EX-500-KVM Overview and Use Cases

What Is the EX-500-KVM?

The OREI EX-500-KVM is a 4K@60Hz HDMI and KVM over 1G IP extender kit. It extends HDMI video, HDMI audio, and USB keyboard/mouse control over CAT 5 / CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable.

The kit includes a Transmitter and Receiver. The HDMI source or computer connects to the Transmitter, the HDMI display connects to the Receiver, and the units can be connected directly, through a network switch, or through cascaded network switches.

The EX-500-KVM supports HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.2, and USB 1.1, with a video bandwidth up to 18Gbps. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz, KVM control from the Receiver side, one-to-one connection, one-to-many connection, switch cascading, and transmission distance up to 120m / 393ft over CAT 6 cable.

The EX-500-KVM is useful for work-from-home setups, commercial AV systems, offices, classrooms, control rooms, digital signage, monitoring rooms, and installations where a computer needs to be viewed and controlled from a remote display location.

IMPORTANT — EX-500-KVM Is an HDMI and KVM Over IP Extender

The EX-500-KVM is different from a basic point-to-point HDMI extender.

It supports:

This makes it suitable for both remote computer control and HDMI signal distribution.

IMPORTANT — EX-500-KVM Supports 4K@60Hz

The EX-500-KVM supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz.

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

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

IMPORTANT — Transmission Distance Depends on Cable Type

The EX-500-KVM supports different transmission distances depending on the CAT cable type.

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

IMPORTANT — Use Straight-Through TIA-568B CAT Cable

The manual shows that the EX-500-KVM should be used with straight-through CAT cable following the TIA-568B standard.

Do not use cross-connection wiring such as TIA-568A to T568B.

The manual notes that the device will not work with cross-connection CAT cables.

Use straight-through T568B-to-T568B wiring.

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

The EX-500-KVM supports one-to-many over IP connectivity through a network switch or cascaded network switches.

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

Do not use a 10/100Mbps switch.

For best reliability, keep the extender system on a dedicated AV network when possible.

IMPORTANT — KVM Function Uses USB 1.1

The EX-500-KVM supports USB 1.1 for KVM control.

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 — Both Transmitter and Receiver Need Power

The package includes two DC 5V/1A power adapters.

This means both the Transmitter and Receiver need their own power connection.

This model does not list Power over Cable.

Connect one power adapter to the Transmitter and the second power adapter to the Receiver.

IMPORTANT — This Is Not Zero-Latency

The EX-500-KVM is an HDMI over IP extender, so it has transmission latency.

The manual lists latency as:

This is suitable for many office, signage, monitoring, and control applications, but it is not ideal for fast gaming or applications that require instant response.

IMPORTANT — No HDMI Loop Out

The EX-500-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 source, use a separate HDMI splitter or choose a model with HDMI loop output.

IMPORTANT — Audio Support Is LPCM 2.0

The manual lists HDMI output audio as LPCM 2.0.

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

This model does not list Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, or Dolby Atmos support.

IMPORTANT — Firmware Upgrade Ports Are Included

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

These ports are used for firmware updates only.

They are not needed for normal HDMI or KVM operation.

Ports and Panel Layout

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Connect the HDMI source device to HDMI IN on the Transmitter. 
   Examples include a PC, laptop, media player, streaming device, DVD player, or HDMI source.
2. Connect the computer USB port to the USB port on the Transmitter for KVM control.
3. Connect HDMI OUT on the Receiver to the display. 
   Examples include a TV, monitor, projector, or commercial display.
4. Connect keyboard and mouse to the USB ports on the Receiver.
5. For one-to-one setup, connect the Transmitter RJ45 port directly to the Receiver RJ45 port using CAT 5 / CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable.
6. For one-to-many setup, connect the Transmitter to a gigabit switch, then connect one or more Receivers to the same switch.
7. Connect one DC 5V/1A power adapter to the Transmitter.
8. Connect the second DC 5V/1A power adapter to the Receiver.
9. Power on the HDMI source, display, Transmitter, Receiver, and network switch if used.
10. Check the power and KVM indicators.
11. Test video, audio, keyboard, and mouse control.

CAT Cable Requirement — Critical

Use high-quality CAT 5 / CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable.

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

1. No video
2. Flickering
3. Black screen
4. Network connection issues
5. KVM not working
6. Signal dropouts
7. 4K@60Hz not working
8. Audio dropouts
9. One-to-many connection issues 
    
   For one-to-many setups, use a gigabit network switch.

HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical

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

The manual lists HDMI cable length up to 5m.

Poor HDMI cables may cause:

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

USB Cable Requirement — Critical

For KVM control, the computer must be connected to the Transmitter using USB.

The package includes one USB cable.

If keyboard or mouse control does not work:

1. Confirm the computer USB port is connected to the Transmitter USB port
2. Confirm keyboard and mouse are connected to the Receiver USB ports
3. Check the KVM indicator
4. Use basic wired USB keyboard and mouse devices

Understanding One-to-One Connection

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

Example:

Use this setup when one source needs to be extended to one remote display with keyboard and mouse control.

Understanding One-to-Many Connection

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

Example:

Use this setup when the same source needs to be displayed on multiple screens.

Understanding Switch Cascading

The EX-500-KVM supports switch cascading.

This allows the extender system to pass through multiple network switches.

Use gigabit switches only.

If the signal is unstable, test with one Transmitter, one Receiver, and one switch first before adding more Receivers or cascaded switches.

Understanding KVM Function

KVM means keyboard, video, and mouse.

The EX-500-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 the KVM Indicator

The KVM indicator shows the USB/KVM connection status.

Use this indicator when troubleshooting keyboard and mouse control.

Understanding the Power Indicator

The power indicator lights when the device receives power.

If the power indicator is off:

1. Check the DC 5V power adapter
2. Check the power outlet
3. Confirm the power connector is fully inserted
4. Try the second included adapter if needed

Understanding the Reset Button

Both the Transmitter and Receiver include a Reset button.

Press Reset once to restart the device.

Use Reset if:

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

Understanding Firmware Upgrade

Both units include Micro USB ports for firmware upgrade.

Use these ports only when firmware is provided by OREI support or from the product downloads section.

Do not disconnect power during firmware upgrade.

Supported Video and Audio

The EX-500-KVM supports video resolutions including:

Supported audio:

Transmission latency:

What Source Devices Is the EX-500-KVM Compatible With?

The OREI EX-500-KVM is compatible with HDMI source devices such as:

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

What Displays Is the EX-500-KVM Compatible With?

The EX-500-KVM 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. Control room displays
9. Monitoring displays
10. Digital signage displays 
     
    For 4K@60Hz, the connected display must support 4K@60Hz input.

What USB Devices Is the EX-500-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 Network Equipment Is the EX-500-KVM Compatible With?

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

1. Gigabit network switch
2. CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable
3. Properly terminated straight-through CAT cable
4. Dedicated AV network when possible 
    
   Avoid 10/100Mbps switches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI EX-500-KVM used for? 
A: The EX-500-KVM is used to extend or distribute 4K@60Hz HDMI video, HDMI audio, and USB keyboard/mouse control over CAT cable or through a gigabit network switch.

Q: Is the EX-500-KVM an HDMI over IP extender? 
A: Yes. It supports one-to-one, one-to-many, and switch cascading over 1G IP.

Q: Does the EX-500-KVM support 4K@60Hz? 
A: Yes. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz.

Q: Does the EX-500-KVM support 8K? 
A: No. It supports up to 4K@60Hz.

Q: Does the EX-500-KVM 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 2.2.

Q: What video bandwidth does it support? 
A: It supports video bandwidth up to 18Gbps.

Q: How far can it extend HDMI? 
A: It supports up to 80m over CAT 5, 100m over CAT 5e, and 120m / 393ft over CAT 6 cable.

Q: What CAT cable should I use? 
A: Use high-quality CAT 6 cable for best performance and maximum distance.

Q: What wiring standard should I use? 
A: Use straight-through TIA-568B wiring.

Q: Can I use cross-connection CAT cable? 
A: No. The manual states the device will not work with cross-connection CAT cables such as TIA-568A.

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 network switch is supported.

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

Q: Can I cascade network switches? 
A: Yes. The manual shows switch cascading support.

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

Q: Does this create extended desktop across multiple displays? 
A: No. It distributes or duplicates the same source signal. It does not create multiple independent extended desktop screens by itself.

Q: Does it support KVM? 
A: Yes. It supports keyboard and mouse control from the Receiver side.

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

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

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 USB port, and connect keyboard and mouse to the Receiver USB ports.

Q: Does it need power on both ends? 
A: Yes. The package includes two DC 5V/1A power adapters, one for the Transmitter and one for the Receiver.

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: No. This model does not include HDMI loop out.

Q: What audio formats are supported? 
A: The manual lists LPCM 2.0 audio support.

Q: Does it support Dolby or DTS audio? 
A: The manual only lists LPCM 2.0. Set the source audio output to PCM / Stereo for best compatibility.

Q: Is this zero-latency? 
A: No. The manual lists 80–110ms latency for 1080p and 120–170ms latency for 4K@60Hz.

Q: Is it good for gaming? 
A: It is not ideal for fast gaming because it has noticeable latency. It is better suited for workstations, monitoring, signage, office, and commercial AV applications.

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

Q: What does the KVM indicator mean? 
A: Blinking means KVM data is transmitting. Steady means the computer and USB port are connected.

Q: What should I do if there is no video? 
A: Check both power adapters, confirm HDMI input and output connections, use a straight-through CAT cable, test one-to-one connection first, and press Reset on the Transmitter and Receiver.

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

Q: What should I do if keyboard or mouse control does not work? 
A: Make sure the computer is connected to the Transmitter USB port, keyboard and mouse are connected to the Receiver USB ports, and the KVM indicator shows a connection.

Q: What should I do if one-to-many does not work? 
A: Use a gigabit switch, test one Receiver first, check all CAT cables, and keep the system on a dedicated AV network if possible.

Q: Does the EX-500-KVM need external power? 
A: Yes. Connect one DC 5V/1A power adapter to the Transmitter and the second DC 5V/1A power adapter to the Receiver.