UHD-EX230-KVM Overview and Use Cases

What Is the UHD-EX230-KVM?

The OREI UHD-EX230-KVM is an 18Gbps HDMI extender with KVM support. It extends HDMI video, HDMI audio, USB keyboard/mouse control, and analog audio output up to 70m / 230ft over a single CAT 6 / CAT 6a cable.

The kit includes a Transmitter and Receiver. The HDMI source connects to the Transmitter, the HDMI display connects to the Receiver, and a CAT cable connects the Transmitter and Receiver.

The UHD-EX230-KVM supports HDMI 2.0b and HDCP 2.2, with a video bandwidth of 18Gbps. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4, HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, EDID copy pass-through, USB 1.1 KVM pass-through, 3.5mm analog audio de-embedding on the Receiver, and bi-directional Power over Cable.

The UHD-EX230-KVM is useful for multimedia conference halls, classrooms, TV teaching, large-screen displays, offices, control rooms, and AV installations where a source device needs to be extended and controlled from the display side.

IMPORTANT — UHD-EX230-KVM Supports 4K@60Hz 4:4:4

The UHD-EX230-KVM supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz RGB / YCbCr 4:4:4.

To get 4K@60Hz, the HDMI source, display, HDMI cables, CAT cable, and source video settings must all support 4K@60Hz.

If 4K@60Hz does not work, test with a shorter HDMI cable, confirm the source output is set correctly, and make sure the display supports 4K@60Hz input.

IMPORTANT — Extends up to 70m / 230ft

The UHD-EX230-KVM extends HDMI up to 70m / 230ft over CAT 6 / CAT 6a cable.

The manual lists:

For best performance, use a high-quality CAT 6 / CAT 6a cable.

IMPORTANT — Use a Direct CAT Cable Connection

The UHD-EX230-KVM should be connected directly from the Transmitter CAT OUT port to the Receiver CAT IN port.

Do not connect it through:

1. Network switch
2. Router
3. Internet network
4. LAN switch
5. Ethernet wall network system used as a network path 
    
   This product is not an AV-over-IP extender. The CAT cable is used as a direct HDMI and KVM extension cable between the Transmitter and Receiver.

IMPORTANT — Bi-Directional Power over Cable Is Supported

The UHD-EX230-KVM supports bi-directional POC, meaning Power over Cable.

Only one 12V/1A locking power adapter is included.

The power adapter can be connected to either:

1. Transmitter
2. Receiver 
    
   The other unit receives power through the CAT cable.

IMPORTANT — KVM Function Uses USB 1.1

The UHD-EX230-KVM supports USB KVM pass-through and is USB 1.1 compliant.

This is intended for keyboard and mouse control.

It is not designed for high-speed USB devices such as:

1. USB storage drives
2. Webcams
3. USB audio interfaces
4. Capture cards
5. High-speed USB peripherals 
    
   For best results, use a standard wired USB keyboard and mouse.

IMPORTANT — Receiver Has 3.5mm Analog Audio Output

The Receiver includes an L/R OUT 3.5mm stereo audio port.

This port is used for analog audio de-embedding.

If there is no audio from the 3.5mm output, set the HDMI source audio format to PCM, LPCM, or Stereo.

The 3.5mm analog output does not support Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, or other surround formats as analog audio.

IMPORTANT — HDMI Audio Supports Advanced Formats

The HDMI signal supports audio formats including:

1. LPCM 2.0 / 2.1 / 5.1 / 6.1 / 7.1
2. Dolby Digital
3. Dolby TrueHD
4. Dolby Digital Plus 
    
   These formats can pass through HDMI when supported by the source, extender, display, and connected audio equipment.

IMPORTANT — HDMI Loop Out Is on the Transmitter

The Transmitter includes HDMI OUT.

This HDMI OUT port is used as a local loop output.

For example, a Blu-ray player can connect to Transmitter HDMI IN, a nearby display can connect to Transmitter HDMI OUT, and the remote display can connect to Receiver HDMI OUT.

IMPORTANT — EDID DIP Switch Is Included

The Transmitter includes an EDID DIP switch.

Use the EDID switch if there is no video, wrong resolution, or audio compatibility issue.

IMPORTANT — No IR or RS-232 Control Listed

The UHD-EX230-KVM manual does not list IR IN, IR OUT, or RS-232 control ports.

This model is focused on HDMI extension, HDMI loop out, KVM control, EDID management, POC, and analog audio output.

If IR remote control or RS-232 extension is required, use a different extender model that includes those ports.

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, laptop, PC, media player, cable box, or HDMI matrix output.
2. Connect a local display to HDMI OUT on the Transmitter if needed.
3. Connect the Receiver HDMI OUT to the remote HDMI display.
4. Connect CAT OUT on the Transmitter to CAT IN on the Receiver using CAT 6 / CAT 6a cable.
5. Connect the included 12V/1A locking power adapter to either the Transmitter or Receiver.
6. If using KVM, connect the PC to the Transmitter PC USB-B port.
7. Connect keyboard and mouse to the Receiver keyboard and mouse USB ports.
8. If using analog audio, connect speakers, amplifier, or audio system to the Receiver L/R OUT port.
9. Set the EDID DIP switch based on the required display mode.
10. Power on the HDMI source, display, Transmitter, and Receiver.
11. Check the Link and Data indicators.
12. Test video, audio, keyboard, and mouse control.

CAT Cable Requirement — Critical

Use high-quality CAT 6 / CAT 6a cable.

Poor-quality, damaged, or incorrectly terminated CAT cable may cause:

1. No video
2. Flickering
3. Black screen
4. Poor link status
5. 4K@60Hz not working
6. Keyboard or mouse not working
7. Audio dropouts
8. POC power issues
9. Signal dropouts 
    
   Do not connect the CAT cable through a network switch or router.

HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical

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

Poor HDMI cables may cause:

1. No picture
2. Flickering
3. Black screen
4. 4K@60Hz not working
5. HDR / Dolby Vision not working
6. Audio dropouts
7. HDCP handshake issues 
    
   For troubleshooting, test the HDMI source directly with the display before using the extender.

USB Cable Requirement — Critical

For KVM control, connect the PC to the Transmitter using the included USB-A to USB-B cable.

If keyboard or mouse control does not work:

1. Confirm the PC is connected to the Transmitter PC USB-B port
2. Confirm keyboard and mouse are connected to the correct Receiver USB ports
3. Use basic wired USB keyboard and mouse devices
4. Power cycle the source and extender

Understanding the Transmitter

The Transmitter is installed near the HDMI source device or computer.

It has:

1. HDMI IN for the source
2. HDMI OUT for local loop output
3. CAT OUT to connect to the Receiver
4. PC USB-B port for KVM
5. EDID DIP switch
6. SERVICE firmware port
7. DC 12V power input
8. Data and Link indicators 
    
   The Transmitter can be powered directly or through POC if the Receiver side is powered.

Understanding the Receiver

The Receiver is installed near the remote display, keyboard, mouse, and audio device.

It has:

1. CAT IN from the Transmitter
2. HDMI OUT to the display
3. L/R OUT for analog audio de-embedding
4. Keyboard and mouse USB ports
5. SERVICE firmware port
6. DC 12V power input
7. Data and Link indicators 
    
   The Receiver can be powered directly or through POC if the Transmitter side is powered.

Understanding HDMI Loop Out

The HDMI OUT port on the Transmitter is a loop output.

This allows a local display to be connected near the HDMI source.

Example setup:

This is useful when the same source needs to be viewed locally and remotely.

Understanding KVM Function

KVM means keyboard, video, and mouse.

The UHD-EX230-KVM lets the user control a computer from the Receiver side.

Basic KVM setup:

This allows the computer to be placed near the source equipment while the user controls it from the remote display location.

Understanding EDID Settings

EDID tells the HDMI source what video and audio formats the connected display supports.

If one display supports 4K but another display only supports 1080p, EDID setting can affect whether the source sends a compatible signal.

Understanding Analog Audio Output

The Receiver L/R OUT port outputs analog stereo audio.

This can connect to:

1. Powered speakers
2. Stereo amplifier
3. Audio input device
4. Sound system with 3.5mm input 
    
   For analog audio output, set the source to PCM / Stereo.

Understanding Power over Cable

Power over Cable means one unit powers the other unit through the CAT cable.

The UHD-EX230-KVM package includes one 12V/1A locking power adapter.

Only one power adapter is needed.

Understanding Link and Data Indicators

The UHD-EX230-KVM includes Link and Data indicators.

Use these indicators when troubleshooting no video, poor connection, or HDMI handshake issues.

Understanding Firmware Update

Both the Transmitter and Receiver include SERVICE ports.

The SERVICE port is used for firmware update.

It is not needed for normal HDMI extension setup.

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

Supported Video and Audio

The UHD-EX230-KVM supports video formats including:

Supported HDMI audio formats include:

Supported analog audio:

What Source Devices Is the UHD-EX230-KVM Compatible With?

The OREI UHD-EX230-KVM is compatible with HDMI source devices such as:

1. Desktop PCs
2. Laptops with HDMI output
3. Blu-ray players
4. DVD players
5. Streaming devices
6. Cable boxes
7. Satellite receivers
8. Set-top boxes
9. HDMI matrix outputs
10. Media players
11. Game consoles with supported HDMI output 
     
    For KVM control, the source computer must also connect to the Transmitter PC USB-B port.

What Displays Is the UHD-EX230-KVM Compatible With?

The UHD-EX230-KVM can connect to HDMI displays such as:

1. 4K TVs
2. 1080p TVs
3. Monitors
4. Projectors
5. Commercial displays
6. Conference room displays
7. Classroom displays
8. Large-screen displays
9. Control room displays
10. Teaching displays 
     
    For 4K@60Hz, the display must support 4K@60Hz input.

What USB Devices Is the UHD-EX230-KVM Compatible With?

The KVM function is designed for:

1. USB keyboard
2. USB mouse 
    
   Because it supports USB 1.1, it is not intended for high-speed USB devices such as storage drives, webcams, or capture devices.

What Audio Devices Is the UHD-EX230-KVM Compatible With?

The Receiver L/R OUT can connect to:

1. Powered speakers
2. Stereo amplifiers
3. Audio input devices
4. Sound systems with 3.5mm input 
    
   For analog audio output, use PCM / Stereo audio from the source.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI UHD-EX230-KVM used for? 
A: The UHD-EX230-KVM is used to extend 4K@60Hz HDMI video, HDMI audio, keyboard/mouse control, and analog audio output up to 70m / 230ft over CAT 6 / CAT 6a cable.

Q: Does the UHD-EX230-KVM support 4K@60Hz? 
A: Yes. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz RGB / YCbCr 4:4:4.

Q: Does the UHD-EX230-KVM support 8K? 
A: No. It supports up to 4K@60Hz.

Q: Does the UHD-EX230-KVM support 4K@120Hz? 
A: No. It does not support 4K@120Hz.

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

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 and Dolby Vision? 
A: Yes. It supports HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG.

Q: How far can it extend HDMI? 
A: It supports up to 70m / 230ft over CAT 6 / CAT 6a cable.

Q: What CAT cable should I use? 
A: Use high-quality CAT 6 / CAT 6a cable.

Q: Can I connect it through a network switch or router? 
A: No. The Transmitter and Receiver must be connected directly with CAT cable.

Q: Does it support Power over Cable? 
A: Yes. It supports bi-directional POC, so the included 12V/1A power adapter can be connected to either the Transmitter or Receiver.

Q: Why is there only one power adapter in the box? 
A: The extender supports POC, so one unit can power the other through the CAT cable.

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

Q: What is HDMI loop out used for? 
A: It lets you connect a local display near the source while also extending the signal to the remote display.

Q: Does it support KVM? 
A: Yes. It supports USB KVM pass-through for keyboard and mouse control.

Q: What USB version does it support? 
A: It supports USB 1.1.

Q: Can I connect a keyboard and mouse? 
A: Yes. Connect the keyboard and mouse to the Receiver keyboard and mouse ports.

Q: Can I use USB storage drives with this extender? 
A: It is not recommended. USB support is USB 1.1 and intended for keyboard and mouse control.

Q: How do I use KVM control? 
A: Connect the computer’s HDMI output to Transmitter HDMI IN, connect the computer’s USB port to the Transmitter PC USB-B port, and connect keyboard and mouse to the Receiver USB ports.

Q: Does the Receiver have audio output? 
A: Yes. The Receiver has L/R OUT 3.5mm analog audio output.

Q: What audio does the 3.5mm output support? 
A: The 3.5mm analog output supports stereo PCM audio. Set the source to PCM / Stereo for best compatibility.

Q: What HDMI audio formats are supported? 
A: The manual lists LPCM 2.0 / 2.1 / 5.1 / 6.1 / 7.1, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Digital Plus.

Q: Does it support EDID copy? 
A: Yes. It supports EDID copy pass-through between the source and display.

Q: What EDID options are available? 
A: 11 copies EDID from the Receiver display, 10 presets 4K@60Hz 2.0CH, 01 presets 1080p 2.0CH, and 00 copies EDID from the Transmitter HDMI OUT display.

Q: Does it support IR control? 
A: No. The manual does not list IR ports for this model.

Q: Does it support RS-232? 
A: No. The manual does not list RS-232 ports for this model.

Q: What do the Link indicators mean? 
A: Illuminating means good connection, flashing means poor connection, and dark means the Transmitter and Receiver are not connected.

Q: What do the Data indicators mean? 
A: Illuminating means HDMI signal with HDCP, flashing means HDMI signal without HDCP, and dark means no HDMI signal.

Q: What are the SERVICE ports used for? 
A: The SERVICE ports are used for firmware update.

Q: What should I do if there is no video? 
A: Check the Power, Link, and Data indicators, confirm the CAT cable is directly connected, test HDMI OUT on the Transmitter, try a different HDMI cable, and test the source directly with the display.

Q: What should I do if 4K@60Hz does not work? 
A: Use HDMI cables rated for 4K@60Hz, use high-quality CAT 6 / CAT 6a cable, confirm the source and display support 4K@60Hz, and check the EDID DIP switch setting.

Q: What should I do if keyboard or mouse control does not work? 
A: Make sure the PC is connected to the Transmitter PC USB-B port, keyboard and mouse are connected to the Receiver ports, and use basic wired USB keyboard and mouse devices.

Q: What should I do if there is no audio from L/R OUT? 
A: Set the HDMI source audio output to PCM, LPCM, or Stereo. The analog output is for stereo audio.

Q: Does the UHD-EX230-KVM need external power? 
A: Yes. Connect the included 12V/1A locking power adapter to either the Transmitter or Receiver. The other unit receives power through CAT cable.