UHD-EXM500-KVM Overview and Use Cases

What Is the UHD-EXM500-KVM?

The OREI UHD-EXM500-KVM is a 4K@60Hz HDMI and KVM over 1G IP extender kit. It can extend HDMI video, HDMI audio, USB keyboard/mouse control, RS-232, and analog audio over CAT cable.

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 or through a gigabit network switch.

The UHD-EXM500-KVM supports HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 1.4 / 2.2, with a video bandwidth of 18Gbps. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz, one-to-one connection, one-to-many connection through a network switch, switch cascading, HDMI loop out on the Transmitter, USB KVM extension, RS-232 command control, firmware upgrade through Micro USB, L/R analog audio input on the Transmitter, L/R analog audio output on the Receiver, and transmission distance up to 120m over CAT 5e / CAT 6 or better cable.

The UHD-EXM500-KVM is useful for home offices, conference rooms, classrooms, control rooms, manufacturing units, digital signage, monitoring rooms, and commercial AV installations where a PC or HDMI source needs to be extended and controlled remotely.

IMPORTANT — UHD-EXM500-KVM Is an HDMI and KVM Over IP Extender

The UHD-EXM500-KVM is different from a basic point-to-point HDMI extender.

It supports:

This makes the product useful for both signal extension and HDMI distribution.

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

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

Do not use a 10/100Mbps switch.

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

IMPORTANT — UHD-EXM500-KVM Supports 4K@60Hz

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

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

IMPORTANT — Transmission Distance Is up to 120m

The UHD-EXM500-KVM supports transmission distance up to 120m over CAT cable.

The manual also describes this as up to 500ft, but 120m is approximately 394ft. For installation planning, use 120m as the listed specification.

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

IMPORTANT — HDMI Loop Out Is on the Transmitter

The Transmitter includes HDMI OUT.

This allows a local display to be connected near the HDMI source.

For example, a PC can connect to the Transmitter HDMI IN, a local monitor can connect to the Transmitter HDMI OUT, and the remote display can connect to the Receiver HDMI OUT.

IMPORTANT — KVM Function Is Supported

The UHD-EXM500-KVM supports KVM extension.

This allows a keyboard and mouse connected at the Receiver side to control the computer connected at the Transmitter side.

To use KVM:

1. Connect HDMI from the PC to the Transmitter HDMI IN
2. Connect USB from the PC to the Transmitter USB-A port
3. Connect keyboard and mouse to the Receiver USB-A ports

IMPORTANT — One-to-Many Does Not Create Extended Desktop

The UHD-EXM500-KVM can send one source to multiple Receivers through a network switch.

However, it duplicates the same input source to multiple displays.

It does not create multiple independent extended desktop screens by itself.

IMPORTANT — RS-232 Command Control Is Supported

The UHD-EXM500-KVM includes RS-232 ports on both the Transmitter and Receiver.

RS-232 can be used for command control or control-system integration.

The package includes RS-232 terminal blocks.

IMPORTANT — Audio Format Support Is Limited

The manual lists audio support as:

If there is no audio, set the source device 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 — Analog Audio Input and Output Are Included

The Transmitter includes L/R IN.

The Receiver includes L/R OUT.

This allows analog stereo audio to be sent with the system.

The L/R audio support is PCM 2.0.

IMPORTANT — Both Transmitter and Receiver Need Power

The package includes two DC 5V/2A power adapters.

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

This model does not list Power over Cable.

IMPORTANT — Firmware Can Be Upgraded Through Micro USB

Both the Transmitter and Receiver include Micro USB upgrade ports.

These ports are used for firmware upgrade.

They are not needed for normal HDMI extension setup.

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, Blu-ray player, cable box, or HDMI matrix output.
2. Connect a local display to HDMI OUT on the Transmitter if needed.
3. Connect the Receiver HDMI OUT to the remote display.
4. For one-to-one setup, connect CAT OUT on the Transmitter directly to CAT IN on the Receiver using CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable.
5. For one-to-many setup, connect the Transmitter to a gigabit switch, then connect one or more Receivers to the same 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. If using KVM, connect the computer USB port to the Transmitter USB-A port.
9. Connect keyboard and mouse to the Receiver USB-A ports.
10. If using analog audio, connect audio source to L/R IN on the Transmitter and connect speakers or audio system to L/R OUT on the Receiver.
11. If using RS-232, connect the RS-232 terminal blocks to the control system or controlled device.
12. Power on the source, display, Transmitter, Receiver, and network switch if used.
13. Check the Power, Status, and KVM indicators.
14. Test video, audio, keyboard/mouse control, local loop output, and RS-232 control.

CAT Cable Requirement — Critical

For best performance, use high-quality CAT 5e / CAT 6 or better cable.

The manual recommends a round-shielded CAT 6 cable for best performance.

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

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

HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical

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

The manual recommends HDMI cables under 30ft.

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 on local HDMI output
8. No signal on Receiver HDMI output 
    
   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 to one Receiver.

Example:

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

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 classrooms, signage, offices, manufacturing floors, monitoring rooms, or other applications where one source needs to appear on multiple displays.

Understanding Switch Cascading

The UHD-EXM500-KVM supports one-to-many connection through cascaded network switches.

Use gigabit switches only.

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

Understanding HDMI Loop Out

The HDMI OUT port on the Transmitter is used for a local display.

This allows the source to be viewed near the equipment rack while also being extended to the Receiver.

Example:

Understanding KVM Function

KVM means keyboard, video, and mouse.

The UHD-EXM500-KVM allows keyboard and mouse control from the Receiver side.

Basic KVM setup:

This allows the computer to be installed near the source equipment while the user controls it from the remote display location.

Understanding the KVM Indicator

The KVM indicator shows KVM connection status.

Use this indicator when troubleshooting keyboard and mouse control.

Understanding the Status Indicator

The orange Status indicator shows connection and signal status.

The manual lists both slow flash and quick flash as connection successful but no video transmission. If either flashing state appears, check HDMI source output, HDMI cables, and source/display settings.

Understanding Analog Audio

The UHD-EXM500-KVM supports analog stereo audio.

The analog L/R output supports PCM 2.0.

If there is no audio, set the source to PCM / Stereo.

Understanding RS-232 Control

The UHD-EXM500-KVM includes RS-232 ports on both units.

RS-232 can be used for:

1. Control systems
2. Display control
3. Projector control
4. Command control
5. AV system integration 
    
   Use the included RS-232 terminal blocks.

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 UHD-EXM500-KVM supports video formats including:

Supported color formats include:

Supported color depth:

Supported audio:

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

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

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

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

The UHD-EXM500-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. Control room displays
9. Manufacturing floor displays
10. Digital signage displays 
     
    For 4K@60Hz, the display must support 4K@60Hz input.

What USB Devices Is the UHD-EXM500-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.

What Audio Devices Is the UHD-EXM500-KVM Compatible With?

The Receiver L/R OUT can connect to:

1. Powered speakers
2. Stereo amplifier
3. Audio input device
4. Home theater audio input
5. 3.5mm analog audio system 
    
   For analog audio output, use PCM / Stereo audio.

What Network Equipment Is the UHD-EXM500-KVM Compatible With?

For one-to-many setups, use:

1. Gigabit network switch
2. CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable
3. Round-shielded CAT 6 cable for best performance
4. Dedicated AV network when possible 
    
   Avoid 10/100Mbps switches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI UHD-EXM500-KVM used for? 
A: The UHD-EXM500-KVM is used to extend or distribute 4K@60Hz HDMI video, HDMI audio, USB keyboard/mouse control, RS-232, and analog audio over CAT cable or through a gigabit network switch.

Q: Is the UHD-EXM500-KVM an HDMI over IP extender? 
A: Yes. It is a 4K@60Hz HDMI and KVM over 1G IP extender.

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

Q: Does the UHD-EXM500-KVM support 8K? 
A: No. It supports up to 4K@60Hz.

Q: Does the UHD-EXM500-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 1.4 and HDCP 2.2.

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

Q: How far can it extend HDMI? 
A: It supports transmission distance up to 120m over CAT cable.

Q: What CAT cable should I use? 
A: Use CAT 5e / CAT 6 or better cable. For optimum performance, use a round-shielded CAT 6 cable.

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 displays? 
A: Yes. Use one Transmitter with multiple Receivers through a gigabit switch.

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

Q: Does this create extended desktop across multiple displays? 
A: No. It duplicates the input source to multiple outputs. It does not create multiple independent extended desktop displays.

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

Q: What is HDMI loop out used for? 
A: It lets you connect a local monitor near the source while also sending the signal to the Receiver.

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

Q: How do I use KVM? 
A: Connect the computer’s HDMI output to Transmitter HDMI IN, connect the computer’s USB port to the Transmitter USB-A port, and connect keyboard and mouse to the Receiver USB-A ports.

Q: What does the KVM indicator mean? 
A: Flashing means the KVM connection is in progress. Steady means the KVM connection is successful.

Q: Does it need power on both ends? 
A: Yes. The package includes two DC 5V/2A 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 it support RS-232? 
A: Yes. It includes RS-232 ports for command control.

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

Q: Does it support analog audio? 
A: Yes. The Transmitter has L/R IN and the Receiver has L/R OUT.

Q: What audio formats are supported? 
A: HDMI supports LPCM 2.0, and 3.5mm L/R supports PCM 2.0.

Q: Does it support Dolby or DTS audio? 
A: The manual only lists LPCM 2.0 for HDMI and PCM 2.0 for 3.5mm L/R. Set the source to PCM / Stereo for best compatibility.

Q: What should I do if there is no video from the Receiver? 
A: Check that the Power and Link / Status LEDs are active, change the HDMI cable going to the display, change the CAT cable, check if the Transmitter HDMI OUT works, and press Reset on the Receiver.

Q: What should I do if there is no video from both the Receiver and Transmitter HDMI OUT? 
A: Check the Power and Link / Status LEDs, change the HDMI cables, change the CAT cable, and confirm the HDMI source is outputting a valid signal.

Q: What should I do if 4K@60Hz does not work? 
A: Make sure the display is set to 4K, use HDMI cables that support 4K@60Hz, keep the CAT cable within 120m, check if the Transmitter HDMI OUT works, and confirm the source output is set to 4K.

Q: Can I extend beyond the listed distance? 
A: The manual says signal may work beyond the listed distance, but video quality decreases as distance increases, especially depending on cable quality.

Q: Can I daisy chain this extender with another set? 
A: Yes, the manual says it can be daisy chained with another set of the same model. However, since this model supports one-to-many over IP, additional Receivers are usually the better option for adding more displays.

Q: What HDMI and CAT cables should I use? 
A: Use high-quality HDMI cables under 30ft and round-shielded CAT 6 cables.

Q: Does the UHD-EXM500-KVM need external power? 
A: Yes. Connect one included DC 5V/2A power adapter to the Transmitter and the second DC 5V/2A power adapter to the Receiver.