HDMI over ethernet extender

Everything you need to know about an HDMI over Ethernet extender

Do you want to watch TV in your bedroom, attic, or basement but don’t have a separate TV connection? Or do you work in a professional environment, like an office or store, and want to display HDMI signals in multiple locations simultaneously? Then you are likely looking for a way to transfer HDMI from one point to another.

Typically, HDMI transmission is done with an HDMI cable. But did you know that an Ethernet/internet cable is also highly suitable for this purpose? It even offers some advantages over an HDMI cable. Using an Ethernet cable is an interesting alternative and is often used in professional installations. This technology is commonly employed for sending presentations, security footage, or medical information to multiple screens at the same time, without loss of quality and over long distances.

What Is an Ethernet cable?

An Ethernet cable, also known as a UTP, internet, or network cable, connects a modem (router) to a computer, TV, or gaming console. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to the same type of cable.

Different types of Ethernet cables

There are different types of Ethernet cables: CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6a, and CAT7. The higher the number, the faster data is transmitted over the cable. Currently, CAT6 is the most common Ethernet cable, suitable for setting up your home network. All our products are compatible with CAT5e cables or higher. Just be sure to check how far you actually want to extend the cable in advance.

RJ45 connector

An Ethernet cable uses an RJ45 connector. For HDMI transmission over Ethernet, you use an Ethernet cable with an RJ45 connector to connect an HDMI transmitter and an HDMI receiver.

How does an HDMI over ethernet extender work?

The set always includes an HDMI transmitter (sender) and an HDMI receiver. The HDMI transmitter is connected to your TV decoder (or another HDMI source) with an HDMI cable. The HDMI receiver is connected to your (second) TV with an HDMI cable. Then, you connect the HDMI transmitter and HDMI receiver using an Ethernet cable. This way, you can easily extend the HDMI signal from your TV decoder over an Ethernet cable to, for example, the bedroom. In the bedroom, you won’t need a separate TV connection anymore.

With our products, you can extend HDMI signals up to 120 meters.

What to consider when buying an HDMI over Ethernet extender

There are several features to keep in mind when choosing the right HDMI over Ethernet extender for your needs:

1. Resolution to be transmitted
2. Range
3. Video bandwidth
4. IR return function
5. Adding to an existing LAN/computer network
6. Built-in splitter
7. Multiple receivers

Resolution to be transmitted

Our Ethernet extenders support standard 1080p. If you want 4K, choose an HDMI over UTP extender, like the MegaView 251 Pro.

Range

Our HDMI over Ethernet extenders can extend HDMI signals up to a maximum of 120 meters. The distance also depends on the video resolution being transmitted and the type of Ethernet cable used. A CAT6 cable extends an HDMI signal farther than a CAT5e cable.

Video bandwidth

Ensure that the data speed of the MegaView product matches your needs. The larger the video bandwidth, the more data is transmitted within a certain time. The video bandwidth transmitted by the MegaView 90/91 is 6.75 Gbps. For instance, if you want to transmit 4K & HDR, you will need 18 Gbps.

Remote device control

If you have connected the HDMI transmitter to a TV decoder in your living room and the HDMI receiver in your bedroom, you wouldn’t want to go downstairs to change the channel. An infrared (IR) return function in the HDMI receiver solves this issue. It sends the remote control signal back to the TV decoder, allowing you to control the TV decoder remotely. Tip: Get a universal or extra remote for your TV decoder, so you don’t have to carry the remote up and down.

It’s almost always advisable to choose an HDMI over Ethernet extender with an IR return function.

Built-in splitter

On many HDMI extenders, you connect one HDMI source to the HDMI transmitter, and the signal is sent to a TV in another location. If you also want to watch TV on the set near the HDMI transmitter, you would have to switch cables. Choose an HDMI extender with a built-in splitter if you don’t want to do this. With this feature, you can watch the same movie or series on two locations simultaneously, without switching cables.

Connecting multiple receivers (TVs)

Do you want to connect more than one TV in your home to a single TV decoder? This is possible with both the MegaView 90 and MegaView 91. With these products, you can connect multiple HDMI receivers to a single HDMI transmitter and receive a signal from one HDMI source on several screens.

For each additional screen, you will need an extra HDMI receiver. These are sold separately, so you don’t need to buy an entirely new set. You can connect multiple HDMI receivers to one HDMI transmitter. However, keep in mind that all screens will show the same content. It is not possible to watch different programs, movies, or series on different screens simultaneously.

Adding to an existing LAN/computer network

If you want to extend an HDMI signal over an Ethernet cable, often no other signals can be present on the cable, meaning it shouldn’t be connected to your router. With the MegaView 90 and MegaView 91, this issue is avoided. These products can be used in combination with your existing home network (LAN), including routers and switches. This gives you great flexibility in connecting TVs in any room, office, or other space where there is an Ethernet outlet. If you want to connect multiple TVs, you will need an extra receiver.

The MegaView 91 is our most versatile MegaView product and is therefore very popular with our customers.