Is a PC, media player or other HDMI source located in a different room from the display? In that case, a standard HDMI cable is often not the most practical solution. With an HDMI over Ethernet solution, you can transmit video and audio over a much greater distance via a CAT5e or CAT6 cable.
This is useful in meeting rooms, shops, technical rooms, AV racks and other fixed installations where the source and display are not located next to each other. The MegaView 95 Pro is designed for these applications and supports distances of up to 120 metres, video up to 4K30 and remote control via KVM.
What is HDMI over Ethernet?
HDMI over Ethernet is a solution that allows you to transmit an HDMI signal over a greater distance via an Ethernet cable such as CAT5e or CAT6.
Instead of using one long HDMI cable, you use a transmitter at the source, a CAT5e or CAT6 cable between the two points and a receiver near the display. The receiver then sends the signal via HDMI to the connected display.
This allows you to position source equipment centrally while the display is located elsewhere.
How far can you extend HDMI?
The distance over which you can extend HDMI depends on the technology, resolution and cabling used. HDMI over Ethernet allows you to cover significantly greater distances than a standard HDMI cable.
According to the product specifications, the MegaView 95 Pro supports distances of up to 120 metres via CAT5e or CAT6 cabling.
- a PC in a technical rack and a display in a meeting room
- a media player in a cabinet and a display in a shop
- a central video source for multiple displays
- a monitor located away from a PC or CCTV setup
Why use HDMI over Ethernet?
HDMI over Ethernet is particularly useful when a standard HDMI cable becomes impractical. CAT5e and CAT6 cables are suitable for longer runs and can be easily installed in conduits, cable trays and technical rooms.
This gives you more freedom when positioning displays and source equipment. It is especially useful for fixed installations, because you can position equipment centrally and place the display exactly where it is needed.
Control a PC remotely with KVM
Sometimes transmitting only video and audio is not enough. In many situations, you also want to control the connected computer from the location of the display.
The MegaView 95 Pro therefore supports KVM. Connect a keyboard and mouse to the receiver and use them to control the PC at the transmitter. This keeps the computer safely and neatly installed in a rack or technical room while the user works from another location.
Use the same image locally and remotely
Do you also want to connect a display at the source? This is where the HDMI loopthrough is useful.
This connection allows you to show the same image both locally at the transmitter and on the display at the receiver. This is useful for control, monitoring and installations where the same signal needs to be visible at two locations simultaneously.
Send one HDMI source to multiple displays
In addition to one-to-one, the MegaView 95 Pro also supports one-to-many. This means that with additional MV95 RX receivers, you can display the same HDMI source on multiple screens.
This allows you to create an installation in which one central source sends content to multiple displays. This is useful for digital signage, retail, information systems, monitoring and presentations across multiple rooms.
According to the product information, the system supports up to 253 receivers.
When is 4K30 sufficient?
For many applications, 4K at 30 Hz is a practical resolution. Examples include presentations, information displays, monitoring, digital signage and other fixed AV installations.
The MegaView 95 Pro supports video up to 4K30 and also works with lower resolutions such as 1080p, 1080i and 720p.
If you need 4K60, the MegaView 251 Pro is a better match within the same product range. If you are looking for a simpler solution for Full HD up to 70 metres, the MegaView 67 Pro is an alternative.
Which HDMI extender suits which situation?
| Model | Maximum distance | Resolution | KVM | One-to-many | Especially suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MegaView 67 Pro | 70 metres | 1080p | No | No | Full HD installations |
| MegaView 95 Pro | 120 metres | 4K30 | Yes | Yes | Long distances, KVM and multiple displays |
| MegaView 251 Pro | 120 metres | 4K60 | No | No | 4K60 and additional professional features |
Which applications is HDMI over Ethernet suitable for?
HDMI over Ethernet is suitable when the source and display are not located next to each other and you still want to create a fixed AV solution.
- Meeting rooms: position the PC in a cabinet or technical room.
- Retail and digital signage: send content to remote displays.
- CCTV and monitoring: position the recorder or PC centrally and view images elsewhere.
- AV racks and technical rooms: keep source equipment centrally located.
Frequently asked questions about extending HDMI over Ethernet
Conclusion
HDMI over Ethernet is a practical solution when you want to transmit video and audio over a greater distance than is convenient with a standard HDMI cable.
With the MegaView 95 Pro, you can extend HDMI via CAT5e or CAT6 up to 120 metres, control a PC remotely via KVM and expand one source to multiple displays using additional receivers.
View the MegaView 95 Pro or compare the different MegaView models to determine which HDMI extender best suits your installation.
