This is a plug-and-play HDMI 2.1 active optical cable (AOC). It carries the full uncompressed 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 signal over a hybrid of OM3 fiber and copper, and it draws its power from the HDMI source. It is built for professional AV installs where integrators need EMI immunity, signal integrity and a simple installation, with no wall adapters, repeaters or signal processors on the run.
Applies to: CBL-AOCHDMI8K-30M
What signal does the cable carry?
The cable is HDMI 2.1. Its video bandwidth is 12Gbps x 4 channels, which is 48Gbps in total. The maximum resolutions listed are 8K @ 60Hz, 4K @ 120Hz and 4K @ 144Hz. It is backward compatible with HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 1.4, so the same cable also works with earlier sources and displays.
What do the source and display need for 8K@60Hz?
For 8K@60Hz, the full 48Gbps link has to be available at both ends. Both the source and the display must be HDMI 2.1 devices. If either end is HDMI 2.0 or 1.4, the cable still works, but at what that device supports.
Which HDR formats, audio return and copy protection does it support?
It passes dynamic HDR: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and HLG. It fully supports Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X return audio, so it can serve as the display link in a system with an AV receiver or soundbar. The cable is HDCP 2.2 compliant and handles the full EDID handshake between source and display.
Why use an active optical cable instead of copper?
Inside, a 4-channel 850nm VCSEL array converts the signal to light. The cable body is an OM3 fiber and copper hybrid with a black 4.5mm outside diameter. The fiber construction makes the cable immune to EMI and RFI. That matters when the run shares a pathway with power or sits near other sources of interference. The slim diameter also helps when pulling through conduit and tight spaces.
Does it need an external power supply?
No. The cable is bus-powered from the HDMI source and draws 250mW at most. You don't need to provide a power outlet at either end, and no drivers or configuration are needed.
Does it matter which end goes where?
Yes. The cable is directional: one connector is labeled SOURCE and the other DISPLAY. Plug the SOURCE end into the source device and the DISPLAY end into the display. Fitted in reverse, it will not pass a signal. Both ends are HDMI Type A male connectors. When pulling the cable, keep track of which end is which.
How long is this cable, and where can it be installed?
This version is 30 meters (98 ft.) long. Its operating temperature range is 0 to +50 degrees C. The cable is backed by KanexPro's 3-year warranty.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Resolution | 8K @ 60Hz · 4K @ 120Hz · 4K @ 144Hz |
| Video Bandwidth | 12Gbps x 4 channels = 48Gbps total |
| Standard | HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps) · HDCP 2.2 · Backward compatible HDMI 2.0 / 1.4 |
| HDR Support | HDR10 · HDR10+ · Dolby Vision · HLG |
| eARC | Enhanced Audio Return Channel — full support |
| Connector | HDMI Type A Male (both ends, directional) |
| Power Supply | Bus-powered from HDMI source — no external supply required |
| Power Consumption | 250mW max |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +50 degrees C |
| OE Converter | 4-channel 850nm VCSEL array |
| Cable Type | OM3 fiber + copper hybrid · 4.5mm OD · Black |