EX-150C Overview and Use Cases

What Is the EX-150C?

The OREI EX-150C is an HDMI extender kit that sends HDMI video, audio, and bi-directional IR control over a single CAT 6 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 6 cable connects the Transmitter to the Receiver.

The EX-150C supports HDMI 1.4 and HDCP 2.2, with a video bandwidth of 10.2Gbps. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@30Hz, 4K@30Hz extension up to 50m / 164ft, 1080p@60Hz extension up to 60m / 196ft, Power over Cable, EDID copy from the Receiver display, and wideband bi-directional IR control. It also supports HDMI audio pass-through including LPCM 2.0 / 5.1 / 7.1CH, Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X.

The EX-150C is useful for home theaters, AV closets, conference rooms, classrooms, offices, retail displays, projectors, and commercial AV installations where an HDMI source needs to be extended to a remote display using CAT cable.

IMPORTANT — EX-150C Supports 4K@30Hz, Not 4K@60Hz or 8K

The EX-150C 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-150C supports different extension distances depending on the video resolution.

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

IMPORTANT — Use a Direct CAT Cable Connection

The EX-150C should be connected directly from the Transmitter CAT OUT port to the Receiver CAT IN port.

Do not connect the extender through:

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

IMPORTANT — Power over Cable Is Supported

The EX-150C supports Power over Cable.

The manual states that power can be connected to either the Transmitter or Receiver.

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

If one side does not power on, check the CAT cable connection and confirm the included power adapter is connected properly.

IMPORTANT — Bi-Directional IR Control Is Supported

The EX-150C supports wideband IR control from 30kHz to 60kHz.

This means IR signals can travel in both directions:

1. Control the HDMI source from the display side
2. Control the display from the source side 
    
   The package includes:
3. 2x IR Blaster cables
4. 2x IR Receiver cables 
    
   Make sure the IR Receiver cable connects to IR IN and the IR Blaster cable connects to IR OUT.

IMPORTANT — EDID Copy From Receiver Display Is Supported

The EX-150C supports copying EDID from the Receiver display.

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

This helps with:

1. Resolution detection
2. Audio format compatibility
3. HDMI handshake
4. Display compatibility 
    
   If there is no video or the wrong resolution appears, power cycle the source device after the extender and display are connected.

IMPORTANT — No HDMI Loop Out

The EX-150C 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 Separate Audio Extraction Output

The EX-150C does not include Optical, Coaxial, RCA, or 3.5mm audio extraction.

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

If separate audio extraction is needed, use an extender model with built-in audio output.

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, streaming device, cable box, laptop, or media player.
2. Connect the HDMI display to HDMI OUT on the Receiver. 
   Examples include a TV, monitor, projector, or commercial display.
3. Connect CAT OUT on the Transmitter to CAT IN on the Receiver using CAT 6 cable.
4. Connect the included 12V/1A power adapter to either the Transmitter or Receiver.
5. Power on the HDMI source device and display.
6. Confirm that the Power LED and Link LED are active.
7. If using IR control, connect the IR Receiver and IR Blaster cables based on the direction of control needed.
8. Test video, audio, and IR control.

CAT Cable Requirement — Critical

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

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

1. No video
2. Flickering
3. Black screen
4. Signal dropouts
5. Link LED not lighting
6. Audio dropouts
7. IR control issues
8. 4K@30Hz not working 
    
   Do not connect the CAT cable through a network switch or router.

HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical

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

Poor HDMI cables may cause:

1. No picture
2. Flickering
3. Audio dropouts
4. HDCP handshake issues
5. No signal
6. 4K@30Hz not working correctly 
    
   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.

It has:

1. HDMI IN for the source
2. CAT OUT to connect to the Receiver
3. IR IN and IR OUT for bi-directional IR control
4. Link LED
5. Power LED
6. DC 12V power input 
    
   The Transmitter can be powered directly using the included power adapter, or it can receive power through the CAT cable if the Receiver side is powered.

Understanding the Receiver

The Receiver is installed near the remote display.

It has:

1. CAT IN from the Transmitter
2. HDMI OUT to the display
3. IR IN and IR OUT for bi-directional IR control
4. Link LED
5. Power LED
6. DC 12V power input 
    
   The Receiver can be powered directly using the included power adapter, or it can receive power through the CAT cable if the Transmitter side is powered.

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 TV/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

Understanding IR Cable Placement

The IR Receiver receives remote control signals.

The IR Blaster sends IR signals to the device being controlled.

For reliable IR control:

1. Place the IR Receiver where the remote control has line of sight
2. Place the IR Blaster near the IR sensor of the device being controlled
3. Make sure IR IN uses the IR Receiver cable
4. Make sure IR OUT uses the IR Blaster cable

Supported Video and Audio

The EX-150C supports video formats including:

Supported HDMI audio formats include:

The connected source and display/audio device must also support the selected video and audio format.

What Source Devices Is the EX-150C Compatible With?

The OREI EX-150C 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. Laptops with HDMI output
9. Desktop PCs with HDMI output
10. DVRs
11. Game consoles with supported HDMI output 
     
    For best compatibility, set the source resolution to 4K@30Hz or lower.

What Displays Is the EX-150C Compatible With?

The EX-150C 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 displays
9. Home theater displays 
    
   For 4K@30Hz, the connected display must support 4K@30Hz input. 
    
   For troubleshooting, set the source output to 1080p@60Hz.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI EX-150C used for? 
A: The EX-150C is used to extend HDMI video, audio, and IR control over a single CAT 6 cable. It supports up to 4K@30Hz at 50m / 164ft and 1080p@60Hz at 60m / 196ft.

Q: Does the EX-150C support 4K? 
A: Yes. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@30Hz.

Q: Does the EX-150C support 4K@60Hz? 
A: No. It supports up to 4K@30Hz only.

Q: Does the EX-150C support 8K? 
A: No. It does not support 8K.

Q: Does the EX-150C support 4K@120Hz? 
A: No. It does not support 4K@120Hz.

Q: What HDMI version does the EX-150C support? 
A: It supports HDMI 1.4.

Q: What HDCP version does it support? 
A: The manual lists HDCP 2.2 support.

Q: What video bandwidth does it support? 
A: It supports 10.2Gbps video bandwidth.

Q: How far can it extend HDMI? 
A: It supports up to 50m / 164ft at 4K@30Hz and up to 60m / 196ft at 1080p@60Hz over CAT 6 cable.

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

Q: Can I connect the EX-150C through a network switch? 
A: No. The Transmitter and Receiver must be connected directly with CAT cable.

Q: Does the EX-150C need power on both ends? 
A: No. The manual lists Power over Cable support. The included 12V/1A adapter can be connected to either the Transmitter or Receiver.

Q: What is Power over Cable? 
A: Power over Cable means one unit can send power to the other unit through the CAT cable.

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

Q: Does the EX-150C support IR control? 
A: Yes. It supports bi-directional wideband IR control from 30kHz to 60kHz.

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

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

Q: Does the EX-150C support EDID copy? 
A: Yes. The manual lists copy EDID support from the Receiver display.

Q: Does the EX-150C 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 LPCM 2.0 / 5.1 / 7.1CH, Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X.

Q: What should I do if there is no video? 
A: Check that the power adapter is connected, confirm the Link LEDs are active, use a direct CAT 6 cable connection, test with a shorter CAT cable, 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 50m / 164ft, use high-quality CAT 6 cable, confirm the source and display support 4K@30Hz, and try shorter HDMI cables.

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 EX-150C need external power? 
A: Yes. Connect the included 12V/1A power adapter to either the Transmitter or Receiver.