EX-230PRO-KVM Overview and Use Cases

What Is the EX-230PRO-KVM?

The OREI EX-230PRO-KVM is a 4K@30Hz HDMI extender over CAT 6 / CAT 6A / CAT 7 cable with KVM functionality.

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 EX-230PRO-KVM supports HDMI 1.4 and HDCP 1.4. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@30Hz, transmission distance up to 40m / 130ft at 4K@30Hz, transmission distance up to 70m / 230ft at 1080p@60Hz, USB 2.0 protocol, KVM control, HDR10, zero-latency transmission, Power over Cable, and plug-and-play setup.

The EX-230PRO-KVM is useful for home offices, conference rooms, monitoring systems, classrooms, offices, media rooms, and AV installations where a PC or laptop needs to be extended to a remote HDMI display with keyboard and mouse control.

IMPORTANT — EX-230PRO-KVM Supports 4K@30Hz, Not 4K@60Hz

The EX-230PRO-KVM supports video resolutions up to 4K@30Hz.

It does not support 4K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, or 8K.

For 4K@60Hz setups, use an HDMI 2.0 extender.

For 8K or 4K@120Hz setups, use an HDMI 2.1 extender.

IMPORTANT — Maximum Distance Depends on Resolution

The EX-230PRO-KVM supports different extension distances depending on the video resolution.

For best performance, use high-quality CAT 6 / CAT 6A / CAT 7 cable.

IMPORTANT — Use a Direct CAT Cable Connection

The EX-230PRO-KVM requires a direct point-to-point CAT cable connection between the Transmitter and Receiver.

Do not connect the extender 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 extension cable between the Transmitter and Receiver.

IMPORTANT — Use EIA-568B Direct Interconnection Wiring

The manual states that this extender requires a direct interconnection CAT 6 / CAT 7 cable following the EIA-568B standard.

If a cross-interconnection CAT 6 / CAT 7 cable such as EIA-568A is used, the extender may go into protection mode and will not display the media source.

For best results, use straight-through T568B-to-T568B wiring.

IMPORTANT — Power Over Cable Is Supported

The EX-230PRO-KVM supports Power over Cable.

Only the Transmitter side requires the included DC 5V/2A power adapter.

The Receiver receives power through the CAT cable.

If the Receiver does not power on or does not display video, check the CAT cable connection and confirm the Transmitter is powered.

IMPORTANT — KVM Function Is Supported

The EX-230PRO-KVM supports KVM functionality.

This allows a keyboard and mouse connected at the Receiver side to control the PC or laptop connected at the Transmitter side.

To use KVM:

1. Connect HDMI from the PC/laptop to the Transmitter HDMI input
2. Connect USB from the PC/laptop to the Transmitter USB-A port using the included USB cable
3. Connect keyboard and mouse to the Receiver USB-A port

IMPORTANT — USB 2.0 Protocol Is Supported

The manual lists USB 2.0 protocol support.

This is mainly intended for KVM keyboard and mouse control.

For best results, use standard USB keyboard and mouse devices.

High-power USB devices may not work reliably unless externally powered.

IMPORTANT — No HDMI Loop Out

The EX-230PRO-KVM does not include HDMI loop out.

It has:

1. HDMI IN on the Transmitter
2. HDMI OUT on the Receiver 
    
   If a local display is needed near the HDMI source, use a separate HDMI splitter or choose an extender model with HDMI loop output.

IMPORTANT — No IR, RS-232, or Separate Audio Output Listed

The EX-230PRO-KVM manual does not list IR ports, RS-232 ports, Optical, Coaxial, RCA, or 3.5mm audio extraction.

This model is focused on HDMI extension and KVM control.

Audio passes through HDMI to the connected display or HDMI audio device.

Ports and Panel Layout

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Connect the HDMI source device to HDMI Input on the Transmitter. 
   Examples include a PC, laptop, DVD player, Blu-ray player, set-top box, or media player.
2. Connect the HDMI display to HDMI Output on the Receiver. 
   Examples include a TV, monitor, projector, or commercial display.
3. Connect CAT 6 Output on the Transmitter to CAT 6 Input on the Receiver using CAT 6 / CAT 6A / CAT 7 cable.
4. Make sure the CAT cable follows direct EIA-568B wiring.
5. Connect the included DC 5V/2A power adapter to the Transmitter.
6. If using KVM, connect the computer to the Transmitter USB-A port using the included USB cable.
7. Connect keyboard and mouse to the Receiver USB-A port.
8. Power on the HDMI source device and display.
9. Check the Power and KVM indicators.
10. Test video, audio, keyboard, and mouse control.

CAT Cable Requirement — Critical

Use high-quality CAT 6 / CAT 6A / CAT 7 cable.

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

1. No video
2. Flickering
3. Black screen
4. Protection mode
5. KVM not working
6. No keyboard or mouse control
7. Signal dropouts
8. 4K@30Hz not working
9. Poor image quality 
    
   Do not connect the CAT cable through a network switch or router.

HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical

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

Poor HDMI cables may cause:

1. No picture
2. Flickering
3. Black screen
4. 4K@30Hz not working
5. Audio dropouts
6. HDCP handshake issues
7. Wrong resolution 
    
   For troubleshooting, test the HDMI source directly with the display before using the extender.

Understanding the Transmitter

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

It has:

1. HDMI Input for the source
2. CAT 6 Output to connect to the Receiver
3. USB-A port for KVM connection to the computer
4. Reset button
5. KVM indicator
6. Power indicator
7. DC 5V power input 
    
   The included power adapter connects to the Transmitter. 
    
   The Receiver is powered through the CAT cable.

Understanding the Receiver

The Receiver is installed near the remote HDMI display.

It has:

1. CAT 6 Input from the Transmitter
2. HDMI Output to the display
3. USB-A port for keyboard and mouse
4. Reset button
5. KVM indicator
6. Power indicator 
    
   The Receiver receives power through the CAT cable from the Transmitter.

Understanding KVM Function

KVM means keyboard, video, and mouse.

The EX-230PRO-KVM lets the user control a computer from the Receiver side.

Basic KVM setup:

This is useful when the computer is located near the source equipment, but the user needs keyboard and mouse control at the remote display.

Understanding Power Over Cable

Power Over Cable means the Transmitter sends power to the Receiver through the CAT cable.

The EX-230PRO-KVM package includes one DC 5V/2A power adapter.

Only the Transmitter side needs external power.

If the Receiver does not turn on, check:

1. Transmitter power adapter
2. CAT cable connection
3. CAT cable quality
4. Correct direct wiring

Understanding EIA-568B Wiring

The manual shows the extender requires direct interconnection wiring using EIA-568B.

Use T568B on both cable ends.

Do not use cross-interconnection wiring.

If the extender does not display the source, check the CAT cable termination.

Understanding the KVM Indicator

The KVM indicator shows USB/KVM connection status.

Use this indicator when troubleshooting keyboard or mouse control issues.

Understanding the Power Indicator

The Power indicator shows video transmission status.

Use this indicator when troubleshooting no video or unstable signal.

Understanding the Reset Button

Both the Transmitter and Receiver include a Reset button.

Press Reset if:

1. No video appears
2. HDMI signal does not sync
3. KVM does not respond
4. Source or display was changed
5. The screen is black
6. The signal drops out
7. HDMI handshake fails 
    
   If Reset does not solve the issue, power cycle the source, display, Transmitter, and Receiver.

Supported Video and Audio

The EX-230PRO-KVM supports video formats including:

Supported audio formats include:

Supported features:

What Source Devices Is the EX-230PRO-KVM Compatible With?

The OREI EX-230PRO-KVM is compatible with HDMI source devices such as:

1. Desktop PCs
2. Laptops with HDMI output
3. DVD players
4. Blu-ray players
5. Set-top boxes
6. Cable boxes
7. Media players
8. HDMI monitoring equipment
9. Game consoles with supported HDMI output 
    
   For KVM control, the source computer must also be connected to the Transmitter USB port.

What Displays Is the EX-230PRO-KVM Compatible With?

The EX-230PRO-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. Monitoring displays
9. Digital signage displays 
    
   For 4K use, the connected display must support 4K@30Hz. 
    
   For troubleshooting, set the source output to 1080p@60Hz.

What USB Devices Is the EX-230PRO-KVM Compatible With?

The KVM function is designed for:

1. USB keyboard
2. USB mouse 
    
   For best results, use standard wired keyboard and mouse devices. 
    
   High-power USB devices may not work reliably unless externally powered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI EX-230PRO-KVM used for? 
A: The EX-230PRO-KVM is used to extend HDMI video, audio, and USB keyboard/mouse control over CAT 6 / CAT 6A / CAT 7 cable. It supports up to 4K@30Hz at 40m / 130ft and 1080p@60Hz at 70m / 230ft.

Q: Does the EX-230PRO-KVM support 4K? 
A: Yes. It supports up to 4K@30Hz.

Q: Does the EX-230PRO-KVM support 4K@60Hz? 
A: No. It supports up to 4K@30Hz only.

Q: Does the EX-230PRO-KVM support 8K? 
A: No. It does not support 8K.

Q: Does the EX-230PRO-KVM support 4K@120Hz? 
A: No. It does not support 4K@120Hz.

Q: What HDMI version does it support? 
A: It supports HDMI 1.4.

Q: What HDCP version does it support? 
A: It supports HDCP 1.4.

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

Q: How far can it extend HDMI? 
A: It supports up to 40m / 130ft at 4K@30Hz and up to 70m / 230ft at 1080p@60Hz.

Q: What CAT cable should I use? 
A: Use high-quality CAT 6 / CAT 6A / CAT 7 cable.

Q: Can I connect it through a network switch or router? 
A: No. It requires a direct point-to-point CAT cable connection.

Q: What wiring standard should the CAT cable use? 
A: Use direct EIA-568B wiring, preferably T568B to T568B.

Q: What happens if I use cross-interconnection wiring? 
A: The manual states the extender may enter protection mode and will not display the media source.

Q: Does the EX-230PRO-KVM need power on both ends? 
A: No. It supports Power Over Cable and only requires power at the Transmitter end.

Q: What power adapter does it use? 
A: It uses the included DC 5V/2A power adapter.

Q: Does the Transmitter have HDMI loop out? 
A: No. This model does not include HDMI loop out.

Q: Does it support KVM? 
A: Yes. It supports KVM functionality for keyboard and mouse control.

Q: How do I use KVM? 
A: Connect the computer to the Transmitter using HDMI and USB. Then connect the keyboard and mouse to the Receiver USB-A port.

Q: What does the KVM indicator mean? 
A: Light off means no USB connection, steady means USB is connected but no KVM data is transmitting, and flashing means KVM data is transmitting.

Q: What does the Power indicator mean? 
A: Flashing means the device is powered but no video data is transmitting. Steady means the source media is transmitting.

Q: Does it support USB 2.0? 
A: Yes. The manual lists USB 2.0 protocol support.

Q: Can I use USB storage drives or cameras? 
A: This model is mainly intended for keyboard and mouse KVM control. For high-power USB devices, use external power or a model designed for broader USB 2.0 device support.

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 control.

Q: Does it have separate audio output? 
A: No. This model does not include Optical, Coaxial, RCA, or 3.5mm audio extraction. Audio passes through HDMI.

Q: What audio formats are supported? 
A: The manual lists DTS, DTS-HD, PCM, and LPCM.

Q: What should I do if there is no video? 
A: Check that the Transmitter is powered, confirm the CAT cable is directly connected and wired correctly, press Reset, test with 1080p@60Hz, and test the HDMI source directly with the display.

Q: What should I do if 4K@30Hz does not work? 
A: Keep the CAT cable within 40m / 130ft, use high-quality CAT 6 / CAT 6A / CAT 7 cable, confirm the source and display support 4K@30Hz, and try shorter HDMI cables.

Q: What should I do if keyboard or mouse control does not work? 
A: Make sure the computer is connected to the Transmitter USB-A port using the included USB cable, connect the keyboard and mouse to the Receiver USB-A port, and check the KVM indicator.

Q: Does the EX-230PRO-KVM need external power? 
A: Yes. Connect the included DC 5V/2A power adapter to the Transmitter. The Receiver receives power through the CAT cable.