In the world of modern audio and video, HDMI has become a go-to standard for connecting devices. But as our needs grow—whether it’s for longer distances or more complex setups—standard HDMI cables can’t always keep up. That’s where HDMI extenders come in. In this guide, we'll walk you through the various HDMI transmission technologies, explaining how they work and what makes them valuable for different situations.
How Do HDMI Extenders Work?
HDMI extenders are designed to carry audio and video signals over longer distances than regular HDMI cables can manage. These extenders typically come in pairs: a transmitter that sends the signal and a receiver that picks it up. Inside both devices, chipsets handle the conversion or compression of the signal, allowing it to travel farther without losing quality.
The Role of Chipsets in HDMI Extenders
At the heart of every HDMI extender is its chipset. This small but essential component helps stabilize and amplify the HDMI signal, ensuring it can travel longer distances. Depending on the setup, extenders can transmit signals over hundreds of feet using network cables, and up to 37 miles (60 kilometers) with fiber optic cables.
Cables Matter: What Cables Are Used in HDMI Extenders?
While chipsets are crucial, the type of cable you use can also have a big impact on how far the signal travels and how clear it remains. Certified, high-quality cables help maintain signal integrity over longer distances. Let’s take a closer look at the common cable types used in HDMI transmission.
HDMI Cables
Standard HDMI cables are great for short distances, usually up to 33 feet (10 meters). However, for professional setups that require more distance, devices like repeaters or extenders are necessary to push the signal further. We'll cover these devices shortly.
Network Cables (CAT5e, CAT6, etc.)
Network cables are one of the most common options for extending HDMI signals. Depending on the extender and its chipset, these cables can carry signals between 130 and 500 feet (40 and 150 meters). Many HDMI extenders that use network cables also support Power over Ethernet (PoE), which can eliminate the need for an extra power source—making installation even easier.
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CAT5e cables can typically carry HDMI signals up to around 130 feet (40 meters).
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CAT6 cables can extend the range to about 165 feet (50 meters).
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CAT7 cables may carry the signal up to 328 feet (100 meters), offering even more distance.
Fiber Optic Cables (Single-Mode/Multi-Mode)
Fiber optic cables are ideal when you need to send HDMI signals over really long distances, often up to 37 miles (60 kilometers). While they can carry signals much farther, fiber cables can’t transmit power, and there might be minor signal loss when converting HDMI into light signals for transmission.
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Single-mode fiber (SMF): Designed for longer distances, it can carry light signals up to 37 miles (60 km) or more with minimal signal loss.
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Multi-mode fiber (MMF): Typically used for shorter distances, multi-mode fibers can still transmit signals over several thousand feet (up to 1,600 feet or 500 meters), but they are more affordable and easier to install.
Coaxial Cables (RG59/RG6U)
Sometimes, existing coaxial infrastructure—like the kind found in older buildings or hotels—can be repurposed to carry HDMI signals. In these cases, an HDMI over Coax Extender can be used to transmit high-quality video and audio over long distances, without needing to install new cables.
HDMI Extension Types
When it comes to extending HDMI signals, various types of extenders are available, each utilizing different technologies and cable types. Below is an overview of the most common HDMI extension types, including their cable requirements, underlying technologies, and maximum transmission distances for both 1080p and 4K resolutions:
HDMI Repeater vs. Extender
An HDMI repeater is a simple, straightforward solution for extending HDMI signals. It boosts and bypasses the signal, extending the transmission range. Unlike extenders, which convert or compress the signal, repeaters simply amplify it, making them a low-cost option for short-range extensions.
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Advantages: No compression, no latency.
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Disadvantages: Limited distance.
HDMI Fiber Extender
HDMI fiber extenders are a powerful solution for transmitting high-quality video and audio signals over extremely long distances—often up to 37 miles (60 kilometers). They work by converting electrical HDMI signals into light signals that can travel through fiber optic cables. This technology is ideal for large venues, sprawling campuses, or any application that requires transmitting HDMI signals over a long distance without signal degradation.
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Advantages: Extremely long-distance transmission, immunity to interference, and support for high-resolution formats like 4K/8K without compression.
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Disadvantages: Cannot transmit power, more expensive, and requires careful handling during installation.
With advancements in technology, many manufacturers now offer HDMI fiber cables equipped with built-in chipsets. These specialized cables can transmit HDMI signals over fixed lengths for considerable distances; however, they lack flexibility, as cutting the cable renders it unusable.
In contrast, HDMI extenders provide greater versatility by allowing users to choose from various cable types and lengths to extend the signal as needed. This flexibility makes HDMI extenders a more adaptable solution for different installation scenarios.
HDMI Extender over CAT5e/CAT6
HDMI extenders over CAT5e/CAT6 are one of the most common and cost-effective solutions for extending HDMI signals over long distances. These extenders utilize standard Ethernet cables (CAT5e, CAT6, CAT7, etc.) to transmit HDMI signals, making them a popular choice for both residential and commercial installations. They’re widely used because Ethernet cables are affordable, flexible, and easy to install in most environments.
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Advantages: Cost-effective, extends HDMI signals up to 328 feet, supports PoE for easier installation, and can transmit additional signals like IR and RS232.
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Disadvantages: Shorter distance compared to fiber extenders, potential for signal degradation or interference over long runs, especially with 4K signals.
Related products: HE02EIX, HE03L-4K6G, HE04SEK
HDMI over IP Extender
HDMI over IP extenders convert HDMI signals into network data that can be transmitted over standard Ethernet cables (CAT5e, CAT6, etc.), similar to HDMI CAT extenders. However, HDMI over IP technology goes a step further by converting these signals into Internet Protocol (IP) for transmission over a network. This adds greater flexibility to your setup, allowing you to extend HDMI signals over large networks and even distribute them to multiple displays using network switches.
For example, the HE03-4K6G HDMI over IP extender kit can send a single HDMI signal to multiple outputs via a network switch. HDMI over IP is also commonly used in video matrix systems, making it ideal for switching and splitting video from multiple devices across different locations.
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Advantages: Scalable, highly flexible, supports multiple configurations.
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Disadvantages: Potential for compression and latency issues depending on network quality.
HDMI over Coax Extender
An HDMI over Coax extender is designed for specific scenarios where existing coaxial cable infrastructure is in place, such as in hotels or older buildings. By converting HDMI signals to be transmitted over RG59 or RG6 coaxial cables, this extender enables long-distance transmission to displays in different rooms without needing to replace existing cabling. It’s a practical solution for environments where rewiring with newer cable types would be costly or impractical.
HDMI Extenders: More Than Just Video and Audio
While HDMI extenders are mainly used to transmit audio and video, they can also carry other types of signals, making them incredibly versatile in different applications.
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Power: Many HDMI extenders support Power over Ethernet (PoE), eliminating the need for external power supplies by sending power through the same network cable.
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Ethernet: Some extenders also transmit Ethernet signals, simplifying setups that require network access.
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USB: USB transmission is especially useful for setups that need KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) functionality, allowing you to control multiple devices with a single keyboard and mouse.
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Control Signals: HDMI extenders can also carry control signals such as IR (infrared) and RS232, which are useful for remote management of AV systems.
What Is HDBaseT? A One-Cable Solution for Multiple Signals
HDBaseT is a cutting-edge technology that allows HDMI signals—along with Ethernet, power, USB, and control signals—to be transmitted over a single network cable (CAT5e/CAT6). This makes it a highly efficient solution for setups that require multiple types of signals over long distances. With HDBaseT, you can extend HDMI up to 330 feet (100 meters), making it perfect for professional environments.
Curious about how HDBaseT compares to HDMI over IP? Check out our detailed article: What Is HDBaseT? Standards & Comparisons with HDMI over IP.
Conclusion
As video and audio requirements grow, HDMI extension technologies provide the tools needed to overcome the limitations of standard cables. Whether you’re extending signals for home theaters, conference rooms, or large-scale installations, there’s an HDMI extender solution that fits your needs. From simple HDMI repeaters to advanced HDMI over IP extenders, understanding these technologies will help you make the right choice for your setup and ensure high-quality performance every time.
Recommended Reading
HDMI over Ethernet? Fiber? IP? Repeater? Clarify All Types of HDMI Extenders and Find the Best One for Your Equipment
This content is used with permission from SC&T. All rights reserved.
