EX-196PRO-KIT Overview and Use Cases

What Is the EX-196PRO-KIT?

The OREI EX-196PRO-KIT is a 1080p HDMI extender kit that sends an uncompressed HDMI signal up to 60m / 196ft over a single CAT 6 cable.

The kit includes a Transmitter and Receiver. The HDMI source connects to the Transmitter, the display connects to the Receiver, and a CAT 6 / CAT 6a / CAT 7 cable connects the Transmitter to the Receiver.

The EX-196PRO-KIT supports 1080p HDMI extension, HDMI loop out on the Transmitter, IR remote control extension, reset buttons on both units, and direct CAT cable transmission using IEEE-568B wiring. It supports resolutions up to 1080p@60Hz and IR remote control frequency from 20kHz to 60kHz.

The EX-196PRO-KIT is useful for home theater setups, classrooms, offices, conference rooms, AV closets, monitoring systems, retail displays, and installations where a 1080p HDMI source needs to be extended to a remote display using CAT cable.

IMPORTANT — EX-196PRO-KIT Supports 1080p, Not 4K

The EX-196PRO-KIT supports video resolutions up to 1080p@60Hz.

It does not support 4K, 4K@60Hz, 8K, or 4K@120Hz.

For 4K setups, use an HDMI extender that specifically supports 4K resolution.

IMPORTANT — Extends up to 60m / 196ft Over CAT 6

The EX-196PRO-KIT extends HDMI up to 60m / 196ft over CAT 6 cable.

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

Poor-quality CAT cable may cause:

1. No video
2. Flickering
3. Black screen
4. Signal dropouts
5. Link light flashing
6. Receiver not detecting signal
7. IR control issues

IMPORTANT — Use a Direct CAT Cable Connection

The EX-196PRO-KIT should be connected directly from the Transmitter RJ45 output to the Receiver RJ45 input.

Do not connect the extender through:

1. Network switch
2. Router
3. Internet network
4. LAN switch
5. Home network distribution 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 — Use IEEE-568B Wiring

The manual lists the installation requirement as UTP / STP CAT 6 / 6A / 7 cable following standard IEEE-568B.

The manual also shows the CAT 6 wiring order:

If the CAT cable is incorrectly wired or damaged, the extender may not output video properly.

IMPORTANT — Both Transmitter and Receiver Need Power

The EX-196PRO-KIT 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 — HDMI Loop Out Is on the Transmitter

The Transmitter includes an HDMI signal output.

This HDMI output can be used as a local display connection near the HDMI source.

For example, a DVD player can connect to the Transmitter HDMI input, a nearby TV can connect to the Transmitter HDMI output, and the remote TV can connect to the Receiver HDMI output.

IMPORTANT — IR Remote Control Extension Is Supported

The EX-196PRO-KIT supports IR remote control extension from 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 Receiver extension cable to the Receiver
2. Connect the IR Blaster extension cable to the Transmitter
3. Place the IR Receiver where the remote control can see it
4. Place the IR Blaster near the source device’s IR sensor

IMPORTANT — Do Not Mix Up TX/RX or IR Cables

The manual specifically warns not to mix up:

1. Transmitter unit
2. Receiver unit
3. IR Blaster extension cable
4. IR Receiver extension cable 
    
   Before installation, confirm which unit is TX and which unit is RX. 
    
   Also confirm that the IR Blaster and IR Receiver cables are connected to the correct ports.

IMPORTANT — Do Not Unplug While Device Is in Use

The manual warns not to unplug the extender while the device is in use.

For safest operation, turn off or disconnect power before changing HDMI, CAT, or IR cable connections.

Ports and Panel Layout

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Connect the HDMI source device to the HDMI input on the Transmitter. 
   Examples include a DVD player, Blu-ray player, PS3, laptop, desktop PC, cable box, or media player.
2. Connect a local display to the HDMI output on the Transmitter if needed.
3. Connect the remote display to the HDMI output on the Receiver.
4. Connect the Transmitter RJ45 output to the Receiver RJ45 input using CAT 6 / CAT 6a / CAT 7 cable.
5. Make sure the CAT cable follows IEEE-568B wiring.
6. Connect one included 5V/1A power adapter to the Transmitter.
7. Connect the second included 5V/1A power adapter to the Receiver.
8. If using IR control, connect the IR Blaster extension cable near the source device and the IR Receiver extension cable near the remote display.
9. Power on the HDMI source, displays, Transmitter, and Receiver.
10. Test video, audio, and IR control.
11. If there is no signal, press the Reset button or power cycle the setup.

CAT Cable Requirement — Critical

For best performance, use high-quality CAT 6 / CAT 6a / CAT 7 cable.

The manual lists:

The manual recommends oxygen-free copper CAT cable, including CAT 6, CAT 6A, or CAT 7.

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

1. No image output
2. Abnormal video display
3. Link LED flashing
4. Signal dropouts
5. Black screen
6. IR control issues
7. Receiver not detecting signal 
    
   Do not connect the CAT cable through a network switch or router.

HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical

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

Poor HDMI cables may cause:

1. No picture
2. Abnormal video display
3. Flickering
4. Audio issues
5. HDCP handshake issues
6. No signal 
    
   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 input for the source
2. HDMI output for a local display
3. RJ45 output to connect to the Receiver
4. Reset button
5. HDMI signal indicator LED
6. DC 5V power input 
    
   The Transmitter must be powered using one of the included 5V/1A power adapters.

Understanding the Receiver

The Receiver is installed near the remote display.

It has:

1. RJ45 input from the Transmitter
2. HDMI output to the remote display
3. IR input for the IR Receiver extension cable
4. Reset button
5. RJ45 indicator LED
6. DC 5V power input 
    
   The Receiver must be powered using the second included 5V/1A power adapter.

Understanding HDMI Loop Out

The HDMI signal output on the Transmitter can be used as a local loop output.

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

Example setup:

This is useful when the same source needs to be viewed both near the equipment rack and at a remote display location.

Understanding IR Control

The EX-196PRO-KIT supports IR remote control extension.

This allows a remote control signal from the display side to control a source device near the Transmitter.

Typical setup:

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

Understanding the Reset Button

Both the Transmitter and Receiver include a Reset button.

Press Reset if:

1. No image appears
2. Video display is abnormal
3. The Receiver LINK LED is flashing
4. The Receiver LINK LED is on but no image appears
5. HDMI handshake fails
6. The source or display was changed 
    
   If Reset does not solve the issue, power cycle the Transmitter, Receiver, source, and display.

Understanding Indicator LEDs

The manual describes signal and link indicators.

Use these lights to check whether the problem is with the HDMI source side or CAT cable / receiver side.

Supported Video and Audio

The EX-196PRO-KIT supports video formats including:

Supported HDMI signal:

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

What Source Devices Is the EX-196PRO-KIT Compatible With?

The OREI EX-196PRO-KIT is compatible with HDMI source devices such as:

1. DVD players
2. Blu-ray players
3. PS3
4. HDMI monitoring equipment
5. Cable boxes
6. Satellite receivers
7. Set-top boxes
8. Streaming devices
9. Media players
10. Laptops with HDMI output
11. Desktop PCs with HDMI output 
     
    For best compatibility, set the source resolution to 1080p@60Hz or lower.

What Displays Is the EX-196PRO-KIT Compatible With?

The EX-196PRO-KIT can connect to HDMI displays such as:

1. HDTVs
2. TVs
3. Monitors
4. Projectors
5. Commercial displays
6. Classroom displays
7. Conference room displays
8. Retail displays 
    
   The connected display must have an HDMI input and support the selected source resolution. 
    
   For troubleshooting, set the source output to 1080p@60Hz.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI EX-196PRO-KIT used for? 
A: The EX-196PRO-KIT is used to extend a 1080p HDMI signal up to 60m / 196ft over a single CAT 6 cable. It also supports HDMI loop out and IR remote control extension.

Q: Does the EX-196PRO-KIT support 4K? 
A: No. The EX-196PRO-KIT supports up to 1080p@60Hz.

Q: Does the EX-196PRO-KIT support 1080p@60Hz? 
A: Yes. It supports video resolutions up to 1080p@60Hz.

Q: How far can the EX-196PRO-KIT extend HDMI? 
A: It can extend HDMI up to 60m / 196ft over CAT 6 cable.

Q: What CAT cable should I use? 
A: Use CAT 6, CAT 6A, or CAT 7 cable. The manual recommends oxygen-free copper CAT cable following IEEE-568B wiring.

Q: Can I connect the EX-196PRO-KIT through a network switch? 
A: No. The Transmitter and Receiver must be directly connected by CAT cable.

Q: Does the EX-196PRO-KIT need power on both ends? 
A: Yes. The package includes two 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: Yes. The Transmitter includes an HDMI signal output for a local display.

Q: What is HDMI loop out used for? 
A: It lets you connect a local TV or monitor near the source while also extending the signal to the remote display.

Q: Does the EX-196PRO-KIT support IR control? 
A: Yes. It supports IR remote control extension from 20kHz to 60kHz.

Q: Which IR cable goes near the source device? 
A: The IR Blaster extension cable should be placed near the source device’s IR sensor.

Q: Which IR cable goes near the remote display? 
A: The IR Receiver extension cable should be placed near the remote display where the user points the remote control.

Q: What should I do if there is no image or the video is abnormal? 
A: Press the Receiver Reset button, then try a shorter network cable.

Q: What should I do if the Receiver LINK LED is flashing all the time? 
A: Make sure the network cable follows IEEE-568B, check whether the Transmitter has HDMI signal input, and reset the Transmitter and Receiver.

Q: What should I do if the Receiver LINK LED is on but there is no image? 
A: Press the Receiver Reset button, make sure the HDMI cable is properly connected to the TV, and make sure the network cable uses fine copper wires.

Q: What power adapter should I use? 
A: Use the included DC 5V/1A power adapters only. If using another adapter, make sure the specifications are identical.

Q: Can I unplug the unit while it is in use? 
A: The manual says not to unplug while the device is in use.

Q: What should I do if IR control does not work? 
A: Confirm the IR Blaster and IR Receiver cables are not mixed up. Place the IR Blaster near the source device’s IR sensor and keep the IR Receiver visible to the remote control.

Q: Does the EX-196PRO-KIT need external power? 
A: Yes. Connect one included 5V/1A power adapter to the Transmitter and the second 5V/1A power adapter to the Receiver.