Lightware CAB-HDMI20-AOC2000H 20m (65.62ft) Premium High Speed HDMI 2.0b Active Optical cable

Product Overview

The Lightware CAB-HDMI20-AOC2000H is a 20-meter (65.62 ft) Premium High Speed HDMI 2.0b Active Optical Cable. Using fiber optic transmission internally while presenting standard HDMI Type A connectors at both ends, it delivers 4K/60Hz at 18 Gbps over distances that exceed the reliable range of passive copper HDMI cable — with complete EMI immunity and no external power supply required. It is the direct-run solution for 20-meter HDMI installations without the cost or complexity of HDBaseT extender hardware.

Product Description

Active Optical Cables eliminate the bandwidth limitations of copper at extended distances. At 20 meters, standard passive 28 AWG copper HDMI cables are at or beyond their practical limit for 4K/60Hz — resulting in signal dropouts, handshake failures, and image artifacts. The AOC2000H removes these failure modes entirely by transmitting the HDMI signal optically, then reconverting it to electrical at the display connector.

The full HDMI 2.0b feature set is preserved: 18 Gbps bandwidth, 4K/60Hz 4:4:4, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDCP 2.2, eARC, and all audio formats including Dolby Atmos. The cable is bus-powered from the HDMI source port — no adaptors, no injectors. Clearly labeled directional connectors ensure correct installation. Available from Creation Networks.

Key Features

• 20-meter (65.62 ft) HDMI 2.0b active optical cable
• 18 Gbps bandwidth — 4K/60Hz 4:4:4, HDR10, Dolby Vision
• HDCP 2.2 compliant
• EMI immune — fiber optic core with no copper signal conductors
• Bus-powered from HDMI port — no external power supply
• Standard HDMI Type A connectors at both ends — plug-and-play
• Directional cable — source and display ends clearly labeled
• Supports eARC and all audio formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

Typical Applications

• Medium-sized conference rooms with displays at distance from the AV rack
• Boardrooms running HDMI from a wall plate or lectern to a ceiling-mounted projector
• Broadcast and production facilities connecting sources to monitoring positions
• Retail environments with media players centrally located, displays at distance
• Any installation where passive copper HDMI has reached its distance limit at 4K

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use an AOC instead of a long passive copper HDMI cable at 20 meters?

Standard passive HDMI cables at 20 meters struggle with 4K/60Hz at 18 Gbps, resulting in intermittent handshake failures, signal dropouts, or reduced chroma. AOC cables have no such distance limitation at 4K — the fiber core transmits the full 18 Gbps signal identically over 20 meters as it does over 2 meters.

Does the AOC2000H need an external power supply?

No. The active optical electronics draw operating power from the HDMI port on the source device via the standard +5V HDMI power pin. No external adapter, USB power injector, or wall supply is needed.

Is the cable directional?

Yes. The source end and display end connectors are electronically different. The cable is clearly labeled — connecting it in reverse will result in no signal. Ensure the labeled source end connects to the HDMI output on your source device.

Can I use this cable with an AV receiver or audio processor in the signal chain?

Yes, provided the AV receiver or processor has HDMI 2.0 ports with sufficient power output to drive the AOC's source-end electronics. Most modern AV receivers with HDMI 2.0 ports are compatible.

Does it pass through CEC commands?

Yes. CEC data is transmitted through the cable alongside the HDMI signal, enabling device control features such as auto-standby and input switching between source and display.

What if I need a 30m run?

Lightware offers the CAB-HDMI20-AOC3000H 30-meter variant, also available from Creation Networks. Select the cable length closest to your actual installation run — AOC cables cannot be extended or shortened.

Is the cable suitable for conduit installation?

Yes, for conduit installation. For permanent in-wall installation without conduit, verify the cable's fire rating meets local building code requirements before installation.