There come situations, we cannot pot the source of the video and audio signal (a computer, gaming console, etc…) close to the monitor, TV or projector. Of course, we can use longer HDMI cable but there are limitations in length which is around 50 feet (15 meters) for the 1080p signal, 4K even less. Often the distance between computer or TV is much larger and here comes the HDMI extender into play.
My task was to set up a system for a projection mapping on the main stage of some festival in my home town. I had to link a computer locating in Front-of-House (FoH) with the projector on a ramp in front of the stage. Like 30 meters apart from each other.
So I thought maybe some of you may have a similar task and in order to spare you some time researching the market online, I compiled this list of HDMI extenders.
But only those, capable of transmitting true 4K resolution with 60Hz refresh rate and 4:4:4 color coding (HDR).
These types of extenders are usually a bit pricier, it is not worth sacrificing the video quality over a coin.
Which is the best HDMI extender for 4K uncompressed video?
To be able to answer this question, you must take into consideration three major factors. Distance, resolution and frame rate.
This means, how far apart the source and display are and what video resolution (and at what frame rate) you need to transfer the signal.
There are 3 categories of HDMI Extenders:
Types of HDMI Extenders
- Standard or Conventional
Conventional HDMI extenders are the best option for those that want to extend an HDMI signal at a low cost but only up to 1080p. Mostly also with a compressed signal resulting in quality loss. This type is not an option. However, if you are not that demanding about video quality and you need to transfer only up to 1080p (Full HD) resolution, GoFanco HDbitTExt Extender should do the job. - HDbaseT HDMI Extenders
These extenders are the best options for those that want to extend an uncompressed HDMI signal with 4K resolution.
HDBaseT is the global standard for the transmission of ultra-high-definition video & audio, Ethernet, IR controls, and USB. It also features PoE (Power over Ethernet), which means only one power adapter is needed to power both transmitter and receiver. - Wireless HDMI Extenders
Sometimes it just isn’t feasible or convenient to run a cable between the source and the display (or projector), especially when they’re located in separate rooms. And here come Wireless extenders into play.
There are two main standards for wirelessly transmitting HDMI signals:
- Wireless Home Digital Interface (WHDI). It operates on the lower 5 GHz frequency. This is higher than most Wi-Fi routers use, so there is just a small chance of interference and reducing video quality. The frequency is also low enough to penetrate through walls. The drawback is that it requires a bit of signal compression to function properly. However, due to really small compression, you won’t be able to tell the difference.
- WirelessHD. It operates on the higher 60 GHz frequency. It’s able to transmit uncompressed video, but at the cost of reduced range, wall penetration ability and robustness.
- Wireless Home Digital Interface (WHDI). It operates on the lower 5 GHz frequency. This is higher than most Wi-Fi routers use, so there is just a small chance of interference and reducing video quality. The frequency is also low enough to penetrate through walls. The drawback is that it requires a bit of signal compression to function properly. However, due to really small compression, you won’t be able to tell the difference.
HDbaseT HDMI Extenders
All these HDbaseT extenders have PoE/PoC (Power over Ethernet or Power over Cable). This means only one power supply (included) is needed to be connected to either Transmitter or Reciever. The other device gets power directly via Cat cable.
No Hassle A/V – 4K HDR Extender 100m
Last update on 2023-09-29.
Technical Details
Max Transmission Distance:
330ft (100m)
HDMI Compliance:
HDMI 2.0b
HDCP Compliance:
HDCP 2.2 and 1.4
Video Bandwidth:
18 Gbps, uncompressed signal
Video Resolutions:
up to 4K@60Hz
Color Space:
RGB, YCbCr 4:4:4, YCbCr 4:2:2
Color Depth:
10-bit, 12-bit
HDMI Audio Formats:
LPCM 2/5.1/7.1CH, Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Optical Audio:
LPCM 2CH, LPCM 5.1, Dolby Digital 2/5.1 CH, DTS 2/5.1 CH
Additional Features:
IR, RS232, ETHERNET transmittion
User Manual
Presentation Video:
No Hassle A/V – 4K HDR Extender 70m
Last update on 2023-09-29.
Technical Details
Max Transmission Distance:
230ft (70m)
HDMI Compliance:
HDMI 2.0
HDCP Compliance:
HDCP 2.2 and 1.4
Video Bandwidth:
18 Gbps, uncompressed signal
Video Resolutions:
up to 4K@60Hz
Color Space:
RGB/YCbCr 4:4:4, YCbCr 4:2:2, YUV 4:2:0
Color Depth:
8-bit, 10-bit, 12-bit
HDMI Audio Formats:
LPCM, Dolby Digital/Plus/EX, Dolby True HD, DTS, DTS-EX, DTS-96/24, DTS High Res, DSD-HD Master Audio, DSD
Additional Features:
IR transmittion
User Manual
J-Tech Digital 4K HDMI Extender
Last update on 2023-09-29.
Technical Details
Max Transmission Distance:
130ft (40m)
HDMI Compliance:
HDMI 2.0
HDCP Compliance:
HDCP 2.2 and 1.4
Video Bandwidth:
18 Gbps, uncompressed signal
Video Resolutions:
up to 4K@60Hz
Color Space:
YUV 4:4:4
Color Depth:
8-bit, 10-bit, 12-bit
HDMI Audio Formats:
Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS 5.1, and PCM.
Additional Features:
IR, RS232 transmittion
User Manual
Wireless HDMI Extenders
SIIG 4K@ Wireless HDMI Extender Kit
Last update on 2023-09-29.
Technical Details
Max Transmission Distance:
98ft (30m)
HDMI Compliance:
HDMI 1.4
HDCP Compliance:
HDCP 1.4
Wireless Frequency:
60 GHz
Latency:
0ms
Video Bandwidth:
10.2 Gbps, uncompressed signal
Video Resolutions:
up to 4K@30Hz
HDMI Audio Formats:
Dolby, TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio and LPCM digital audio streams up to 7.1 Channels
NOTE: The transmission distance may vary depending on building layout, electronic interference, walls and partitions, other environmental conditions. Your actual transmission distance may be much less than the maximum distance). For the best result, there must be a line of sight between the Transmitter and Receiver.
J-Tech Long Range Wireless HDMI Extender 1080p
Last update on 2023-09-29.
Technical Details
Max Transmission Distance:
660ft (200m)
Wireless Frequency:
5 GHz
Latency:
200ms
Video Resolutions:
up to 1080p@60Hz
HDMI Audio Formats:
Supports PCM/2 Chanel Stereo audio pass through. Does NOT support Dolby Digital or other multi-channel audio formats.
NOTE: You can connect up to 5 wireless HDMI extender transmitter & receiver set pairs. No line of sight placement required. No difficulties sending or receiving signals through walls, ceilings, and floors. Each transmitter will scan for surrounding Wi-Fi 5GHz channels, automatically selecting an unused frequency to avoid interference. (NOTE: When connecting multiple pairs, each set MUST be connected and powered in sequence.)
Really nice explanation of the different types. For pro quality – don’t go cheap.
Thanks.