You need a picture from one place to a screen somewhere else: a projector in a hall, a TV in a reception area, a display in a boardroom. A normal HDMI cable works reliably only for a few metres, and past about 10–15 metres it starts to drop out. There are four ways to cover the gap: an HDMI balun, an HDBaseT extender, fibre, and AV over IP. This guide explains which one fits your distance, your resolution and your budget.
The short answer
| Your situation | Choose | Example models |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p, up to 50m, tight budget | HDMI balun over one Cat cable | HDEX40-L |
| 4K, up to 35–40m | Balun or entry HDBaseT | 4KEX60-H2, 4KEX70-L |
| 4K at 40m, 1080p at 70m, with IR, RS-232 and power over the cable | HDBaseT | 4KEX70-H2 |
| 4K up to 70–100m | Long-reach HDBaseT | 4KEX100-H2, 4KEX100-L |
| 4K over 100m, or across buildings | Fibre | 4KEX300-F |
| Many sources to many screens, video walls, room-to-room switching | AV over IP | HDIP100E, 4KIP200E |
| No cable can be run at all | Wireless HDMI | HDW100 |
Distances in this guide are the ratings published for each model. Every one of them assumes good solid-copper cable installed straight from the transmitter to the receiver.
1. HDMI balun: the budget option for shorter runs
A balun is a matched transmitter and receiver joined by one Cat cable. There is no network and nothing to set up: plug in the source, run the cable, plug in the screen. HDEX40-L carries 1080p up to 50m on Cat6a or Cat7. 4KEX60-H2 carries 4K up to 35m and 1080p up to 50m. Choose a balun when the distance is modest and you only need the picture and sound.
2. HDBaseT: the standard for 40–100m
HDBaseT is the format most installers use in conference rooms, classrooms and auditoriums. One Cat cable carries video, audio, IR remote control, RS-232 control and, on most models, power to the far end. You don't need a power socket behind the TV.
- 4KEX70-H2: 4K up to 40m, 1080p up to 70m, with HDR10, two-way IR, PoE and RS-232.
- 4KEX70-L: the economical HDBaseT kit, rated 4K up to 40m and 1080p up to 70m.
- 4KEX100-H2: 4K up to 70m and 1080p up to 100m.
- 4KEX100-L: 4K up to 100m on Cat6a or Cat7, and 70m on Cat5e or Cat6.
Read the 4K figure, not only the headline number. Many kits reach their maximum distance only at 1080p.
3. Fibre: when copper can't reach
Past about 100m, or between buildings where electrical interference and lightning are risks, use fibre. 4KEX300-F carries 4K60 4:4:4 up to 300m over duplex OM3 multimode fibre with LC connectors. Fibre is also immune to the interference found next to power cables and motors, so it suits factories and stadiums.
4. AV over IP: when you need a system, not a cable
AV over IP turns every source into an encoder and every screen into a decoder, all connected to a Gigabit network switch. Any source can then go to any screen, one source can go to many screens, and decoders can tile into a video wall. Each cable run is limited to the usual 100m of Ethernet, but adding switches extends the system across a building.
- HDIP100E with HDIP100D: 1080p, up to 50 decoders per encoder, video walls up to 8×8, controlled from the VDirector app.
- 4KIP200E with 4KIP200D: 4K30 with the same video wall and app control.
Choose AV over IP for sports bars, campuses, control rooms and retail chains, and anywhere sources and screens are likely to change.
Which cable should you run?
- Use solid-copper Cat6 or better, and Cat6a or Cat7 for the longest 4K runs. Avoid CCA (copper-clad aluminium) cable: it is the most common cause of a blank screen.
- Terminate both ends to the same standard, T568B is normal, and test the run before mounting the display.
- For HDBaseT, run one continuous cable. Patch panels, couplers and wall jacks all cut the distance.
- Keep data cable away from mains power runs, and use shielded cable near motors, lifts and lighting dimmers.
Our cable guide explains in detail how each cable type affects these distances.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my existing office network cable?
For AV over IP, yes, as long as it is a Gigabit network. For a balun or HDBaseT extender, no. They need a dedicated point-to-point cable that does not pass through a switch.
Will there be lag?
Baluns, HDBaseT and fibre add no lag you would notice. AV over IP adds a small delay that is fine for signage and presentations. For gaming or live-camera work, use a zero-latency extender.
Do I need power at both ends?
Most HDBaseT kits listed here send power over the cable (PoE or PoC), so one adapter powers both units. Check the "power" line in each product's specifications.
Still unsure? Browse all HDMI extenders or AV over IP systems, or contact us with your distance and resolution and we'll recommend a kit. Every order ships from Bengaluru with a GST invoice.