UHD-EXM500PRO-K Overview and Use Cases

What Is the UHD-EXM500PRO-K?

The OREI UHD-EXM500PRO-K is a 4K@60Hz HDMI over 1G IP extender kit with ARC, HDMI loop out, S/PDIF audio output, IR passthrough, RS-232 passthrough, and command control.

The kit includes a Transmitter and Receiver. The HDMI source connects to the Transmitter, the HDMI display connects to the Receiver, and the units can be connected directly with CAT cable or through a gigabit switch for one-to-many distribution.

The UHD-EXM500PRO-K supports HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 1.4 / 2.2, with a video bandwidth of 18Gbps. It supports video resolutions up to 4096x2160@60Hz and 3840x2160@60Hz, one-to-one connection, one-to-many connection, switch cascading, HDMI ARC, HDMI CEC, RS-232 passthrough, bi-directional IR passthrough, HDMI loop out on the Transmitter, S/PDIF audio output, firmware upgrade through Micro USB, and transmission distance up to 120m over CAT 6 / 6A / 7 cable.

The UHD-EXM500PRO-K is useful for conference rooms, classrooms, digital signage, houses of worship, retail displays, control rooms, home entertainment, presentation systems, and AV installations where a 4K HDMI signal needs to be extended or distributed over CAT cable or a 1G network switch.

IMPORTANT — UHD-EXM500PRO-K Is an HDMI Over IP Extender

The UHD-EXM500PRO-K is different from a basic point-to-point HDMI extender.

It supports:

This makes the product useful for HDMI signal distribution, not just basic extension.

IMPORTANT — Use a Gigabit Switch for One-to-Many Setups

For one-to-many distribution, use a gigabit network switch.

The manual lists support for one-to-many connection through a gigabit switch.

Do not use a 10/100Mbps switch.

For best stability, use a quality 1G switch and keep the HDMI over IP system on a dedicated AV network when possible.

IMPORTANT — UHD-EXM500PRO-K Supports 4K@60Hz

The UHD-EXM500PRO-K supports video resolutions up to 4096x2160@60Hz and 3840x2160@60Hz.

To get 4K@60Hz, the HDMI source, HDMI display, HDMI cables, CAT cable, and network switch must all support the required signal quality and bandwidth.

IMPORTANT — Transmission Distance Depends on Cable Type

The UHD-EXM500PRO-K supports different distances depending on the CAT cable type.

For best performance, use high-quality CAT 6 or better cable.

IMPORTANT — This Model Has Low Latency, But Not Zero Latency

The manual lists transmission latency as less than or equal to 16ms.

This is low latency for many AV distribution applications, but it is still not the same as a direct HDMI cable.

For extremely latency-sensitive gaming or interactive use, test the setup first.

IMPORTANT — HDMI Loop Out Is on the Transmitter

The Transmitter includes an HDMI loop output.

This HDMI loop out can connect to a local display near the HDMI source.

For example, a media player can connect to the Transmitter HDMI input, a local monitor can connect to the Transmitter HDMI loop out, and the remote display can connect to the Receiver HDMI output.

IMPORTANT — HDMI ARC Is Supported

The UHD-EXM500PRO-K supports HDMI ARC.

ARC allows audio from a compatible TV to return through HDMI and be output through the extender’s audio system.

The Receiver includes an ARC button to turn HDMI ARC on or off.

In a multi-Receiver setup, the ARC path switches to the Receiver where the ARC button was last pressed.

IMPORTANT — S/PDIF Output Has Format Limits

The Receiver includes an S/PDIF port for digital audio output.

The manual lists S/PDIF Out ARC support for:

1. LPCM 2.1CH
2. DTS-Audio
3. Dolby Digital 5.1CH 
    
   S/PDIF does not support all HDMI audio formats. If there is no audio through S/PDIF, set the TV or source audio output to PCM, Dolby Digital 5.1, or a compatible DTS format.

IMPORTANT — HDMI Audio Supports More Formats Than S/PDIF

The HDMI output supports:

1. LPCM 2.1CH
2. DTS-Audio
3. Dolby Atmos DD+ 
    
   The S/PDIF output has different format limits and should be used with compatible audio settings.

IMPORTANT — RS-232 Passthrough and Command Control Are Supported

The UHD-EXM500PRO-K supports RS-232 passthrough and command control using the RS-232 serial port.

The default baud rate is 115200.

Supported baud rates include:

This is useful for control systems, displays, projectors, or other RS-232 controlled equipment.

IMPORTANT — Bi-Directional IR Passthrough Is Supported

The UHD-EXM500PRO-K supports bi-directional IR passthrough.

This means IR signals can travel in both directions:

1. Control the HDMI source from the Receiver/display side
2. Control the display from the Transmitter/source side 
    
   The supported IR frequency range is 20kHz to 60kHz.

IMPORTANT — Both Transmitter and Receiver Need Power

The UHD-EXM500PRO-K package uses DC 5V/2A power for both the Transmitter and Receiver.

This model does not list Power over Cable.

Connect one DC 5V/2A power adapter to the Transmitter and one DC 5V/2A power adapter to the Receiver.

IMPORTANT — Firmware Can Be Upgraded Through Micro USB

Both the Transmitter and Receiver include a Micro USB port for firmware upgrade.

Use this port only when firmware is provided by OREI support or the product support page.

Do not disconnect power during firmware update.

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, media player, laptop, desktop PC, streaming device, cable box, DVR, or HDMI matrix output.
2. Connect a local display to HDMI LOOP OUT on the Transmitter if needed.
3. Connect HDMI OUT on the Receiver to the remote display.
4. For one-to-one setup, connect the Transmitter RJ45 port directly to the Receiver RJ45 port using CAT 6 / CAT 6A / CAT 7 cable.
5. For one-to-many setup, connect the Transmitter to a gigabit switch, then connect one or more Receivers to the same gigabit switch.
6. Connect one DC 5V/2A power adapter to the Transmitter.
7. Connect the second DC 5V/2A power adapter to the Receiver.
8. Power on the HDMI source, display, Transmitter, and Receiver.
9. If using IR control, connect the IR Receiver and IR Blaster cables based on the direction of control needed.
10. If using S/PDIF audio, connect the S/PDIF output to a compatible soundbar, AVR, amplifier, or audio system.
11. If using ARC, press the ARC button on the Receiver to turn ARC on.
12. If using RS-232, connect the RS-232 ports to the control system or serial device.
13. Test video, audio, ARC, IR, and RS-232 control.

CAT Cable Requirement — Critical

For best performance, 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. Status indicator not connecting
5. Signal dropouts
6. 4K@60Hz not working
7. Audio dropouts
8. ARC issues
9. IR control issues
10. RS-232 issues
11. One-to-many distribution problems 
     
    For one-to-many setups, use a gigabit switch.

HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical

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

The manual lists HDMI cable length as less than or equal to 5m.

Poor HDMI cables may cause:

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

Understanding One-to-One Connection

In one-to-one mode, one Transmitter connects directly to one Receiver.

Example:

Use this setup when one source needs to be extended to one remote display.

Understanding One-to-Many Connection

In one-to-many mode, one Transmitter can send the HDMI signal to multiple Receivers through a gigabit switch.

Example:

Use this setup for digital signage, classrooms, retail displays, houses of worship, or other applications where one source needs to appear on multiple displays.

Understanding Switch Cascading

The UHD-EXM500PRO-K supports switch cascading.

This allows the system to connect through more than one gigabit switch to reach multiple Receivers.

Use gigabit switches only.

If the signal is unstable, simplify the network layout and test with one switch first.

Understanding ARC Mode

ARC stands for Audio Return Channel.

On the UHD-EXM500PRO-K, ARC can be turned on or off from the Receiver.

ARC indicator behavior:

In multi-Receiver setups, ARC switches to the Receiver where the ARC button was last pressed.

Understanding S/PDIF Audio Output

The Receiver includes an S/PDIF digital audio output.

If S/PDIF audio does not work, set the source or TV ARC audio output to PCM, Dolby Digital 5.1, or a compatible DTS format.

Understanding Bi-Directional IR

Bi-directional IR allows remote control signals to travel in either direction between the Transmitter and Receiver.

Example 1: Control source from the display location

1. Connect IR Receiver to IR IN on the Receiver
2. Connect IR Blaster to IR OUT on the Transmitter
3. Place IR Receiver near the display
4. Place IR Blaster near the source device’s IR sensor 
    
   Example 2: Control display from the source location
5. Connect IR Receiver to IR IN on the Transmitter
6. Connect IR Blaster to IR OUT on the Receiver
7. Place IR Receiver near the source-side remote location
8. Place IR Blaster near the display’s IR sensor 
    
   The IR receiving range is up to 5m.

Understanding RS-232 Control

The UHD-EXM500PRO-K supports RS-232 passthrough and command control.

RS-232 can be used for serial control signals between the Transmitter and Receiver sides or for command control depending on the installation.

Understanding the Status Indicator

The status indicator shows connection and 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.

Use Reset if:

1. No video appears
2. Signal does not sync
3. ARC does not connect
4. Network connection is not normal
5. Source or display was changed
6. HDMI handshake fails
7. Video drops out after setup changes

Supported Video and Audio

The UHD-EXM500PRO-K supports video formats including:

Supported features:

Supported audio:

What Source Devices Is the UHD-EXM500PRO-K Compatible With?

The OREI UHD-EXM500PRO-K is compatible with HDMI source devices such as:

1. Blu-ray players
2. DVD players
3. Streaming devices
4. Cable boxes
5. Satellite receivers
6. Set-top boxes
7. Media players
8. Desktop PCs
9. Laptops with HDMI output
10. DVRs
11. HDMI matrix outputs
12. Presentation systems 
     
    For 4K@60Hz, the source device must support 4K@60Hz output.

What Displays Is the UHD-EXM500PRO-K Compatible With?

The UHD-EXM500PRO-K can connect to HDMI displays such as:

1. 4K TVs
2. 1080p TVs
3. Monitors
4. Projectors
5. Commercial displays
6. Classroom displays
7. Conference room displays
8. Retail signage screens
9. Worship venue displays
10. Monitoring displays 
     
    For 4K@60Hz, the connected display must support 4K@60Hz input. 
     
    For ARC, the display connected to the Receiver must support HDMI ARC.

What Audio Devices Is the UHD-EXM500PRO-K Compatible With?

The UHD-EXM500PRO-K can send audio to:

1. HDMI TVs
2. HDMI AV receivers
3. HDMI audio systems
4. S/PDIF soundbars
5. S/PDIF AV receivers
6. Digital audio processors
7. Amplifiers with S/PDIF input 
    
   For S/PDIF audio, use PCM, Dolby Digital 5.1, or compatible DTS audio.

What Network Equipment Is the UHD-EXM500PRO-K Compatible With?

For one-to-many and switch cascading setups, use:

1. Gigabit network switch
2. CAT 6 / CAT 6A / CAT 7 cabling
3. Properly terminated Ethernet cables
4. Dedicated AV network where possible 
    
   Avoid using low-speed 10/100Mbps switches. 
    
   For best results, keep the HDMI over IP system on a dedicated switch or separated from heavy data traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI UHD-EXM500PRO-K used for? 
A: The UHD-EXM500PRO-K is used to extend or distribute a 4K@60Hz HDMI signal over CAT cable or a 1G network switch. It supports one-to-one extension, one-to-many distribution, switch cascading, ARC, S/PDIF audio output, HDMI loop out, IR passthrough, RS-232, and CEC.

Q: Does the UHD-EXM500PRO-K support 4K@60Hz? 
A: Yes. It supports resolutions up to 4096x2160@60Hz and 3840x2160@60Hz.

Q: Does the UHD-EXM500PRO-K support 8K? 
A: No. It supports up to 4K@60Hz.

Q: Does the UHD-EXM500PRO-K 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 1.4 and 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 80m over CAT 5 / CAT 5e and up to 120m over CAT 6 / CAT 6A / CAT 7 cable.

Q: What CAT cable should I use? 
A: Use CAT 6 / CAT 6A / CAT 7 cable for best performance and maximum distance.

Q: Can I connect the Transmitter directly to the Receiver? 
A: Yes. One-to-one direct connection is supported.

Q: Can I use a network switch? 
A: Yes. One-to-many connection through a gigabit switch is supported.

Q: Can I use a 10/100Mbps switch? 
A: No. Use a gigabit switch.

Q: Can I connect one source to multiple TVs? 
A: Yes. Use one Transmitter with multiple Receivers through a gigabit switch.

Q: Does the UHD-EXM500PRO-K support switch cascading? 
A: Yes. The manual lists switch cascading support.

Q: Is this zero-latency? 
A: No. The manual lists transmission latency as less than or equal to 16ms.

Q: Does the UHD-EXM500PRO-K need power on both ends? 
A: Yes. Both the Transmitter and Receiver use DC 5V/2A power.

Q: Does it support Power over Cable? 
A: No Power over Cable function is listed in the manual.

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

Q: Does the UHD-EXM500PRO-K support ARC? 
A: Yes. HDMI ARC is supported and can be turned on or off using the Receiver ARC button.

Q: What does the ARC button do? 
A: The ARC button turns HDMI ARC on or off. In a multi-Receiver setup, ARC switches to the Receiver where the ARC button was last pressed.

Q: What does the ARC indicator mean? 
A: Off means ARC is off, slow flashing means ARC between the Transmitter and Receiver is connected, quick flashing means ARC between the TV and extender kit is connected, and steady on means ARC data is transmitting.

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

Q: What audio formats does S/PDIF support? 
A: The manual lists LPCM 2.1CH, DTS-Audio, and Dolby Digital 5.1CH for S/PDIF Out ARC.

Q: Does HDMI audio support Dolby Atmos? 
A: The manual lists Dolby Atmos DD+ support through HDMI output.

Q: Does the UHD-EXM500PRO-K support CEC? 
A: Yes. CEC is supported.

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

Q: Which IR cable goes into IR IN? 
A: The IR Receiver extension cable connects to IR IN.

Q: Which IR cable goes into IR OUT? 
A: The IR Blaster extension cable connects to IR OUT.

Q: Does it support RS-232? 
A: Yes. It supports RS-232 passthrough and command control.

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

Q: Can firmware be upgraded? 
A: Yes. Firmware can be upgraded through the Micro USB ports.

Q: What does the status indicator mean? 
A: Off means no Transmitter/Receiver connection, slow flashing means connected but no video data, quick flashing means video is connecting, and steady on means video data is transmitting.

Q: What should I do if there is no video? 
A: Check that both power adapters are connected, confirm HDMI source and display connections, check the status indicator, use CAT 6 or better cable, test one-to-one connection first, and press Reset if needed.

Q: What should I do if one-to-many does not work? 
A: Confirm you are using a gigabit switch, test one Receiver first, check all RJ45 connections, use high-quality CAT cables, and keep the system on a dedicated AV network if possible.

Q: What should I do if ARC audio does not work? 
A: Make sure the TV supports ARC, turn ARC on using the Receiver ARC button, check the ARC indicator, and set the TV audio output to PCM, Dolby Digital 5.1, or a compatible format.

Q: What should I do if S/PDIF audio does not work? 
A: Set the source or TV ARC audio output to PCM, Dolby Digital 5.1, or compatible DTS audio. Also confirm the audio device supports the selected format.

Q: What should I do if IR control does not work? 
A: Make sure the IR Receiver cable is connected to IR IN and the IR Blaster cable is connected to IR OUT. Place the IR Blaster near the device’s IR sensor.

Q: Does the UHD-EXM500PRO-K need external power? 
A: Yes. Connect one DC 5V/2A power adapter to the Transmitter and one DC 5V/2A power adapter to the Receiver.