. Wireless extenders can reach up to 656 feet, but they require a clear, unobstructed line of sight between the transmitter and receiver (no walls or furniture blocking the signal). SC&T currently does not offer wireless HDMI extenders.
Cable Type
As mentioned in the distance section, HDMI extenders use various types of cables. The most common are network cables (Ethernet) and fiber optic cables. Coaxial cables are rarely used but are favored by some system integrators for specific situations, such as extending HDMI in areas where cabling is difficult or where a more stable transmission is required. Coaxial cables are durable and can be useful in certain environments.
Image Quality
Each HDMI extender supports a maximum resolution. Since HDMI is backward compatible, a 4K extender can still transmit 1080p, but a 1080p extender cannot transmit 4K. The current standard resolutions are 1080p, 4K@30Hz, and 4K@60Hz (sometimes referred to as 4K6G).
Secondary Considerations
Once you’ve ensured that the primary transmission conditions are met, you can consider additional features that may enhance your setup.
Do you need to separate audio at the remote location?
Some HDMI extenders feature an audio extraction function that separates the audio signal from the HDMI feed, allowing you to connect it to an external audio system. If this feature is important, look for an extender with an audio extractor.
HDMI USB/KVM/Audio/RS232/IR over CAT6/Fiber Extender - HKM01-4K6G- Resolution up to 4K60Hz 4:4:4.
- Signal extension up to 100m over CAT6.
- 60km over single-mode fiber optic.
- Built-in local loop out for an extra HDMI display at TX side.
- Built-in 4 USB ports at RX unit.
Do you need lossless image quality and zero-latency transmission?
Most HDMI extenders introduce some level of compression and latency. Compression may cause blurring, and latency can range from 0.017 seconds (1 frame) to 0.1 seconds. For special requirements that demand uncompressed, zero-latency transmission, look for an extender using HDBaseT technology.
HDBaseT extenders require higher bandwidth and may need Cat6 or Cat6a cables to ensure smooth transmission.
4K60Hz HDMI® HDBaseT KVM Extender with USB 2.0 - HE02U-4K6G
- Resolution up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4.
- Signal extension up to 100m.
- Built-in 4ports USB2.0 at the RX unit for USB cameras, flash drives, keyboards/mouse, etc.
- Supports Ethernet transmission.
- Supports CEC passthrough.
Do you need to extend the keyboard, mouse, IR, or other signals?
If you need to extend signals beyond HDMI, such as keyboard and mouse, consider a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) extender. For environments that require IR (infrared) signal extension to retain CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) functionality, look for an extender with HDMI IR support. Additionally, some HDMI extenders can extend RS232 signals.
HDMI USB/KVM/Audio/RS232/IR over CAT6/Fiber Extender - HKM01-4K6G
Learn more about What is KVM (Keyboard, Video, and Mouse), and How is it Used?
Is power availability an issue?
Some extenders are designed to work without requiring power on both ends, or only require power on one side (usually the transmitter). This can be useful in situations where there’s no convenient power source. Look for extenders with PoH (Power over HDBaseT) if you need this feature.
HDMI® CAT5e Dongle-Type Passive Extender 1080p - HE01ERK
- Resolution up to 1080p.
- Singal extension up to 70M.
- No external power required.
Do you need a splitter function with the extender?
If you also need to distribute the video signal to multiple displays, you can use a video splitter in conjunction with the extender.
Some extenders come with built-in splitter functionality, allowing you to avoid purchasing separate devices. Extenders that use network cables can be paired with network switches to create a distribution system. For example, a 4-port network switch can distribute video to three additional receivers, creating a 1-to-3 extender and splitter.
HDMI® CAT5e/6 Extender 120M/140M - HE03-4K
- Resolution up to 4K@30Hz 4:4:4.
- Signal extension up to 120M over CAT5e, 140M over CAT6.
- Workable with SR01X (IP repeater) for long distance transmission.
- Workable with Ethernet switch for signal distribution.
You can also achieve distribution without a switch by using a daisy-chain configuration. This method connects multiple receivers in sequence, with each receiver extending the signal by another 100 meters. Users only need to connect an HDMI cable from each receiver to its respective display.
HDMI® CAT6 Extending Distributor with Chainable Receiver 100M - HE03L-4K6G- Resolution up to 4K60Hz 4:4:4.
- Signal extension up to 100M.
- Built-in local loop out for an extra HDMI® display at TX side.
- Supports RS232 transmission and EDID management.
- Splits up to 250 HDMI® displays, 2.5KM in total.
Ready to Choose the Right Extender?
After reviewing the features of HDMI extenders, do you feel more confident about selecting the right one for your needs? This guide is aimed at typical users, but system integrators may have additional requirements. If you have any technical questions, feel free to reach out to us. The SC&T team is always here to assist you!
Explore SC&T HDMI Extender Series