What an HDMI active optical cable is
A standard HDMI cable carries the signal on copper pairs, and quality drops as the run gets longer. An active optical cable puts small converters inside the HDMI plugs: the signal travels as light over fibre, while copper conductors carry the low-speed control lines and power. The Radix 8K fibre optic HDMI cable uses this hybrid fibre and copper construction and draws its power from the HDMI port, so it needs no USB lead or battery.
The cable is light and flexible, and fibre is not affected by electromagnetic or radio frequency interference.
Variants
| Variant | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 10 m to 30 m | Home theatre, offices, meeting rooms |
| 50 m to 150 m | Auditoriums, stadiums, large venues |
| Retractable design | Portable and travel use, with protective caps |
| Custom lengths | Made to the customer's run |
Stated features
- 8K, 4K and 2K at 60 Hz with 4:4:4 colour.
- Works with HDMI 1.4, 2.0 and 2.1 equipment.
- Audio formats including DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD.
- HDCP 2.2, eARC, 21:9 aspect ratio, EDID, DDC and CEC.
- No external power needed.
What to specify in your quote
Most HDMI active optical cables are directional: one plug is marked for the source (player, PC, camera, switcher) and the other for the display. Plan the pull so each end arrives where it should. When you ask for a price, state:
- The run length, including slack at each end.
- Whether the cable goes through conduit, and the conduit size, as the plug must fit through.
- Fixed installation or portable use, and whether you want the retractable version.
- The resolution, refresh rate and audio format your equipment uses.
Use the request a quote form. For venue and production use, see broadcast and live production.
Questions buyers ask
Does an 8K fibre HDMI cable need external power?
No. The hybrid fibre and copper construction takes its power from the HDMI port, so no USB lead or battery is needed.
How long can an 8K HDMI active optical cable be?
Radix offers 10 m to 30 m and 50 m to 150 m variants, plus custom lengths. Give us the measured run and route when you enquire.
Is the cable affected by interference?
The video travels as light over fibre, which is not affected by electromagnetic or radio frequency interference. This helps in venues with lighting rigs, power cables and radio equipment.
Will it work with older HDMI equipment?
It supports HDMI 1.4, 2.0 and 2.1 equipment, so it works with 4K and 2K sources and displays as well as 8K.