UHD-EX120HZ-K Overview and Use Cases

What Is the UHD-EX120HZ-K?

The OREI UHD-EX120HZ-K is a high-refresh HDMI extender kit that sends HDMI video, audio, IR control, RS-232 passthrough, and stereo audio output over a single CAT 6 / CAT 6a / CAT 7 cable.

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

The UHD-EX120HZ-K supports HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 / 1.4, with a video bandwidth of 18Gbps. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@120Hz, 4K@60Hz, 2560x1440@144Hz, and 1080p@120Hz. It also supports HDR, EDID passthrough, auto downscaling, RS-232 passthrough, IR passback, zero-latency transmission, 3.5mm stereo audio output on the Receiver, and direct one-to-one CAT cable connection.

The UHD-EX120HZ-K is useful for gaming setups, home theaters, conference rooms, classrooms, offices, media rooms, retail displays, and AV installations where a high-refresh HDMI signal needs to be extended to a display using CAT cable.

IMPORTANT — UHD-EX120HZ-K Supports 4K@120Hz

The UHD-EX120HZ-K supports video resolutions up to 4K@120Hz.

It also supports 4K@60Hz, 2560x1440@144Hz, and 1080p@120Hz.

To use high-refresh formats such as 4K@120Hz or 1440p@144Hz, the HDMI source, display, HDMI cables, CAT cable, and source video settings must all support the required resolution and refresh rate.

IMPORTANT — Transmission Distance Depends on Resolution

The UHD-EX120HZ-K supports different extension distances depending on the resolution.

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

IMPORTANT — Use a Direct CAT Cable Connection

The UHD-EX120HZ-K is designed for one-to-one connection between the Transmitter and Receiver.

Do not connect the extender through:

1. Network switch
2. Router
3. Internet network
4. LAN switch
5. Ethernet wall network system 
    
   This product is not an AV-over-IP extender. The CAT cable is used as a direct signal extension cable between the Transmitter and Receiver.

IMPORTANT — Use Direct Interconnection CAT Cable

The manual warns that the extender must use a direct interconnection CAT cable.

If a cross-interconnection CAT cable is used, the extender may automatically go into protection mode and there may be no video output.

For best results, use straight-through wiring such as T568B to T568B.

IMPORTANT — Both Transmitter and Receiver Need Power

The UHD-EX120HZ-K package includes two DC 5V/1A power adapters.

The specifications show DC 5V/1A power supply for both the Transmitter and Receiver.

This model does not list Power over Cable.

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

IMPORTANT — RS-232 Passthrough Is Supported

The UHD-EX120HZ-K supports RS-232 passthrough using the terminal block connection.

Supported baud rates include:

This is useful for control systems, projectors, displays, or other RS-232 controlled equipment.

IMPORTANT — IR Passback Is Supported

The UHD-EX120HZ-K supports IR passback with an IR frequency range of 20kHz to 60kHz.

The Transmitter has IR OUT.

The Receiver has IR IN.

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

IMPORTANT — Receiver Has 3.5mm Stereo Audio Output

The Receiver includes a 3.5mm L/R stereo output.

This output supports PCM audio.

If there is no audio from the 3.5mm stereo output, set the HDMI source audio format to PCM or Stereo.

The 3.5mm output does not support Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, or other surround formats as analog audio.

IMPORTANT — HDMI Audio Has Different Format Support Than 3.5mm Audio

The HDMI output supports:

1. PCM
2. Dolby Digital 5.1
3. DTS 5.1 
    
   The 3.5mm L/R output supports PCM only. 
    
   If the HDMI display has sound but the 3.5mm output does not, check the source audio format and set it to PCM / Stereo.

IMPORTANT — No HDMI Loop Out

The UHD-EX120HZ-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 source, use a separate HDMI splitter or choose an extender model with HDMI loop output.

Ports and Panel Layout

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Connect the HDMI source device to HDMI IN on the Transmitter. 
   Examples include a gaming console, gaming PC, Blu-ray player, streaming device, laptop, desktop PC, cable box, or media player.
2. Connect the HDMI display to HDMI OUT on the Receiver. 
   Examples include a 4K TV, gaming monitor, projector, or commercial display.
3. Connect the Transmitter RJ45 OUT to the Receiver RJ45 IN using a CAT 6 / CAT 6a / CAT 7 cable.
4. Make sure the CAT cable uses direct straight-through wiring.
5. Connect one 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. 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.
9. If using RS-232, connect the terminal block ports to the RS-232 control devices.
10. If using stereo audio output, connect the Receiver 3.5mm L/R output to a speaker, amplifier, or audio input.
11. Test video, audio, IR, and RS-232 control.

CAT Cable Requirement — Critical

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

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

1. No video
2. Flickering
3. Black screen
4. Signal dropouts
5. 4K@120Hz not working
6. 1440p@144Hz not working
7. HDR issues
8. Audio dropouts
9. IR control issues
10. RS-232 passthrough issues
11. Protection mode 
     
    Do not connect the CAT cable through a network switch or router.

HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical

Use high-quality HDMI cables that support the resolution and refresh rate being used.

The manual lists HDMI cable length as less than or equal to 5m.

Poor HDMI cables may cause:

1. No video
2. Flickering
3. Black screen
4. 4K@120Hz not working
5. HDR not working
6. Audio dropouts
7. HDCP handshake issues 
    
   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 IN for the source
2. RJ45 OUT to connect to the Receiver
3. IR OUT for the IR blaster cable
4. RS-232 terminal block for passthrough
5. Status indicator
6. RESET button
7. DC 5V power input 
    
   The Transmitter must be powered using one of the included DC 5V/1A power adapters.

Understanding the Receiver

The Receiver is installed near the display.

It has:

1. RJ45 IN from the Transmitter
2. HDMI OUT to the display
3. IR IN for the IR receiver cable
4. RS-232 terminal block for passthrough
5. Status indicator
6. RESET button
7. 3.5mm stereo output
8. DC 5V power input 
    
   The Receiver must be powered using the second included DC 5V/1A power adapter.

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 the user near the display to control a source device located near the Transmitter.

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

Understanding RS-232 Passthrough

The UHD-EX120HZ-K supports RS-232 passthrough through the terminal block ports.

This allows serial control commands to pass between the Transmitter side and Receiver side.

Supported baud rates include:

Use RS-232 passthrough when controlling displays, projectors, or other serial-control devices across the extender link.

Understanding the Status Indicator

The Transmitter and Receiver each include a status indicator.

Use this indicator when troubleshooting no video or unstable signal issues.

Understanding the Reset Button

Both the Transmitter and Receiver include a RESET button.

Press RESET to restart the device.

Use RESET if:

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

Understanding 3.5mm Stereo Audio Output

The Receiver includes a 3.5mm stereo output for external audio.

This can connect to:

1. Earphones
2. Powered speakers
3. Stereo amplifier
4. Audio input device 
    
   The 3.5mm L/R output supports PCM audio only. 
    
   For best compatibility, set the HDMI source to PCM, LPCM, or Stereo.

Supported Video and Audio

The UHD-EX120HZ-K supports video formats including:

Supported audio:

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

What Source Devices Is the UHD-EX120HZ-K Compatible With?

The OREI UHD-EX120HZ-K is compatible with HDMI source devices such as:

1. PlayStation 5
2. Xbox Series X/S
3. Gaming PCs
4. Blu-ray players
5. Streaming devices
6. Cable boxes
7. Satellite receivers
8. Media players
9. Laptops with HDMI output
10. Desktop PCs with HDMI output 
     
    For 4K@120Hz, the source device must support 4K@120Hz output. 
     
    For 2560x1440@144Hz, the source device must support 1440p at 144Hz.

What Displays Is the UHD-EX120HZ-K Compatible With?

The UHD-EX120HZ-K can connect to HDMI displays such as:

1. 4K@120Hz TVs
2. Gaming monitors
3. 4K TVs
4. Projectors
5. Commercial displays
6. Conference room displays
7. Classroom displays
8. Retail displays 
    
   For 4K@120Hz, the display must support 4K@120Hz input. 
    
   For 2560x1440@144Hz, the display must support 1440p at 144Hz.

What Audio Devices Is the UHD-EX120HZ-K Compatible With?

The Receiver’s 3.5mm stereo output can connect to:

1. Powered speakers
2. Stereo amplifiers
3. Earphones
4. Audio input devices 
    
   For 3.5mm audio output, set the source to PCM / Stereo. 
    
   HDMI audio can pass to the connected HDMI display when the display supports the selected audio format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI UHD-EX120HZ-K used for? 
A: The UHD-EX120HZ-K is used to extend HDMI video and audio over CAT 6 / CAT 6a / CAT 7 cable. It supports high-refresh video formats such as 4K@120Hz and 2560x1440@144Hz, along with IR passback, RS-232 passthrough, and 3.5mm stereo audio output.

Q: Does the UHD-EX120HZ-K support 4K@120Hz? 
A: Yes. It supports 4K@120Hz up to 25m / 82ft over CAT 6 / CAT 6a / CAT 7 cable.

Q: Does the UHD-EX120HZ-K support 4K@60Hz? 
A: Yes. It supports 4K@60Hz up to 60m / 197ft over CAT 6 / CAT 6a / CAT 7 cable.

Q: Does the UHD-EX120HZ-K support 1440p at high refresh rate? 
A: Yes. It supports 2560x1440@144Hz up to 30m / 98ft.

Q: Does the UHD-EX120HZ-K support 8K? 
A: No. The manual lists support up to 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 and HDCP 1.4.

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

Q: Does it support HDR? 
A: Yes. HDR is supported.

Q: Does it support EDID passthrough? 
A: Yes. The manual lists EDID passthrough support.

Q: Does it support auto downscaling? 
A: Yes. The manual lists auto downscaling support.

Q: How far can it extend HDMI? 
A: It can extend up to 60m / 197ft for 4K@60Hz, 30m / 98ft for 2560x1440@144Hz, and 25m / 82ft for 4K@120Hz.

Q: What CAT cable should I use? 
A: Use high-quality CAT 6, CAT 6a, or CAT 7 cable.

Q: Can I connect it through a network switch or router? 
A: No. This model supports one-to-one direct connection and should not be connected through a network switch or router.

Q: What happens if I use a cross-interconnection CAT cable? 
A: The manual warns that the extender may automatically go into protection mode and show no video.

Q: Does the UHD-EX120HZ-K support Power over Cable? 
A: No Power over Cable function is listed. The package includes two DC 5V/1A power adapters, and both the Transmitter and Receiver have DC 5V power inputs.

Q: Does the Transmitter have HDMI loop out? 
A: No. This model does not include HDMI loop out.

Q: Does it support IR control? 
A: Yes. It supports IR passback with 20kHz to 60kHz frequency support.

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

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

Q: Does it support RS-232? 
A: Yes. It supports RS-232 passthrough through the terminal block connection.

Q: What RS-232 baud rates are supported? 
A: Supported baud rates include 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200.

Q: Does the Receiver have audio output? 
A: Yes. The Receiver has a 3.5mm stereo output.

Q: What audio does the 3.5mm output support? 
A: The 3.5mm L/R output supports PCM audio only.

Q: Why am I not getting audio from the 3.5mm output? 
A: Set the HDMI source audio output to PCM, LPCM, or Stereo. The 3.5mm output supports PCM only.

Q: What audio formats pass through HDMI? 
A: HDMI output supports PCM, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS 5.1.

Q: What does the status indicator mean? 
A: Flashing means the device has power but no HDMI signal. Solid means an HDMI signal is detected.

Q: What should I do if there is no video? 
A: Check that both power adapters are connected, confirm the CAT cable is directly connected, check the status indicators, try shorter HDMI cables, press RESET, and test the source directly with the display.

Q: What should I do if 4K@120Hz does not work? 
A: Keep the CAT cable within 25m / 82ft, use high-quality CAT 6 / CAT 6a / CAT 7 cable, use short HDMI cables, and confirm the source and display both support 4K@120Hz.

Q: What should I do if 4K@60Hz does not work? 
A: Keep the CAT cable within 60m / 197ft, confirm the source and display support 4K@60Hz, and use HDMI cables under 5m as listed in the manual.

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. Make sure the IR blaster is placed near the source device’s IR sensor.

Q: Does the UHD-EX120HZ-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.