UHD-FO40-TX-RX Overview and Use Cases

What Is the UHD-FO40-TX-RX?

The OREI UHD-FO40-TX-RX is a 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 HDR HDMI over optical fiber extender kit designed for long-distance HDMI transmission over fiber.

The kit includes a Transmitter and Receiver. The HDMI source connects to HDMI IN on the Transmitter, the display connects to HDMI OUT on the Receiver, and a single fiber optical cable connects the Transmitter to the Receiver through the SFP+ optical modules.

The UHD-FO40-TX-RX supports HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2, with a video bandwidth of 18Gbps. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4, HDR10, uncompressed transmission, zero-latency transmission, HDMI loop out on the Transmitter, bi-directional IR passback, RS-232 pass-through, HDMI ARC, CEC, S/PDIF audio output on the Receiver, one-to-one connection, one-to-many connection through a 10Gb switch, switch cascading, and fiber transmission distance up to 40km over single-mode fiber. The manual also notes support for up to 300m over multi-mode fiber when using the correct multi-mode cable and module.

The UHD-FO40-TX-RX is useful for broadcasting, security monitoring, rail transit, smart city applications, control rooms, campuses, commercial AV systems, large venues, and installations where 4K HDMI needs to be extended over very long fiber runs.

IMPORTANT — UHD-FO40-TX-RX Supports 4K@60Hz 4:4:4

The UHD-FO40-TX-RX supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4.

To get 4K@60Hz, the HDMI source, display, HDMI cables, fiber cable, SFP+ modules, and connected switching equipment must all support the required signal format.

If 4K@60Hz does not work, test with 1080p first, then confirm the source output, display input, HDMI cables, and fiber connection.

IMPORTANT — Extends up to 40km Over Single-Mode Fiber

The UHD-FO40-TX-RX supports long-distance transmission over fiber.

For the full 40km distance, use single-mode fiber with the correct SFP+ optical modules.

IMPORTANT — Uses SFP+ Optical Modules

The UHD-FO40-TX-RX uses SFP+ optical modules for fiber transmission.

The manual shows directional optical module wavelengths:

Do not swap the Transmitter and Receiver SFP+ modules. If the fiber link does not establish, check that the correct module is installed in the correct unit.

IMPORTANT — This Is an HDMI Over 10G Fiber / IP-Based Extender

The UHD-FO40-TX-RX supports:

For one-to-many or cascaded switch installations, use suitable 10Gb fiber network switching equipment.

Do not mix incompatible lower-speed switches in the fiber path.

IMPORTANT — Uncompressed and Zero-Latency Transmission

The UHD-FO40-TX-RX is listed as supporting uncompressed transmission and zero-latency transmission.

This makes it better suited for professional AV use than compressed HDMI-over-IP systems where delay may be noticeable.

IMPORTANT — HDMI Loop Out Is on the Transmitter

The Transmitter includes HDMI OUT.

This HDMI OUT port is used as a local display output near the HDMI source.

Example setup:

This is useful when the same HDMI source needs to be viewed locally and extended over fiber to a remote display.

IMPORTANT — HDMI ARC Is Supported

The UHD-FO40-TX-RX supports HDMI ARC.

The Receiver includes an ARC switch and ARC indicator.

ARC allows audio from the TV side to return through the extender system.

For ARC to work:

• The TV must support HDMI ARC
• The TV must be connected to the correct HDMI ARC port
• ARC must be enabled on the TV
• The ARC switch on the Receiver must be turned on
• The correct HDMI cable must be used

IMPORTANT — Receiver Has S/PDIF Audio Output

The Receiver includes an S/PDIF output.

This port outputs digital audio.

It can be connected to:

• Soundbar
• AVR
• Audio receiver
• Digital audio system
• Other S/PDIF audio devices

If there is no audio from S/PDIF, check the source audio format and confirm the connected audio device supports the selected format.

IMPORTANT — Bi-Directional IR Passback Is Supported

The UHD-FO40-TX-RX supports bi-directional IR passback.

This allows IR control in either direction.

Example 1: Control source from display side

• Connect IR Receiver to IR IN on the Receiver
• Connect IR Blaster to IR OUT on the Transmitter
• Point the remote at the Receiver-side IR Receiver
• Place the Transmitter-side IR Blaster near the source device IR window

Example 2: Control display from source side

• Connect IR Receiver to IR IN on the Transmitter
• Connect IR Blaster to IR OUT on the Receiver
• Point the remote at the Transmitter-side IR Receiver
• Place the Receiver-side IR Blaster near the display IR window

The supported IR frequency range is 20kHz to 60kHz.

IMPORTANT — RS-232 Pass-Through Is Supported

The UHD-FO40-TX-RX supports RS-232 pass-through.

The manual lists RS-232 using GND / RXD / TXD terminal wiring.

Supported baud rates include:

The default baud rate is 115200.

Use RS-232 for display control, projector control, matrix control, or control-system integration.

IMPORTANT — CEC Is Supported

The UHD-FO40-TX-RX supports CEC.

CEC allows compatible HDMI devices to send basic control commands over HDMI.

Actual CEC behavior can depend on the source device, display, HDMI cable, and device settings.

IMPORTANT — Both Units Need Power

The Transmitter and Receiver each have a DC 5V power input.

The manual lists DC 5V/2A power.

Connect power to the required unit ports before testing video.

If the power indicator is off, check:

• Power adapter
• Power outlet
• DC 5V connection
• Correct power rating

Ports and Panel Layout

Step-by-Step Setup — One-to-One Connection

1. Insert the correct SFP+ optical module into the Transmitter.
2. Insert the correct SFP+ optical module into the Receiver.
3. Connect the HDMI source device to HDMI IN on the Transmitter. 
   Examples include a PC, media player, Blu-ray player, cable box, HDMI matrix output, or HDMI switch output.
4. Connect a local display to HDMI OUT on the Transmitter if needed.
5. Connect the optical fiber cable from the Transmitter SFP+ port to the Receiver SFP+ port.
6. Connect HDMI OUT on the Receiver to the remote display.
7. Connect DC 5V/2A power to the Transmitter.
8. Connect DC 5V/2A power to the Receiver.
9. If using IR, connect the IR Receiver and IR Blaster cables based on the required control direction.
10. If using RS-232, connect the terminal block wiring to both units.
11. If using ARC, connect the TV to the correct HDMI ARC port, enable ARC on the TV, and turn on the ARC switch.
12. Power on the source, display, Transmitter, Receiver, and audio/control devices.
13. Check the Power, Status, and ARC indicators.
14. Test video, audio, IR, ARC, S/PDIF, and RS-232.

Step-by-Step Setup — One-to-Many Connection

1. Connect the HDMI source to the Transmitter HDMI IN.
2. Connect the Transmitter SFP+ output to a compatible 10Gb fiber switch.
3. Connect each Receiver through the 10Gb fiber switch system.
4. Connect each Receiver HDMI OUT to a display.
5. Power all devices.
6. Confirm that each Receiver establishes connection and outputs the HDMI signal.
7. Use a proper 10Gb switching environment for best results.

Step-by-Step Setup — Switch Cascading

1. Connect the Transmitter to the first 10Gb fiber switch.
2. Cascade additional compatible 10Gb fiber switches as needed.
3. Connect Receivers to the downstream switches.
4. Connect HDMI displays to each Receiver.
5. Power all devices and check status indicators.
6. Confirm video output on each Receiver.

Use 10Gb switching equipment for cascaded setups.

Fiber Cable Requirement — Critical

Use the correct optical fiber cable for the installation.

Poor fiber installation may cause:

• No video
• No connection
• Status indicator off
• Slow flashing status indicator
• Search ipcolor TX message
• Signal dropouts
• No ARC
• No S/PDIF audio
• RS-232 failure
• IR control failure

Keep fiber connectors clean and avoid sharp bends.

HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical

Use high-quality HDMI cables for the source, local display, and remote display.

For 4K@60Hz 4:4:4, use HDMI cables that support 18Gbps.

Poor HDMI cables may cause:

• No picture
• Flickering
• Black screen
• 4K@60Hz not working
• HDR issues
• Audio dropouts
• ARC issues
• HDCP handshake issues

For troubleshooting, test the HDMI source directly with the display first.

Power Requirement — Critical

Use DC 5V/2A power.

If the power indicator is off, check the power adapter and power connection.

Understanding the Status Indicator

The status indicator shows the connection and video transmission state.

Use this indicator to troubleshoot connection and video signal problems.

Understanding the ARC Indicator

The ARC indicator shows ARC status.

If ARC does not work, check the HDMI ARC port, TV ARC setting, HDMI cable, and Receiver ARC switch.

Understanding HDMI ARC

HDMI ARC allows TV audio to return through the HDMI connection.

To use ARC:

1. Connect the TV HDMI ARC port to the correct HDMI connection on the Receiver side.
2. Turn on ARC in the TV settings.
3. Turn on the ARC switch on the Receiver.
4. Connect the audio output to the required audio device.
5. Check the ARC indicator.

Understanding S/PDIF Output

The Receiver S/PDIF output sends digital audio to an external audio system.

Use this when you need audio output separate from the HDMI display.

Compatible devices may include:

• Soundbar
• AVR
• Digital audio receiver
• Audio processor

Understanding HDMI Loop Out

The Transmitter HDMI OUT is a local loop output.

It lets you connect a display near the source while the signal is also sent over fiber.

The local and remote displays show the same HDMI source signal.

Understanding IR Passback

IR passback sends remote-control signals through the extender system.

Use the IR Receiver cable where the remote control will be used.

Use the IR Blaster cable near the device being controlled.

Do not swap the IR Receiver and IR Blaster cables.

Understanding RS-232 Pass-Through

RS-232 pass-through lets control commands travel between the Transmitter and Receiver.

Use this for:

• Projector control
• Display control
• Matrix control
• Control processor integration
• Automation system control

The terminal block uses GND / RXD / TXD wiring.

Understanding Firmware Upgrade

Both units include an Upgrade port.

The Upgrade port is used for firmware updates.

Use firmware only when provided by OREI support or from the official product support page.

Supported Video and Audio

The UHD-FO40-TX-RX supports video formats including:

Supported audio formats include:

Supported Technical Specifications

What Source Devices Is the UHD-FO40-TX-RX Compatible With?

The UHD-FO40-TX-RX is compatible with HDMI source devices such as:

• Desktop PCs
• Laptops
• Media players
• Blu-ray players
• Cable boxes
• Satellite receivers
• HDMI matrix outputs
• HDMI switch outputs
• DVRs
• NVRs
• AV receivers with HDMI output
• Broadcast equipment with HDMI output

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

What Displays Is the UHD-FO40-TX-RX Compatible With?

The UHD-FO40-TX-RX can connect to HDMI displays such as:

• 4K TVs
• UHD displays
• Projectors
• Monitors
• Commercial displays
• Control room displays
• Broadcast displays
• Security monitoring displays
• Smart city display systems
• Conference room displays

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

What Audio Devices Is the UHD-FO40-TX-RX Compatible With?

The Receiver S/PDIF output can connect to:

• Soundbars
• AV receivers
• Digital audio receivers
• Amplifiers with digital audio input
• External audio processors

For HDMI ARC, the connected TV must support ARC and ARC must be enabled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI UHD-FO40-TX-RX used for? 
A: The UHD-FO40-TX-RX is used to extend 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 HDMI video, audio, ARC, IR, and RS-232 over optical fiber up to 40km.

Q: Does the UHD-FO40-TX-RX support 4K@60Hz? 
A: Yes. It supports up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4.

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

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.

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

Q: Does it support HDR? 
A: Yes. The manual lists HDR10 support.

Q: How far can it extend HDMI? 
A: It supports up to 40km over single-mode fiber.

Q: Can it work with multi-mode fiber? 
A: Yes, the manual notes up to 300m over multi-mode fiber when using the correct multi-mode cable and module.

Q: What fiber connector does it use? 
A: It uses SFP+ optical modules with LC fiber connection.

Q: Can I use it one-to-many? 
A: Yes. It supports one-to-many connection through a 10Gb switch.

Q: Does it support switch cascading? 
A: Yes. Switch cascading is supported.

Q: What type of switch should I use? 
A: Use a suitable 10Gb switch for one-to-many or cascaded installations.

Q: Is it compressed? 
A: No. The manual lists uncompressed transmission.

Q: Is it zero-latency? 
A: Yes. The manual lists zero-latency transmission.

Q: Does the Transmitter have HDMI loop out? 
A: Yes. The Transmitter includes HDMI OUT for a local display.

Q: Does it support HDMI ARC? 
A: Yes. HDMI ARC is supported.

Q: How do I enable ARC? 
A: Make sure the TV is connected to the HDMI ARC port, turn on ARC in the TV settings, and turn on the ARC switch on the Receiver.

Q: Does the Receiver have S/PDIF output? 
A: Yes. The Receiver has S/PDIF output for digital audio.

Q: Does it support CEC? 
A: Yes. CEC is listed as supported.

Q: Does it support IR control? 
A: Yes. It supports bi-directional IR passback.

Q: What IR frequency is supported? 
A: It supports 20kHz to 60kHz.

Q: Does it support RS-232? 
A: Yes. RS-232 pass-through is supported.

Q: What is the default RS-232 baud rate? 
A: The default baud rate is 115200.

Q: What other RS-232 baud rates are supported? 
A: Supported baud rates include 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200.

Q: Does it need power on both ends? 
A: Yes. Both the Transmitter and Receiver require DC 5V/2A power.

Q: What does the status light off mean? 
A: It means the Transmitter and Receiver have not established a connection.

Q: What does slow flashing status light mean? 
A: It means the Transmitter and Receiver are connected, but no video data is transmitting.

Q: What does steady status light mean? 
A: It means video data is transmitting.

Q: What should I do if the power indicator or status indicator is off? 
A: Check whether the fiber optic cable is connected properly. If needed, replace the fiber optic cable.

Q: What should I do if the status indicator flashes slowly? 
A: Check whether there is HDMI signal input at the Transmitter. Try reconnecting the HDMI source or replacing the HDMI cable.

Q: What should I do if the screen shows “Search ipcolor TX”? 
A: The Transmitter and Receiver may be connected, but there is no data transmission. Check the fiber connection, source input, and device status.

Q: What should I do if the remote control does not work? 
A: Check whether the IR Receiver cable is connected correctly and placed where the remote can point.

Q: What should I do if HDMI ARC does not work? 
A: Check whether the HDMI port connected to the Receiver supports ARC, confirm ARC is enabled on the TV, and press the ARC switch on the Receiver.

Q: What should I do if the image is unstable? 
A: Check the fiber cable length from Transmitter to Receiver, make sure the fiber cable is within the supported distance, then press Reset on both units and reconnect.

Q: Does the UHD-FO40-TX-RX need external power? 
A: Yes. Connect DC 5V/2A power to the Transmitter and Receiver.