Lightware CAB-HDMI20-AOC1500H 15m (49.21ft) Premium High Speed HDMI 2.0b Active Optical cable

Product Overview

The Lightware CAB-HDMI20-AOC1500H is a 15-meter (49.21 ft) Active Optical Cable (AOC) carrying HDMI 2.0b signals over fiber-optic technology encased in a flexible, thin cable assembly. It is designed for permanent or semi-permanent AV installations where copper HDMI cables cannot reliably span the required distance, or where cable routing constraints demand a thinner, lighter, and more bend-tolerant cable. The cable is powered from the HDMI host port — no external power supply is required.

Available at Creation Networks.

Product Description

Built to the HDMI 2.0b specification, the CAB-HDMI20-AOC1500H supports 18 Gbps bandwidth, enabling 4K/60Hz 4:4:4, HDR10, and 8-channel audio at full resolution over 15 meters. The optical core eliminates the signal degradation and EMI susceptibility that affect passive copper cables at these lengths. The cable is directional — source and display ends are clearly labeled — and draws its operating power directly from the 5V HDMI supply pin, so no power injector or wall adapter is needed. The outer jacket is thin and flexible, suited for conduit routing, behind-panel dressing, and ceiling/floor void installation where thick copper assemblies are impractical.

Key Features

• HDMI 2.0b specification with 18 Gbps bandwidth
• 4K/60Hz 4:4:4 8-bit, 4K/60Hz 4:2:0 12-bit HDR
• HDR10 and HLG support
• 15m (49.21 ft) optical core — no signal degradation over length
• Powered from HDMI host 5V pin — no external PSU
• Immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI)
• Thin, flexible jacket — suitable for conduit and tight routing paths
• HDCP 2.2 compliant
• Directional design — source and display ends clearly marked
• Standard HDMI Type A connectors at both ends

Typical Applications

• Conference rooms and boardrooms requiring clean HDMI runs from floor boxes or wall plates to ceiling-hung displays
• Broadcast studios routing HDMI between production equipment positions more than 10 meters apart
• Auditoriums and houses of worship where HDMI must run through conduit between stage and projection booths
• Digital signage installations with tight cable routing behind display enclosures or through narrow conduit
• Trade show and event production where lightweight, flexible cable reduces setup time and physical strain
• Medical imaging environments where EMI immunity is required near MRI or other sensitive equipment

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the CAB-HDMI20-AOC1500H require an external power supply?

No. The cable draws operating power from the HDMI source device's 5V supply pin, which is part of the HDMI standard. No USB power adapter or injector is needed in most cases. Some sources with limited 5V output capacity on the HDMI port may require a power injector — check your source device's HDMI 5V output current spec if uncertain.

Is this cable directional?

Yes. Active optical cables are inherently directional. The source-end and display-end connectors are clearly labeled. Installing it in reverse will result in no signal. Always connect the labeled source end to the HDMI output of the source device.

Can this cable carry audio as well as video?

Yes. The CAB-HDMI20-AOC1500H carries the complete HDMI 2.0b signal including up to 8-channel LPCM audio and compressed formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, subject to source and display support.

What is the minimum bend radius?

The minimum bend radius is 25mm. While the cable is more flexible than copper assemblies of equivalent length, sharp kinks or tight corner bends below this radius can damage the optical fibers and cause permanent signal loss.

Is the cable suitable for in-wall or in-conduit installation?

Yes. The thin, flexible jacket is well suited for pulling through conduit or routing behind walls, provided the installation complies with local electrical and fire codes for plenum or riser-rated cabling as applicable. Confirm the specific cable jacket rating meets your jurisdiction's installation requirements.

Will this work with 8K or HDMI 2.1 sources?

The cable is rated to HDMI 2.0b (18 Gbps). It is not rated for HDMI 2.1 or 8K resolutions, which require 48 Gbps bandwidth. For HDMI 2.1 and 8K applications, a separate Ultra High Speed HDMI cable or fiber solution rated to 48 Gbps is required.