UHD18-EX115-K Overview and Use Cases

What Is the UHD18-EX115-K?

The OREI UHD18-EX115-K is an 18Gbps 1x8 HDMI splitter extender over CAT6 / CAT6a / CAT7 cable. It distributes one HDMI source signal to up to eight remote HDMI displays, with an additional HDMI loop out on the Transmitter for a local display.

The kit includes one 18Gbps 1x8 HDMI splitter Transmitter and eight CAT Receivers. The HDMI source connects to HDMI IN on the Transmitter, each Receiver connects to a display, and CAT6 / CAT6a / CAT7 cables connect the Transmitter CAT outputs to the Receivers.

The UHD18-EX115-K supports HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 / 1.x, with a video bandwidth of 18Gbps. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4, HDR, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDMI loop out, eight CAT outputs, one-way IR control, digital and analog audio de-embedded output, advanced EDID management, ASCII command control through the SERVICE port, and one-way PoC from the Transmitter to the Receivers. It extends 4K@60Hz up to 35m, 4K@30Hz up to 50m, and 1080p@60Hz up to 60m over a single CAT6 / CAT6a / CAT7 cable. 

The UHD18-EX115-K is useful for restaurants, bars, retail displays, classrooms, churches, conference rooms, digital signage, commercial AV installations, and any setup where one HDMI source needs to be shown on up to eight displays.

IMPORTANT — UHD18-EX115-K Is a 1x8 HDMI Splitter Extender

The UHD18-EX115-K sends one HDMI source to up to eight remote displays.

This product duplicates the same HDMI source to multiple displays. It does not create separate independent video outputs or extended desktop screens.

IMPORTANT — Supports 4K@60Hz 4:4:4

The UHD18-EX115-K supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4.

Supported video features include:

To get 4K@60Hz 4:4:4, the HDMI source, display, HDMI cables, CAT cable, and EDID setting must support the required signal.

IMPORTANT — Maximum Distance Depends on Resolution

The UHD18-EX115-K supports different extension distances depending on resolution.

For best performance, use high-quality CAT6 / CAT6a / CAT7 cable.

Poor cable quality, damaged connectors, patch panels, couplers, or poor terminations may reduce distance or cause signal instability.

IMPORTANT — Use Direct CAT Cable Connections

Each CAT Receiver should be connected directly to the Transmitter using CAT6 / CAT6a / CAT7 cable.

Do not connect the CAT outputs through:

• Network switch 
• Router 
• Internet network 
• LAN switch 
• Standard Ethernet network 
• Home or office data network 

This product is not an AV-over-IP system. The CAT cable is used as a direct HDMI extension path from the Transmitter to each CAT Receiver.

IMPORTANT — One-Way PoC Is Supported

The UHD18-EX115-K supports one-way PoC from the Transmitter to the Receivers.

This means the Transmitter can power the CAT Receivers through the CAT cable.

The package includes one 12V/2.5A DC locking power adapter.

If a Receiver does not power on, check the Transmitter power, CAT cable, cable termination, and CAT output connection.

IMPORTANT — HDMI Loop Out Is on the Transmitter

The Transmitter includes HDMI LOOP OUT.

This HDMI loop output can be used to connect a local display near the HDMI source.

Example setup:

The local display and all remote displays show the same HDMI source.

IMPORTANT — Audio De-Embedding Is Supported

The UHD18-EX115-K supports digital and analog audio de-embedded output on the Transmitter.

Audio output ports include:

Use the audio outputs to send sound to an amplifier, powered speakers, audio receiver, or external audio system.

If analog audio does not work, set the HDMI source audio output to PCM / Stereo.

IMPORTANT — One-Way IR Control Is Supported

The UHD18-EX115-K supports one-way IR control from the Receiver side to the Transmitter side.

Typical source-control setup:

• Connect the IR Blaster cable to IR OUT on the Transmitter 
• Place the IR Blaster near the HDMI source device’s IR window 
• Connect IR Receiver cables to IR IN on the CAT Receivers 
• Place each IR Receiver near the remote display where the source remote can point 

Use the source device remote, not the TV remote, to control the HDMI source.

IMPORTANT — Advanced EDID Management Is Included

The UHD18-EX115-K includes a 5-pin EDID dial switch and ASCII command EDID control.

EDID options include:

Use EDID management when there is no video, wrong resolution, audio compatibility issue, or mixed display capability.

IMPORTANT — ASCII Command Control Is Supported

The UHD18-EX115-K supports ASCII command control through the SERVICE port.

Default serial settings:

ASCII commands can control or check:

• Power 
• Reboot 
• Factory reset 
• Firmware version 
• Input connection status 
• HDMI loop output status 
• CAT output status 
• HDMI loop stream on / off 
• CAT output stream on / off 
• CAT output distance mode 
• HDCP setting 
• Audio mute / unmute 
• EDID settings 

This is useful for professional AV control and troubleshooting.

IMPORTANT — CAT Output Distance Mode Is Supported

The ASCII command list includes CAT output distance modes.

Use these settings only when needed for installation tuning or troubleshooting through command control.

IMPORTANT — HDMI Audio Format Support

The UHD18-EX115-K supports HDMI audio pass-through up to 7.1CH HD audio.

Supported HDMI audio formats include:

• LPCM 
• Dolby Digital / Plus / EX 
• Dolby TrueHD 
• DTS 
• DTS-EX 
• DTS-96/24 
• DTS High Res 
• DTS-HD Master Audio 
• DSD 

The connected source, displays, AVR, or audio system must also support the selected audio format.

Ports and Panel Layout

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Connect the HDMI source device to HDMI IN on the Transmitter. 
   Examples include a Blu-ray player, DVD player, cable box, media player, streaming device, DVR, NVR, or computer. 
2. Connect a local display to HDMI LOOP OUT on the Transmitter if needed. 
3. Connect CAT OUTPUT 1 on the Transmitter to CAT IN on Receiver 1 using CAT6 / CAT6a / CAT7 cable. 
4. Repeat for CAT OUTPUT 2 through CAT OUTPUT 8 if using more remote displays. 
5. Connect each Receiver HDMI OUT to its display. 
6. Connect the included DC 12V/2.5A locking power adapter to the Transmitter. 
7. If using audio de-embedding, connect COAX or L/R AUDIO OUT to an amplifier, powered speakers, or audio system. 
8. If using IR control, connect the IR Blaster cable to IR OUT on the Transmitter. 
9. Place the IR Blaster near the HDMI source device’s IR window. 
10. Connect IR Receiver cables to IR IN on the Receivers. 
11. Place each IR Receiver near the display where the source remote can point. 
12. Set the EDID dial switch based on the required resolution and audio format. 
13. Power on the Transmitter, HDMI source, displays, and connected audio equipment. 
14. Check the POWER, IN, LOOP, OUT, link, and data signal indicators. 
15. Test video, audio, HDMI loop out, IR control, and each CAT output. 

CAT Cable Requirement — Critical

Use high-quality CAT6 / CAT6a / CAT7 cable.

Poor CAT cable may cause:

• No video 
• Flickering 
• Black screen 
• Receiver not powering on 
• Link indicator not lighting 
• Data signal indicator not lighting 
• 4K@60Hz not working 
• Audio dropouts 
• IR control issues 
• Signal loss at longer distances 

Use direct cable runs whenever possible.

HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical

Use HDMI cables rated for 18Gbps when using 4K@60Hz 4:4:4.

Poor HDMI cables may cause:

• No picture 
• Flickering 
• Black screen 
• HDR issues 
• Audio dropouts 
• HDCP handshake issues 
• No signal on HDMI loop out 
• No signal on CAT outputs 

For troubleshooting, test the HDMI source directly with the display before using the splitter extender.

Power Requirement — Critical

The UHD18-EX115-K uses one DC 12V/2.5A locking power adapter connected to the Transmitter.

If a Receiver does not power on, check the Transmitter power, CAT cable, and CAT link.

Understanding the Transmitter

The Transmitter is installed near the HDMI source.

It has:

• HDMI IN 
• HDMI LOOP OUT 
• Eight CAT outputs 
• COAX audio output 
• L/R analog audio output 
• IR OUT 
• EDID dial switch 
• SERVICE port 
• DC 12V power input 
• POWER switch 
• POWER, IN, LOOP, and OUT LEDs 

The Transmitter splits the HDMI source and sends it to the local HDMI loop display and up to eight CAT Receivers.

Understanding the CAT Receiver

Each CAT Receiver is installed near a remote HDMI display.

Each Receiver has:

• CAT IN 
• HDMI OUT 
• IR IN 
• SERVICE port 
• Optional DC 12V input 
• Power indicator 
• Data signal indicator 

The Receiver receives HDMI over CAT cable and outputs it to the connected display.

Understanding HDMI Loop Out

The HDMI LOOP OUT port on the Transmitter lets you connect a local display near the source.

The local display and all remote CAT displays show the same HDMI source.

This is useful for AV racks, control rooms, classrooms, sports bars, restaurants, and commercial installations where a source-side display is needed.

Understanding Audio De-Embedding

Audio de-embedding allows the Transmitter to output audio separately from the HDMI signal.

If audio does not work from the L/R output, set the HDMI source to PCM / Stereo.

Understanding IR Control

IR control allows users at the Receiver/display side to control the HDMI source connected near the Transmitter.

Typical setup:

Do not swap IR Receiver and IR Blaster cables because their pin definitions are different.

Understanding EDID Management

EDID tells the HDMI source what video and audio format to output.

Use EDID when:

• There is no video 
• Displays show the wrong resolution 
• Audio does not work 
• 4K@60Hz does not display correctly 
• Different displays support different formats 
• Dolby / DTS audio does not pass correctly 

The EDID dial switch can select a preset, copy EDID from the loop output, copy EDID from CAT outputs, or place the unit into PC control mode.

Understanding Signal Indicators

Use these indicators to troubleshoot CAT cable, Receiver power, and signal problems.

Supported Video and Audio

The UHD18-EX115-K supports video formats including:

Supported HDMI audio formats include:

Supported de-embedded audio:

Supported Technical Specifications

What Source Devices Is the UHD18-EX115-K Compatible With?

The UHD18-EX115-K is compatible with HDMI source devices such as:

• Blu-ray players 
• DVD players 
• Cable boxes 
• Satellite receivers 
• Streaming devices 
• Media players 
• Desktop PCs 
• Laptops with HDMI output 
• Game consoles 
• DVRs 
• NVRs 
• HDMI matrix outputs 
• HDMI switch outputs 
• AV receivers with HDMI output 

The source must output a supported HDMI resolution up to 4K@60Hz.

What Displays Is the UHD18-EX115-K Compatible With?

The UHD18-EX115-K can connect to HDMI displays such as:

• 4K TVs 
• 1080p TVs 
• Projectors 
• Monitors 
• Commercial displays 
• Digital signage screens 
• Classroom displays 
• Conference room displays 
• Church displays 
• Restaurant TVs 
• Bar displays 
• Retail displays 
• Local display near the source 

For 4K@60Hz, the display must support 4K@60Hz input.

What Audio Devices Is the UHD18-EX115-K Compatible With?

The audio outputs can connect to:

• Amplifiers 
• AV receivers 
• Powered speakers 
• Audio processors 
• Distributed audio systems 
• Classroom audio systems 
• Conference room audio systems 

Use COAX output for digital audio and L/R output for analog stereo audio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI UHD18-EX115-K used for? 
A: The UHD18-EX115-K is used to split and extend one HDMI source to up to eight remote HDMI displays over CAT6 / CAT6a / CAT7 cable.

Q: Is the UHD18-EX115-K a splitter or extender? 
A: It is both. It is a 1x8 HDMI splitter extender over CAT cable.

Q: How many HDMI inputs does it have? 
A: It has one HDMI input.

Q: How many CAT outputs does it have? 
A: It has eight CAT outputs.

Q: How many Receivers are included? 
A: Eight CAT Receivers are included.

Q: Does it support a local display? 
A: Yes. The Transmitter has HDMI LOOP OUT for a local display.

Q: Does the UHD18-EX115-K support 4K@60Hz? 
A: Yes. It supports up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4.

Q: Does it support 8K? 
A: No. It supports up to 4K@60Hz.

Q: Does it support 4K@120Hz? 
A: No. It does not support 4K@120Hz.

Q: What HDMI version does it support? 
A: It supports HDMI 2.0.

Q: What HDCP version does it support? 
A: It supports HDCP 2.2 and HDCP 1.x.

Q: What video bandwidth does it support? 
A: It supports 18Gbps video bandwidth.

Q: Does it support HDR? 
A: Yes. It supports HDR, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision.

Q: How far can it extend 4K@60Hz? 
A: It extends 4K@60Hz up to 35m / 115ft over CAT6 / CAT6a / CAT7 cable.

Q: How far can it extend 4K@30Hz? 
A: It extends 4K@30Hz up to 50m / 164ft.

Q: How far can it extend 1080p@60Hz? 
A: It extends 1080p@60Hz up to 60m / 197ft.

Q: Can I connect the CAT outputs through a network switch? 
A: No. The CAT outputs should connect directly to the included Receivers.

Q: Is this AV over IP? 
A: No. This is a direct CAT splitter extender, not an AV-over-IP system.

Q: Does it support PoC? 
A: Yes. It supports one-way PoC from the Transmitter to the Receivers.

Q: Do the Receivers need separate power adapters? 
A: Normally no. The Receivers can be powered by the Transmitter through the CAT cable.

Q: What power adapter is included? 
A: The package includes one 12V/2.5A DC locking power adapter.

Q: Does it support audio extraction? 
A: Yes. It supports coaxial and analog L/R audio de-embedded output.

Q: What audio formats are supported through HDMI? 
A: It supports LPCM, Dolby Digital / Plus / EX, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-EX, DTS-96/24, DTS High Res, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DSD.

Q: What audio formats are supported from the coaxial output? 
A: Coaxial output supports LPCM 2.0, LPCM 5.1, and Dolby Digital 2CH / 5.1CH.

Q: What audio format is supported from analog L/R output? 
A: Analog L/R output supports PCM 2.0.

Q: Does it support IR control? 
A: Yes. It supports one-way IR control from the Receiver side to the Transmitter side.

Q: Which IR cable goes on the Transmitter? 
A: The IR Blaster cable connects to IR OUT on the Transmitter.

Q: Which IR cable goes on the Receiver? 
A: The IR Receiver cable connects to IR IN on the Receiver.

Q: Does it support RS-232? 
A: RS-232 pass-through is not listed for this model.

Q: Does it support EDID management? 
A: Yes. It supports EDID through a 5-pin EDID dial switch and ASCII commands.

Q: Can it copy EDID from the local loop display? 
A: Yes. It can copy EDID from HDMI LOOP OUT.

Q: Can it copy EDID from CAT outputs? 
A: Yes. It can copy EDID from CAT outputs 1 through 8.

Q: Does it create extended desktop across eight displays? 
A: No. It duplicates one HDMI source to the connected displays.

Q: What should I do if there is no video? 
A: Check the power adapter, HDMI source, HDMI cables, CAT cable, EDID setting, CAT output connection, and the link/data signal indicators.

Q: What should I do if a Receiver has no signal? 
A: Check that Receiver’s CAT cable, HDMI cable, and display input. Also test that Receiver on another CAT output port.

Q: What should I do if all Receivers have no signal? 
A: Check the Transmitter power, HDMI source output, EDID setting, and HDMI LOOP OUT on the Transmitter.

Q: What should I do if 4K@60Hz does not work? 
A: Use 18Gbps HDMI cables, high-quality CAT6 / CAT6a / CAT7 cable, keep the run within 35m / 115ft, confirm the source and display support 4K@60Hz, and choose a compatible EDID setting.

Q: What should I do if analog audio output does not work? 
A: Set the HDMI source audio output to PCM / Stereo and connect the L/R output to an amplifier or speaker.

Q: What should I do if IR control does not work? 
A: Confirm the IR Receiver cable is connected to the Receiver IR IN port, the IR Blaster is connected to the Transmitter IR OUT port, and the IR Blaster is placed near the HDMI source device’s IR sensor.

Q: Does the UHD18-EX115-K need external power? 
A: Yes. Connect the included DC 12V/2.5A locking power adapter to the Transmitter. The Receivers are powered through the CAT cables by PoC.