GoKawiilEthernet cables can be repurposed to extend HDMI video over long distances
Category cables like Cat5e and Cat6, normally used for networking, can carry HDMI signals when paired with HDMI extenders that place a transmitter on one end and a receiver on the other. This setup lets video travel much farther than a standard HDMI cable allows, without actually using Ethernet networking or a local network connection.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
This offers a low-cost option for people who already have unused category cable wired through their walls or need to connect devices like projectors over long distances. However, alternatives such as active optical HDMI cables may better support high-end formats like 4K at 120Hz, suggesting this method suits niche setups rather than becoming a mainstream solution.
- HDMI extenders paired with category cables can transmit video over longer distances than standard HDMI cables.
- This method does not use actual Ethernet networking, unlike AV over IP systems.
- Active optical HDMI cables may better support higher-end formats like 4K at 120Hz, making this a niche rather than universal solution.
J-Tech Digital HDMI Extender over Cat6 — If you've got spare Ethernet cable runs in your walls, an HDMI extender kit lets you repurpose them to send video to a distant projector or TV without snaking a long HDMI cable. These transmitter/receiver kits are simple to install and perfect for home theater setups where the source and display are far apart.
See J-Tech Digital HDMI Extender over Cat6 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Will Shanklin, 2026-10-03
Published there as: “Ethernet cables can do more than just improve home internet”
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