RGB Spectrum CAT-Linx 3 RX – 4K HDMI CATx Extender Receiver

Product Overview

The RGB Spectrum CAT-Linx 3 RX is the receiver half of a single-channel 4K HDMI extender pair that carries video over standard CATx structured cabling. It is specified where an HDMI display sits further from the rest of the system than a copper HDMI cable can reliably reach, such as a conference room display at the far wall or a control room operator display. RGB Spectrum publishes 3840x2160 support to 100 m over Cat 6a or Cat 7 cable, with HDCP 2.2 handling for protected sources. The unit must be deployed with its matching transmitter as a pair, and Power-over-CATx lets one end of the link feed the other.

Product Description

CATx signal extension is the practical answer when an HDMI run exceeds what passive copper will carry at 4K. The CAT-Linx 3 RX takes the CATx link from the transmitter and reproduces the HDMI signal at the display, with published distances of 100 m at 3840x2160 and 140 m at 1080P over Cat 6a or Cat 7. Because RGB Spectrum publishes a single shared specification table for both directions of this extender, the same figures apply at each end of the link. HDCP 2.2 handling means protected sources such as media players and laptops pass without handshake failures, and embedded HDMI audio travels with the video. Control reaches connected equipment over RS-232 and over IR, with IR emitter and receiver leads included. Power is 12V 1.5A DC or Power-over-CATx, so a single local supply can feed both ends where the far end has no convenient outlet. The chassis is 7.75 by 3.75 by 0.7 inches and weighs 1.0 lbs, which suits mounting behind a display or under a table.

This part is the receiver only and is sold as a pair with the RGB Spectrum CAT-Linx 3 TX. Fixed installations normally add the 920 12033 table or wall mount bracket to secure the unit, and the 860 11989 replacement power supply is the spare to stock for the endpoint. Where a project requires Trade Agreements Act sourcing, specify the CAT-Linx 3 RX-T TAA version instead.

Key Features

• 4K over structured cabling — Published support for 4096x2160 and 3840x2160 at 60Hz lets a single CATx run replace a long, unreliable copper HDMI cable.
• 100 m at 4K — RGB Spectrum publishes 3840x2160 to 100 m and 1080P to 140 m over Cat 6a or Cat 7, which covers most single-building runs.
• HDCP 2.2 handling — Protected sources pass through the link without the handshake failures that plague unmanaged long HDMI runs.
• Power-over-CATx — One end of the pair can power the other, so a display location without a spare outlet still works.
• Embedded audio support — Stereo, LPCM 5.1 and LPCM 7.1 plus Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio travel with the video signal.
• RS-232 and IR control — Serial control and IR pass-through, with emitter and receiver leads included, let a control system reach equipment at the far end.
• Compact enclosure — At 7.75 x 3.75 x 0.7 inches and 1.0 lbs the unit mounts behind a display, under a table or on a bracket.
• Commercial environmental rating — Published 0 to 45 °C operation and 10% to 90% non-condensing humidity suit conditioned commercial spaces.

Typical Applications

• Conference room — A table feed reaches a wall-mounted display over one structured cable instead of a long HDMI run.
• Boardroom — Credenza-mounted equipment drives a far-wall display at 4K without visible cable trays.
• Training room — Instructor positions and rear-of-room displays connect over the same CATx infrastructure as the data network.
• Auditorium — Projection and display positions well away from the rack are reached within the published 100 m distance at 4K.
• Multi-purpose room — Divisible spaces run extenders to each display so any partition configuration keeps a signal path.
• Control room — Operator displays are fed from a head-end rack without placing source hardware at the desk.

Technical Specifications

RGB Spectrum publishes one shared specification table for the CAT-Linx 3 TX and RX; the values below are published by RGB Spectrum for that product line and apply to both directions of the pair. This part number is the receiver.

Specifications published by RGB Spectrum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy both a transmitter and a receiver?
Yes. This is a point-to-point extender and the receiver operates only with a matching transmitter. Order it with the RGB Spectrum CAT-Linx 3 TX.

How far will the link run at 4K?
RGB Spectrum publishes 3840x2160 to 100 m (330 ft) and 1080P to 140 m (460 ft) over Cat 6a or Cat 7, and 3840x2160 to 70 m (230 ft) with 1080P to 100 m (330 ft) over Cat 5e or Cat 6.

What cable should be installed?
The published transport type is CAT 5e/6/6a/7 at 100 ohms. Use Cat 6a or Cat 7 where the run approaches 100 m at 4K, and keep the extender link on its own dedicated cable.

Does it pass protected content?
The published input signal type is HDMI 1.4 with HDCP 2.2, so commercial media players and laptops that assert protection pass through the link.

How is the unit powered?
The published power supply is 12V 1.5A DC or Power-over-CATx. The 860 11989 replacement power supply is the spare to hold for this endpoint family.

Can a control system reach devices at the far end?
Yes. The published control method is RS-232, and external device control is available via IR with emitter and receiver leads included as well as RS-232.

How should the unit be mounted in a finished room?
The 920 12033 table or wall mount bracket secures a single endpoint to a table or wall, which is preferable to leaving the unit loose behind a display.

What warranty and support apply?
The RGB Spectrum manufacturer warranty applies to this part number, and Creation Networks supports specification and procurement for the deployment. Contact us for the current warranty documentation supplied with the order.