AVPro Edge AC-EXO-444-KIT 4K HDMI Extender via Optical Fiber; up to 2 Kilometers using Single Mode Fiber, up to 300 meters using Multimode fiber.

Product Overview

The AVPro Edge AC-EXO-444-KIT is a professional fiber optic HDMI extender kit designed for long-distance 4K signal distribution in commercial AV installations. It transmits a full 18Gbps HDMI 2.0 signal up to 2 kilometers over single mode fiber, or up to 300 meters over multimode fiber, with no perceptible loss in image quality. This makes it the correct choice for campus-wide 4K HDR video distribution, large venue display systems, and data center or control room signal routing where copper-based extenders cannot reach. Integrators working on 18Gbps matrix distribution projects — including systems built around the AC-MX1616-AUHD — will find the AC-EXO-444-KIT a direct and capable extension solution.

Product Description

The AC-EXO-444-KIT uses ICT (Invisible Compression Technology) to achieve lossless 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 transmission over a single fiber strand. Unlike competing fiber extenders that introduce visible banding or color shifting at high bandwidths, this unit preserves Deep Color and HDR metadata in full. The kit ships with a transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx), both supporting built-in 4K and 1080p test pattern generation for rapid field troubleshooting without needing a connected source or display.

The built-in 4K-to-1080p downscaler in the transmitter allows mixed-resolution systems — where some displays are 4K and others are older 1080p panels — to be served from a single extender without adding external scalers. IR and RS-232 control are bidirectional, and the I-PASS port supports direct connection of control system emitter outputs via a mono 3.5mm cable. ARC (Audio Return Channel) is managed either via Toslink from the display into the Rx, or via the HDMI ARC port with extraction at the Tx. The removable 10G SFP+ transceiver allows the unit to extend even further by swapping in a longer-range SFP+ module.

Key Features

• Single Mode Fiber Distance — extends 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 up to 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) on a single fiber strand.
• Multimode Fiber Distance — supports up to 300 meters (1,000 ft) over OM3 multimode fiber.
• 18Gbps HDMI 2.0a/b Support — handles the full bandwidth required for 4K60 4:4:4, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision.
• ICT Lossless Compression — preserves Deep Color and HDR metadata, eliminating banding and color artifacts seen in lower-grade fiber extenders.
• 4K to 1080p Downscaling — built into the transmitter for mixed-resolution display environments.
• Comprehensive EDID Management — 8 preset EDID modes plus EDID copy from any connected display.
• Onboard Test Patterns — 1080p and 4K test patterns on both Tx and Rx for infrastructure verification without a live source.
• ARC Management — supports Toslink or HDMI ARC extraction for integration with distributed audio systems.
• Bidirectional IR and RS-232 — full control signal passthrough in both directions; I-PASS port for control system emitters.
• Removable 10G SFP+ — swap the included SFP+ for a longer-range module to extend beyond 2km if required.
• Toslink Multichannel Audio Extraction — extract PCM 2-ch, LPCM 5.1/7.1, Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD-Master Audio, and Atmos from the fiber link.
• ESD Protection — 7kV ESD protection on all inputs and outputs; 3–20V VPC circuit for safe IR transport.

Typical Applications

• Campus-wide 4K video distribution between buildings where copper runs are impractical
• Large venue and stadium display systems requiring runs exceeding 100 meters
• Data centers and control rooms with centralized 4K source rack and remote displays
• Retail digital signage requiring reliable long-distance 4K HDR signal delivery
• Corporate and government training environments with distributed 4K presentation systems
• Conference centers and event spaces using 18Gbps matrix switchers such as the AC-MX1616-AUHD

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

The AC-EXO-444-KIT competes directly with other professional fiber optic HDMI extenders in the commercial AV market. The comparison below covers the most relevant alternatives integrators evaluate at this bandwidth and price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the AC-EXO-444-KIT require a specific fiber type?

It ships with a 10G SFP+ that supports single mode fiber up to 2 km and OM3 multimode fiber up to 300 m. Both use a single LC connector. Other fiber types may work with a compatible replacement SFP+.

Can the SFP+ be replaced for longer distances?

Yes. The 10G SFP+ module is field-removable. You can install any compatible 10G SFP+ to extend beyond 2 km, depending on the module specification.

Does it work in a 4K matrix system?

Yes. It is designed as a direct extension partner for 18Gbps matrix switchers such as the AVPro Edge AC-MX1616-AUHD. The kit handles the long-haul fiber leg while the matrix manages routing.

What happens when the source is 4K but the display is 1080p?

The built-in downscaler in the transmitter converts the signal to 1080p before transmission. This avoids needing a separate scaler for legacy displays in otherwise 4K systems.

Is HDCP 2.2 supported?

Yes. The unit fully supports HDCP 2.2 as well as all earlier HDCP versions.

How is ARC handled in a distributed audio system?

ARC audio from the display can be routed via Toslink from the Rx back through the fiber link and extracted at the Tx Toslink port. Alternatively, the HDMI ARC port on the display can feed the Rx, with extraction at the Tx.

Is IR control bidirectional?

Yes. IR and RS-232 are fully bidirectional. The I-PASS port on the transmitter accepts a mono 3.5mm cable from a control system emitter output, protected by AVPro's VPC (Voltage Protection Circuit).