EX-500-K Overview and Use Cases

What Is the EX-500-K?

The OREI EX-500-K is a 4K@60Hz HDMI over 1G IP extender kit with IR. It sends HDMI video, audio, and IR control over CAT cable using a Transmitter and Receiver.

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

The EX-500-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, 3840x2160@60Hz, 1080p, and lower resolutions. It supports one-to-one connection, one-to-many connection through a gigabit switch, switch cascading, IR passback, firmware upgrade through Micro USB, LPCM 2.0 HDMI audio output, and transmission distance up to 120m / 394ft over CAT 6 cable.

The EX-500-K is useful for meetings, home entertainment, educational presentations, classrooms, digital signage, conference rooms, retail displays, houses of worship, monitoring rooms, and AV installations where one HDMI source needs to be extended or distributed to one or more displays over a 1G network infrastructure.

IMPORTANT — EX-500-K Is an HDMI Over IP Extender

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

It supports:

This makes the EX-500-K 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 specifically lists support for one-to-many connections through a gigabit switch.

Do not use a 10/100Mbps switch.

For best stability, use a quality 1G network switch and avoid mixing this system with heavy regular network traffic unless the network is properly configured.

IMPORTANT — EX-500-K Supports 4K@60Hz

The EX-500-K supports video resolutions up to 4096x2160@60Hz and 3840x2160@60Hz.

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

IMPORTANT — This Is Not Zero-Latency

The EX-500-K is an HDMI over IP extender, so there is transmission latency.

The manual lists:

This is acceptable for many signage, presentation, classroom, and monitoring applications, but it is not ideal for gaming or applications that require instant response.

IMPORTANT — Transmission Distance Depends on Cable Type

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

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

IMPORTANT — IR Passback Is Supported

The EX-500-K supports IR passback with a frequency range of 20kHz to 60kHz.

This allows the user at the display side to control the HDMI source located near the Transmitter.

Typical setup:

1. Connect the IR Blaster cable to IR OUT on the Transmitter
2. Connect the IR Receiver cable to IR IN on the Receiver
3. Place the IR Receiver near the display where the remote will be used
4. Place the IR Blaster near the source device’s IR sensor

IMPORTANT — Both Transmitter and Receiver Need Power

The EX-500-K 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 — No HDMI Loop Out

The EX-500-K 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 — Audio Support Is LPCM 2.0

The HDMI output audio listed in the manual is LPCM 2.0.

If there is no audio, set the HDMI 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, Dolby Atmos, or other surround formats as supported audio output.

IMPORTANT — Firmware Can Be Upgraded Through Micro USB

Both the Transmitter and Receiver include a firmware upgrade port.

The manual lists firmware upgrading through Micro USB.

This port is used for firmware updates and is not required 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 Blu-ray player, media player, laptop, desktop PC, streaming device, cable box, DVR, or HDMI matrix output.
2. Connect HDMI OUT on the Receiver to the display. 
   Examples include a TV, monitor, projector, commercial display, or signage screen.
3. For one-to-one setup, connect the Transmitter RJ45 port directly to the Receiver RJ45 port using CAT 5 / CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable.
4. For one-to-many setup, connect the Transmitter to a gigabit switch, then connect one or more Receivers to the same gigabit switch.
5. Connect one included DC 5V/1A power adapter to the Transmitter.
6. Connect the second DC 5V/1A power adapter to the Receiver.
7. Power on the HDMI source and display.
8. Confirm the power, data transmission, and network link lights are active.
9. If using IR control, connect the IR Blaster cable to IR OUT on the Transmitter and the IR Receiver cable to IR IN on the Receiver.
10. 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. Network link light off
5. Data transmission light off
6. Signal dropouts
7. 4K@60Hz not working
8. Audio dropouts
9. IR control issues
10. Unstable one-to-many distribution 
     
    For one-to-many setups, use a gigabit switch.

HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical

Use high-quality HDMI cables for the source and 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. 4K@60Hz not working
5. HDCP handshake issues
6. 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 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 EX-500-K supports switch cascading.

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

Use this carefully and make sure the switches are gigabit-rated.

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

Understanding IR Passback

IR passback allows the remote control signal to travel from the Receiver side back to the Transmitter side.

Typical setup:

This allows a user near the remote display to control the HDMI source device.

The supported IR frequency range is 20kHz to 60kHz.

Understanding the Indicator Lights

The Transmitter and Receiver include power, data transmission, and network link lights.

Use these lights when troubleshooting no video or unstable signal.

Understanding the Reset Button

Both the Transmitter and Receiver include a Reset button.

Press Reset if:

1. No video appears
2. Signal does not sync
3. Network connection is not normal
4. Source or display was changed
5. HDMI handshake fails
6. Video drops out after setup changes 
    
   If Reset does not solve the issue, power cycle the source, display, Transmitter, Receiver, and network switch.

Understanding Firmware Upgrade

The EX-500-K includes firmware upgrade ports on both the Transmitter and Receiver.

Firmware can be upgraded through Micro USB.

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

Do not disconnect power during a firmware update.

Supported Video and Audio

The EX-500-K supports video formats including:

Supported HDMI audio:

Transmission latency:

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

The OREI EX-500-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 best compatibility, set the source resolution to a format supported by the connected display.

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

The EX-500-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.

What Network Equipment Is the EX-500-K Compatible With?

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

1. Gigabit network switch
2. CAT 5e or CAT 6 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 EX-500-K used for? 
A: The EX-500-K is used to extend or distribute a 4K@60Hz HDMI signal over CAT cable. It supports one-to-one extension, one-to-many distribution through a gigabit switch, switch cascading, and IR passback.

Q: Does the EX-500-K support 4K@60Hz? 
A: Yes. It supports resolutions up to 4096x2160@60Hz and 3840x2160@60Hz.

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

Q: Does the EX-500-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: How far can it extend HDMI? 
A: It supports up to 80m over CAT 5, 100m over CAT 5e, and 120m over CAT 6 cable.

Q: What CAT cable should I use? 
A: Use CAT 6 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. The EX-500-K supports one-to-many connection through a gigabit switch.

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 EX-500-K support switch cascading? 
A: Yes. The manual lists switch cascading support.

Q: Is this zero-latency? 
A: No. The manual lists 80–130ms latency for 1080p and 150–220ms latency for 4K@60Hz.

Q: Is this good for gaming? 
A: It is not ideal for gaming because it has noticeable latency. It is better suited for signage, presentations, classrooms, monitoring, and general AV distribution.

Q: Does the EX-500-K need power on both ends? 
A: Yes. The package includes two DC 5V/1A power adapters, and both the Transmitter and Receiver need 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: No. This model does not include HDMI loop out.

Q: Does the EX-500-K support IR control? 
A: Yes. It supports IR passback from the Receiver side to the Transmitter side.

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

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

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

Q: Does it support surround sound? 
A: The manual only lists LPCM 2.0 audio output, so set the source to PCM / Stereo for best compatibility.

Q: Does it have separate audio output? 
A: No. This model does not include Optical, Coaxial, RCA, or 3.5mm audio extraction.

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

Q: What do the network link lights mean? 
A: Light off means no network connection. Steady on means the network connection is normal.

Q: What do the data transmission lights mean? 
A: Light off means no data transmission. Steady on means data is transmitting.

Q: What should I do if there is no video? 
A: Check that both power adapters are connected, confirm the HDMI source is connected to the Transmitter, check the network link light, use CAT 6 cable, test with 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 network link lights, use good CAT cables, and keep the system on a dedicated network if possible.

Q: What should I do if IR control does not work? 
A: Connect the IR receiver cable to IR IN on the Receiver and the IR blaster cable to IR OUT on the Transmitter. Place the IR blaster near the HDMI source device’s IR sensor.

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