HDMI Over CAT6
1080p up to 50m / 164′
This innovative product enables the passing of a full HDMI bitstream over a parallel pair of CAT5E, CAT6/a or CAT7 cables. Simply run two lengths of data cable and terminate at both ends in standard linear ethernet configuration with RJ45 connectors. Connect a fully approved HDMI cable (most recent spec preferred) from source to the HDMI input of the Transmitter (TX) unit, twin CAT cables from TX to Receiver (RX), then another short length approved HDMI cable from RX unit to the sink/display. The results are astonishing, broadly equivalent to our EVO series native HDMI cables up to 10m / 32′.
Use for installations where 1080p is required over longer lengths that cannot be supported by a passive HDMI cable. However where full resolution support is attainable from a passive cable (such as our EVO, EVS or EVX series up to 15m / 49′) the passive cable is still the preferred option. Also handy for conduit installations, where an installed HDMI cable has been damaged or is redundant, or where cable length needs to be variable.
The CAT-HD50 is supplied as a send (TX) and receive (RX) pair, complete with 5V DC power supply which connects to the sink/display side unit. Resolution support up to 30m / 98′ for full 1080p over CAT5E UTP, or up to 60m / 196′ for 720p/1080i. The use of CAT6 UTP can extend performance to a huge 50m / 164′ with full 1080p 24/50/60Hz, depending on source and display capabilities and nativity of 1080p source (ie distance from upscaled sources may vary). CAT7 opens up the capabilities of the internal HDMI chipset, offering support for Deep Color, x.v.Color and HD Audio.
- Plug ’n’ play operation uses standard ethernet RJ45 configuration, STP or UTP cable
- Sender unit does not require external power, receive unit (TV end) requires 5V DC power (included)
- 24ct gold plated HDMI receptacles
- Superior build quality, full metal housing with painted black finish
- Full kit includes sender unit, receiver unit and DC power pack
- 12 months warranty
NOTE: We recommend pre-terminated CAT cables for optimal results
HDMI / CAT6
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the KORDZ® CAT-HD50 compatible with the HDMI 1.3a specification?
A: Yes, the new 6th generation RX/TX system utilizes the very latest HDMI 1.3 chipsets, making it capable of processing full 1080p along with deep color to 36 bit, as well as HD audio. HOWEVER, the complete 1.3 bandwidth may not be able to be passed due to limitations in the CAT5E/CAT6 cable itself. Keep in mind that the max bandwidth of HDMI 1.3 is 50 times greater than the certified bandwidth of dual CAT5E’s, and 20 times greater than the certified bandwidth of dual CAT6’s. If you MUST have the full HDMI 1.3, you’re best to use the not-so-common CAT7 as it provides far greater bandwidth potential, and even then color depth may be restricted to 30 bit.
Q: There are a few HDMI over CAT6 converter options on the market - what makes KORDZ® different?
A: Only the KORDZ® HDN series (including the CAT-HD50) offers the latest 6th generation architecture. Most brands are still on the first or second generation as of Q1 2008. The difference is the HDMI 1.3 processing, interoperability status, and the choice of optional power insertion at either RX or TX end. There’s also a vast expansion option for 1080p HDMI distribution over CAT6 to up to 256 HDTVs with the use of HDN series amplifier/splitters.
Q: I see there are two RJ45 ports - do I have to use both?
A: Yes, two identical lengths of the same specification CAT cable must be used. The sum total of the 8 twisted pairs is required for the full HDMI bitstream. Audio and video are not separate in the cable.
Q: If I run two lengths of CAT5E or CAT6 together, but forget to label them, can any harm be done in connecting the RJ45s the wrong way around?
A: No. The unit will not work but no damage will result if terminals 1 and 2 are crossed.