Lightware CAB-HDMI20-AOC5000H 50m (164.04ft) Premium High Speed HDMI 2.0b Active Optical cable

Product Overview

The Lightware CAB-HDMI20-AOC5000H is a 50-meter (164 ft) HDMI 2.0b Active Optical Cable (AOC) that delivers uncompressed 4K@60Hz video with HDR support across distances far beyond the reach of passive copper cables. Built on optical fiber with integrated active electronics at each end, this cable carries HDMI 2.0b signals — including 18Gbps bandwidth, HDCP 2.2, CEC, and ARC — without repeaters, signal boosters, or external power. Available from Creation Networks.

Product Description

Active optical cables solve the fundamental limitation of copper HDMI: passive copper cables degrade above 10–15 meters at 4K@60Hz (18Gbps), requiring signal extenders with their own power supplies, latency, and compatibility considerations. The CAB-HDMI20-AOC5000H eliminates all of that. Optical fiber carries the signal with no degradation over 50 meters, and the active electronics at each end handle signal conversion transparently — the connected devices see a standard HDMI 2.0b connection. The cable is directional (TX and RX ends are labeled) and USB-powered from the source-side HDMI port — no external power adapter is needed in most installations. This makes it the correct choice for fixed AV installations where a clean, single-cable HDMI 2.0b run is required between a source and a display, projector, or AV switcher input.

Key Features

• HDMI 2.0b compliant — 18Gbps bandwidth, 4K@60Hz (4:4:4), HDR10, Dolby Vision
• 50-meter (164.04 ft) reach with no signal degradation
• No external power supply required — USB-powered from source HDMI port
• Supports HDCP 2.2 for protected content
• CEC and ARC pass-through
• Thin, flexible fiber construction — easier to route through conduit than active copper extenders
• Directional design: TX and RX ends clearly labeled
• Compatible with any HDMI 2.0 or 2.0b source and display
• No drivers, configuration, or management software required

Typical Applications

• Conference room AV — connecting a wall plate or switcher to a ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted display across a 50-meter cable run
• Auditorium and lecture hall projection systems requiring long HDMI runs from the presenter podium to the projector
• Digital signage installations where displays are located far from the media player
• Broadcast and production — carrying HDMI monitoring feeds from control surfaces to remote confidence monitors
• Home theater and screening rooms with long source-to-display cable runs
• Any fixed installation where an HDMI 2.0b extender with external PSU is undesirable

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this cable require an external power supply?

No. The CAB-HDMI20-AOC5000H is powered via USB from the HDMI source port. Most computers, media players, and AV equipment with a USB port nearby can power the cable. If the source device does not have a USB port, a standard 5V USB power adapter can be used.

Is this cable compatible with HDMI 1.4 sources and displays?

Yes. The cable is backward-compatible with HDMI 1.4 devices, though resolution and feature support will be limited to what the connected devices support. For 4K@60Hz and HDR, both the source and display must be HDMI 2.0b capable.

Can this cable be used in a conduit or ceiling plenum?

The thin optical fiber construction is easier to pull through conduit than bulky copper HDMI extender cables. However, verify the cable's fire rating requirements for your specific installation environment. Contact Creation Networks for plenum-rated cable options if required.

Which end connects to the source, and which to the display?

The cable is directional. The TX (transmit) end connects to the HDMI source (PC, media player, switcher output), and the RX (receive) end connects to the display or projector. The ends are labeled on the cable.

What is the maximum resolution supported?

The cable supports 4K@60Hz at 4:4:4 chroma sampling — the full 18Gbps HDMI 2.0b specification. It also supports 4K@120Hz at 4:2:0 and 1080p@240Hz.

Is this cable suitable for running through walls in a permanent installation?

Yes. AOC cables are a standard choice for in-wall permanent installations due to their thin profile and immunity to electromagnetic interference. Confirm the appropriate fire rating for your jurisdiction before in-wall installation.