Lightware CAB-HDMI20-AOC3000H 30m (98.43ft) Premium High Speed HDMI 2.0b Active Optical cable

Product Overview

The Lightware CAB-HDMI20-AOC3000H is a 30-meter (98.43 ft) Premium High Speed HDMI 2.0b Active Optical Cable. It transmits 4K/60Hz at 18 Gbps over a fiber optic core inside a standard HDMI-terminated cable assembly — achieving distances that are physically impossible with copper HDMI while maintaining zero signal degradation, full HDCP 2.2 compliance, and complete EMI immunity. It is the correct cable choice for any fixed installation requiring a 30-meter HDMI run.

Product Description

Active Optical Cables (AOC) use fiber optic transmission internally while presenting standard HDMI Type A connectors at both ends. The cable is externally identical to a standard HDMI cable — plug-and-play, no external power required, no configuration. The fiber core eliminates the bandwidth limitations and signal attenuation that affect copper beyond 10 meters at 4K/60Hz.

The CAB-HDMI20-AOC3000H carries the full HDMI 2.0b feature set: 18 Gbps bandwidth, 4K/60Hz 4:4:4 chroma, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDCP 2.2, eARC, and all audio formats up to Dolby Atmos. The cable is directional — clearly labeled with source and display ends — and draws power from the HDMI port itself. No external PSU, no balun boxes, no CATx infrastructure. Available from Creation Networks.

Key Features

• 30-meter (98.43 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 core eliminates interference susceptibility
• Bus-powered from HDMI port — no external power supply required
• Standard HDMI Type A connectors at both ends — plug-and-play
• Directional — source and display ends clearly labeled
• Supports eARC and all audio formats including Dolby Atmos

Typical Applications

• Large conference rooms and boardrooms with displays far from the AV rack
• Auditorium and theater installations requiring 30m HDMI without signal conditioning equipment
• Broadcast studios running HDMI from cameras or sources to distant monitors
• Retail digital signage installations with centralized media players
• Control rooms where EMI from other equipment makes copper cable problematic
• Any fixed installation where a 30m copper HDMI run would require active extenders

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an active optical cable require external power?

No. The CAB-HDMI20-AOC3000H draws its operating power directly from the HDMI port on the source device. No external power supply, wall adapter, or USB power injection is required.

Can I connect the display end to the source and vice versa?

No. AOC cables are directional — the connector ends are electronically different. The cable is clearly labeled with source (TX) and display (RX) ends. Connecting it in reverse will result in no signal.

Will this cable work with any HDMI source and display?

Yes — provided the source and display both have HDMI 2.0-compatible ports. The cable is plug-and-play and requires no drivers, firmware, or configuration. It is compatible with computers, media players, AV receivers, and professional AV equipment.

How does this compare to using an HDBaseT extender for 30 meters?

An AOC cable requires no additional hardware, no CATx cable runs, no balun boxes, and no power supplies at each end. It is a simpler, cleaner solution for point-to-point 30m runs. HDBaseT extenders add cost and complexity but offer advantages when RS-232 control pass-through or PoE distribution is also required.

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

The cable is suitable for in-conduit installation. For permanent in-wall installation, verify local building code requirements for the cable's fire rating. Lightware offers additional cable variants rated for specific installation environments.

Does it support HDR content?

Yes. HDR10 and Dolby Vision metadata pass through the cable intact. Display HDR output depends on the connected display's HDR capability, not the cable.

What if I need a 20m run instead of 30m?

Lightware offers the CAB-HDMI20-AOC2000H 20-meter variant, also available from Creation Networks. AOC cables cannot be shortened — select the length closest to your required run.