UHD-EXM500-K Overview and Use Cases

What Is the UHD-EXM500-K?

The OREI UHD-EXM500-K is a 4K@60Hz HDMI over 1G IP extender kit with IR, RS-232 control, HDMI loop output, and one-to-many distribution support. It extends HDMI audio/video up to 500ft using CAT6 / CAT7 cable and can work in a direct one-to-one setup or through a Gigabit network switch for one-to-many display distribution.

The kit includes one Transmitter, one Receiver, one IR Blaster cable, one IR Receiver cable, mounting ears, screws, RS-232 terminal blocks, one DC 5V/1A power adapter, and a user manual. The HDMI source connects to HDMI IN on the Transmitter, the local display connects to HDMI OUT on the Transmitter if needed, the remote display connects to HDMI OUT on the Receiver, and CAT cable connects the Transmitter to the Receiver directly or through a Gigabit switch.

The UHD-EXM500-K supports HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 1.4 / 2.2, with a video bandwidth of 18Gbps. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz, 2560x1440@60Hz, 2560x1600@60Hz, 1920x1200@60Hz, 1080p@50/60Hz, and 720p@50/60Hz. It uses ipcolor STREAM technology for high-definition, low-latency transmission and supports one-way IR from Receiver to Transmitter, RS-232 control, firmware upgrades through Micro-USB, and one-to-one or one-to-many connection through a network switch. 

This product is useful for conference rooms, classrooms, churches, restaurants, bars, retail displays, sports viewing areas, digital signage, control rooms, AV racks, and commercial installations where one HDMI source needs to be extended or duplicated to one or multiple displays over CAT cable.

IMPORTANT — UHD-EXM500-K Is HDMI Over 1G IP

The UHD-EXM500-K uses HDMI over 1G IP technology.

This product can duplicate one HDMI source to multiple displays by adding compatible Receivers through a network switch. It does not create independent extended desktop screens from one HDMI output.

IMPORTANT — Supports 4K@60Hz

The UHD-EXM500-K supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz.

To get 4K@60Hz, the HDMI source, display, HDMI cables, CAT cable, switch if used, and source output settings must all support the required signal.

IMPORTANT — Extends up to 500ft

The UHD-EXM500-K supports transmission distance up to 120m / 500ft.

For the full 500ft distance, the manual recommends CAT6 round shielded cable.

Poor cable quality, damaged connectors, weak terminations, couplers, or low-quality patch paths may reduce distance or cause video dropouts.

IMPORTANT — One-to-One and One-to-Many Setups Are Supported

The UHD-EXM500-K can be used in three common setups.

The application diagrams show direct one-to-one connection, one-to-many connection through a Gigabit switch, and one-to-many connection through cascaded network switches.

For one-to-many setups, all displays show the same HDMI source.

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

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

Because this is a 4K HDMI over 1G IP extender, a Gigabit switch is required for reliable one-to-many distribution.

IMPORTANT — HDMI Loop Output Is on the Transmitter

The Transmitter includes HDMI OUT.

This HDMI output can connect a local display near the source.

This is useful for AV racks, source rooms, control desks, classrooms, bars, restaurants, and commercial display setups where a local display is needed near the source.

IMPORTANT — One-Way IR Control Is Supported

The UHD-EXM500-K supports one-way IR transmission from the Receiver to the Transmitter.

This allows the user at the display side to control the HDMI source device.

Typical IR setup:

The IR frequency range is 20kHz to 60kHz.

Use the source device remote from the Receiver/display side.

IMPORTANT — RS-232 Control Is Supported

The UHD-EXM500-K supports RS-232 control.

RS-232 can be used for control applications, device integration, and professional AV setups.

The package includes two RS-232 terminal blocks.

IMPORTANT — Firmware Upgrade Ports Are Included

Both the Transmitter and Receiver include Micro-USB upgrade ports.

The manual states that firmware can be upgraded by connecting the device to a PC through a Micro-USB cable and checking the product page downloads section for firmware updates.

IMPORTANT — Power Adapter Is Included

The UHD-EXM500-K package includes one DC 5V/1A power adapter.

If a unit does not power on, check the power adapter, outlet, DC 5V connection, and power indicator.

IMPORTANT — Recommended HDMI and CAT Cable

The troubleshooting section recommends high-quality HDMI cables under 30ft and round-shielded CAT6 cables.

Poor HDMI or CAT cable can cause:

• No video 
• Flickering 
• Black screen 
• 4K@60Hz not working 
• Link issue 
• Intermittent signal 
• Receiver-side display issue 

Ports and Panel Layout

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

1. Connect the HDMI source device to HDMI IN on the Transmitter. 
   Examples include a Blu-ray player, cable box, streaming device, DVR, NVR, laptop, desktop PC, or media player. 
2. Connect a local display to HDMI OUT on the Transmitter if needed. 
3. Connect CAT OUT on the Transmitter to CAT IN on the Receiver using CAT6 / CAT7 cable. 
4. Connect HDMI OUT on the Receiver to the remote display. 
5. Connect the DC 5V/1A power adapter. 
6. If using IR control, connect the IR Blaster to IR OUT on the Transmitter. 
7. Place the IR Blaster near the HDMI source device’s IR window. 
8. Connect the IR Receiver to IR IN on the Receiver. 
9. Place the IR Receiver near the remote display. 
10. Power on the HDMI source, display, Transmitter, Receiver, and connected devices. 
11. Test video, audio, local HDMI output, IR control, and RS-232 if used. 

Step-by-Step Setup — One-to-Many Through Network Switch

1. Connect the HDMI source to HDMI IN on the Transmitter. 
2. Connect a local display to HDMI OUT on the Transmitter if needed. 
3. Connect CAT OUT on the Transmitter to a Gigabit network switch using CAT6 / CAT7 cable. 
4. Connect each Receiver CAT IN to the same Gigabit switch. 
5. Connect each Receiver HDMI OUT to a display. 
6. Connect power to the Transmitter, Receivers, switch, source, and displays. 
7. Connect IR Receiver cables to Receiver IR IN ports if source control is needed from display locations. 
8. Connect the IR Blaster to IR OUT on the Transmitter. 
9. Test video on all displays. 

All connected Receivers will show the same HDMI source.

Step-by-Step Setup — Cascaded Network Switches

1. Connect the HDMI source to the Transmitter. 
2. Connect the Transmitter CAT OUT to the first Gigabit switch. 
3. Connect additional Gigabit switches in cascade as needed. 
4. Connect Receivers to the switch network. 
5. Connect each Receiver HDMI OUT to a display. 
6. Power on all switches, Receivers, the Transmitter, HDMI source, and displays. 
7. Test video on every display location. 

This setup is useful when displays are spread across different zones or rooms.

CAT Cable Requirement — Critical

Use high-quality CAT cable.

Poor CAT cable may cause:

• No video 
• Flickering 
• Black screen 
• Receiver not linking 
• 4K@60Hz not working 
• Signal instability 
• One-to-many distribution issues 
• Reduced working distance 

Use properly terminated cable and avoid poor patch paths.

HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical

Use high-quality HDMI cables under 30ft.

Poor HDMI cables may cause:

• No picture 
• Flickering 
• Black screen 
• 4K@60Hz not working 
• HDR issues 
• Audio dropouts 
• HDCP handshake issues 
• Local HDMI OUT not working 
• Receiver HDMI OUT not working 

For troubleshooting, test the HDMI source directly with the display before using the extender.

Power Requirement — Critical

The UHD-EXM500-K uses DC 5V/1A power.

If there is no video, first confirm that both ends are powered and the link indicators are active.

Understanding the Transmitter

The Transmitter is installed near the HDMI source.

It has:

• HDMI IN 
• HDMI OUT local output 
• CAT OUT 
• IR OUT 
• RS-232 
• Micro-USB upgrade port 
• Reset button 
• DC 5V power input 

The Transmitter receives the HDMI source signal and sends it over CAT cable directly to a Receiver or to a Gigabit switch.

Understanding the Receiver

The Receiver is installed near the remote display.

It has:

• CAT IN 
• HDMI OUT 
• IR IN 
• RS-232 
• Micro-USB upgrade port 
• Reset button 
• DC 5V power input 

The Receiver receives the HDMI over IP signal and outputs HDMI to the display.

Understanding HDMI Loop Output

The Transmitter HDMI OUT lets the source-side location have a local display.

This is helpful for:

• Source racks 
• Control desks 
• Monitoring stations 
• Classrooms 
• Sports bars 
• Restaurants 
• Retail display systems 
• AV installation testing 

The local display and remote Receiver display show the same HDMI source.

Understanding One-to-Many Distribution

One-to-many distribution allows one Transmitter to send the same HDMI source to multiple Receivers through a Gigabit switch.

Use this when:

• One media player needs to feed multiple displays 
• A sports source needs to show on several TVs 
• A signage player needs to feed multiple screens 
• A classroom source needs to be shown on multiple displays 
• More displays may be added later 

Additional compatible Receivers can be added through the switch.

Understanding IR Control

IR control lets the HDMI source be controlled from the Receiver/display side.

Typical setup:

The IR Blaster should be connected to IR OUT on the Transmitter and placed next to the source device. The IR Receiver should be connected to IR IN on the Receiver and placed next to the display.

Understanding RS-232 Control

RS-232 can be used for device control in professional AV systems.

Common uses include:

• Control system integration 
• Serial commands 
• Display or source control workflows 
• AV rack control 
• Installer troubleshooting 

The product includes RS-232 terminal blocks for connection.

Supported Video and Audio

The UHD-EXM500-K supports video formats including:

Supported HDMI audio formats include:

Supported Technical Specifications

What Source Devices Is the UHD-EXM500-K Compatible With?

The UHD-EXM500-K is compatible with HDMI source devices such as:

• Blu-ray players 
• DVD players 
• Cable boxes 
• Satellite receivers 
• Streaming devices 
• Media players 
• Desktop PCs 
• Laptops with HDMI output 
• DVRs 
• NVRs 
• Game consoles 
• HDMI matrix outputs 
• HDMI switch outputs 

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

What Displays Is the UHD-EXM500-K Compatible With?

The UHD-EXM500-K can connect to HDMI displays such as:

• 4K TVs 
• 1080p TVs 
• Projectors 
• Monitors 
• Commercial displays 
• Digital signage screens 
• Classroom displays 
• Conference room displays 
• Restaurant TVs 
• Bar displays 
• Retail displays 
• Local display near the source 
• Remote displays through Receivers 

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI UHD-EXM500-K used for? 
A: It is used to extend a 4K@60Hz HDMI source over CAT cable using HDMI over 1G IP technology. It can work one-to-one or one-to-many through a Gigabit switch.

Q: Does the UHD-EXM500-K support 4K@60Hz? 
A: Yes. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz.

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

Q: Does it 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. HDR pass-through is supported.

Q: How far can it extend HDMI? 
A: It extends HDMI up to 120m / 500ft using CAT cable.

Q: What CAT cable should I use? 
A: For the full 500ft distance, use CAT6 round shielded cable. The manual also lists CAT5 / CAT5e / CAT6 or above compatibility.

Q: Can I use CAT7 cable? 
A: Yes. The introduction and application examples mention CAT6 / CAT7 cable use.

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 network switch is supported.

Q: Can I cascade network switches? 
A: Yes. The manual shows one-to-many connection through cascaded network switches.

Q: Can I add more Receivers later? 
A: Yes. Additional Receivers can be added through a network switch.

Q: Does it create different video on each display? 
A: No. It duplicates the same input source to multiple outputs.

Q: Can it extend multiple screens from one computer? 
A: No. It duplicates the input source. It does not create extended desktop screens.

Q: Does the Transmitter have HDMI loop output? 
A: Yes. The Transmitter has HDMI OUT for a local display at the source.

Q: What is HDMI loop output used for? 
A: It lets a local display near the source show the same HDMI signal while the Receiver displays the extended signal.

Q: Does it support IR control? 
A: Yes. It supports one-way IR from the Receiver to the Transmitter.

Q: Which IR cable goes on the Transmitter? 
A: The IR Blaster connects to IR OUT on the Transmitter.

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

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

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

Q: Does it support firmware upgrades? 
A: Yes. Both units include Micro-USB upgrade ports.

Q: How do I upgrade the firmware? 
A: Connect the device to a PC using a Micro-USB cable and check the Downloads section on the product page for firmware updates.

Q: What power adapter does it use? 
A: It uses a DC 5V/1A power adapter.

Q: Does the package include a power adapter? 
A: Yes. The package includes one DC 5V/1A power adapter.

Q: What should I do if there is no video from the Receiver? 
A: Check whether the power and link LEDs are on at both ends, change the HDMI cable going to the display, change the CAT cable, check whether the Transmitter HDMI OUT works, and press the Receiver reset button.

Q: What should I do if there is no video from the Receiver and no video from the Transmitter HDMI OUT? 
A: Check power and link LEDs, change the HDMI cables, change the CAT cable, and test the HDMI OUT on the Transmitter.

Q: What should I do if 4K@60Hz does not work on the Receiver? 
A: Check that the display is set to 4K, use an HDMI cable that supports 4K@60Hz, keep the CAT cable within 120m / 500ft, test the Transmitter HDMI OUT, and confirm the source output is set to 4K.

Q: Can it extend beyond 500ft? 
A: The manual notes that signal may be possible beyond the listed distance, but video quality decreases as distance increases, especially when using shielded CAT6 cable.

Q: Can I daisy chain this product with another extender? 
A: Yes, the manual says it can be daisy chained with another set of the same model, but it also notes that one-to-many over IP is supported, so additional Receivers are usually the better way to add more displays.

Q: What HDMI cable should I use? 
A: Use high-quality HDMI cables under 30ft.

Q: What CAT cable should I use for best performance? 
A: Use round-shielded CAT6 cable.

Q: What should I do if IR does not work? 
A: Connect the IR Blaster to IR OUT on the Transmitter and the IR Receiver to IR IN on the Receiver. Place the IR Blaster near the source device and the IR Receiver near the display.

Q: Does the UHD-EXM500-K need external power? 
A: Yes. Connect the DC 5V/1A power adapter to power the system.