What Is the EX-500IR?
The OREI EX-500IR is a 1080p HDMI extender with loop out, bi-directional IR, and bi-directional RS-232 control. It extends an HDMI signal up to 150m / 500ft over a single CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable.
The kit includes a Transmitter and Receiver. The HDMI source connects to the Transmitter, the remote display connects to the Receiver, and a CAT cable connects the Transmitter to the Receiver.
The EX-500IR supports HDMI 1.4 and HDCP 1.4, with video resolutions up to 1080p@60Hz YUV 4:4:4 / RGB 4:4:4. It supports HDMI loop out on the Transmitter, HDMI audio pass-through, Power over Cable, bi-directional IR control, and bi-directional RS-232 signal transmission.
The EX-500IR is useful for home theaters, classrooms, conference rooms, houses of worship, retail displays, offices, security monitoring rooms, and commercial AV installations where a 1080p HDMI signal needs to be extended over a long distance.
IMPORTANT — EX-500IR Supports 1080p, Not 4K
The EX-500IR 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 — EX-500IR Extends up to 150m / 500ft
The EX-500IR can extend HDMI up to 150m / 500ft over CAT 6 cable.
This is much longer than a standard HDMI cable and is useful when the HDMI source is far away from the display.
For best performance, use high-quality CAT 6 cable.
IMPORTANT — Use Direct Interconnection CAT Cable
The manual specifically warns that the extender must use a direct interconnection CAT cable method.
Use straight-through wiring, such as T568B to T568B.
Do not use cross-interconnection wiring such as T568A to T568B.
If a cross-interconnection CAT cable is used, the extender may go into protection mode and there may be no video output.
IMPORTANT — Do Not Connect Through a Network Switch
The EX-500IR is not an AV-over-IP extender.
The CAT cable should connect directly from the Transmitter HDBaseT OUT to the Receiver HDBaseT IN.
Do not connect through:
- Network switch
- Router
- Internet network
- LAN switch
- Home network distribution system
The CAT cable is used as a direct signal extension cable, not as a network connection.
IMPORTANT — Power over Cable Is Supported
The EX-500IR supports POC, meaning Power over Cable.
This allows either the Transmitter or Receiver to be powered using the included 24V/1A power adapter, while the other unit receives power through the CAT cable.
The manual shows both power options:
- Power connected at the Transmitter side
- Power connected at the Receiver side
Only one power adapter is required.
IMPORTANT — HDMI Loop Out Is on the Transmitter
The Transmitter includes an HDMI OUT port.
This port is used as a loop output for a local display near the HDMI source.
For example, a Blu-ray player can connect to the Transmitter HDMI IN, a local TV can connect to the Transmitter HDMI OUT, and the remote TV can connect to the Receiver HDMI OUT.
IMPORTANT — Bi-Directional IR Control Is Supported
The EX-500IR supports bi-directional IR control.
This means IR signals can travel in both directions:
- Control the source device from the Receiver/display side
- Control the display from the Transmitter/source side
The kit includes:
- Wideband IR emitter cable
- Wideband IR receiver cable
Make sure the IR receiver and IR emitter are connected to the correct IR IN and IR OUT ports.
IMPORTANT — Bi-Directional RS-232 Is Supported
The EX-500IR supports bi-directional RS-232 transmission.
This allows RS-232 control signals to pass between the Transmitter and Receiver over the same CAT cable connection.
This is useful for control systems, RS-232-equipped HDMI matrices, PCs, or other AV control equipment.
Ports and Panel Layout
| Port / LED | Unit | Function |
| Power Indicator | Transmitter | Shows system power status |
| DC 24V | Transmitter | Connect the included 24V/1A power adapter if powering from Transmitter side |
| HDBaseT OUT | Transmitter | Connect to Receiver HDBaseT IN using direct straight-through CAT cable |
| HDMI IN | Transmitter | Connect HDMI source device such as Blu-ray player, DVD player, PS4, or media player |
| HDMI OUT | Transmitter | HDMI loop output for local TV or monitor |
| IR IN | Transmitter | Connect IR receiver cable for Channel 2 IR receiving |
| IR OUT | Transmitter | Connect IR emitter / blaster cable for Channel 1 IR transmitting |
| RS-232 | Transmitter | Phoenix connector for serial control signal transmission |
| Connection Signal Indicator | Transmitter | Shows Transmitter and Receiver connection status |
| Data Signal Indicator | Transmitter | Shows HDMI signal / HDCP status |
| Power Indicator | Receiver | Shows system power status |
| DC 24V | Receiver | Connect the included 24V/1A power adapter if powering from Receiver side |
| HDBaseT IN | Receiver | Connect to Transmitter HDBaseT OUT using direct straight-through CAT cable |
| HDMI OUT | Receiver | Connect to remote TV, monitor, or projector |
| IR IN | Receiver | Connect IR receiver cable for Channel 1 IR receiving |
| IR OUT | Receiver | Connect IR emitter / blaster cable for Channel 2 IR transmitting |
| RS-232 | Receiver | Phoenix connector for serial control signal transmission |
| Connection Signal Indicator | Receiver | Shows Transmitter and Receiver connection status |
| Data Signal Indicator | Receiver | Shows HDMI signal / HDCP status |
Step-by-Step Setup
- Connect the HDMI source device to HDMI IN on the Transmitter.[Text Wrapping Break]Examples include a Blu-ray player, DVD player, streaming device, PS4, cable box, laptop, or media player.
- Connect a local display to HDMI OUT on the Transmitter if needed.
- Connect the remote display to HDMI OUT on the Receiver.
- Connect a CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable from HDBaseT OUT on the Transmitter to HDBaseT IN on the Receiver.
- Make sure the CAT cable uses direct straight-through wiring, such as T568B to T568B.
- Connect the included 24V/1A power adapter to either the Transmitter or Receiver.
- Power on the HDMI source device and displays.
- Check the power, connection, and data indicator lamps.
- If using IR control, connect the IR receiver and IR emitter cables based on the direction of control needed.
- If using RS-232 control, connect the RS-232 Phoenix ports to the control equipment.
- Test video, audio, IR control, and RS-232 communication.
CAT Cable Requirement — Critical
For best performance, use high-quality CAT 6 cable.
The manual lists support up to:
| Resolution | Cable Type | Distance |
| 1080p@60Hz | CAT 6 | 150m / 500ft |
Use direct straight-through wiring.
| Correct Wiring | Result |
| T568B to T568B | Recommended direct interconnection method |
| T568A to T568A | Straight-through method |
| T568A to T568B | Cross interconnection method; may cause protection mode and no video |
Poor-quality, damaged, or incorrectly wired CAT cable may cause:
- No video output
- Extender protection mode
- Flickering
- Black screen
- Poor connection status
- Audio dropouts
- IR control issues
- RS-232 control issues
HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical
Use good-quality HDMI cables for the source, local display, and remote display.
Poor HDMI cables may cause:
- No picture
- Flickering
- Audio dropouts
- HDCP handshake issues
- No signal on local or remote display
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:
- HDMI IN for the source
- HDMI OUT for a local display
- HDBaseT OUT to send the signal to the Receiver
- IR IN and IR OUT for bi-directional IR
- RS-232 Phoenix port for control signal pass-through
- DC 24V power input
The Transmitter can be powered directly with the included 24V/1A power adapter, or it can receive power through the CAT cable if the Receiver side is powered.
Understanding the Receiver
The Receiver is installed near the remote display.
It has:
- HDBaseT IN from the Transmitter
- HDMI OUT to the remote display
- IR IN and IR OUT for bi-directional IR
- RS-232 Phoenix port for control signal pass-through
- DC 24V power input
The Receiver can be powered directly with the included 24V/1A power adapter, or it can receive power through the CAT cable if the Transmitter side is powered.
Understanding HDMI Loop Out
The HDMI OUT port on the Transmitter is a loop output.
This allows a local display to be connected near the HDMI source.
Example setup:
| Location | Device |
| Source side | Blu-ray player connected to Transmitter HDMI IN |
| Source side | Local TV connected to Transmitter HDMI OUT |
| Remote side | Remote TV connected to Receiver HDMI OUT |
This is useful when the same source needs to be viewed near the equipment rack and at the remote display location.
Understanding Bi-Directional IR
Bi-directional IR allows remote control signals to travel in both directions between the Transmitter and Receiver.
Example 1: Control source from the remote display location
- Place the IR Receiver near the remote TV
- Connect it to IR IN on the Receiver
- Place the IR Emitter near the HDMI source device
- Connect it to IR OUT on the Transmitter
Example 2: Control display from the source location
- Place the IR Receiver near the source location
- Connect it to IR IN on the Transmitter
- Place the IR Emitter near the remote display
- Connect it to IR OUT on the Receiver
Understanding IR Cable Placement
The IR Receiver receives commands from the remote control.
The IR Emitter / Blaster sends commands to the device being controlled.
| IR Cable | Purpose |
| IR Receiver | Receives remote control signal |
| IR Emitter / Blaster | Sends IR signal to the source device or display |
For reliable IR control:
- Place the IR Receiver where the remote control can see it
- Place the IR Emitter near the IR sensor of the device being controlled
- Confirm the IR Receiver and IR Emitter are not reversed
Understanding RS-232 Pass-Through
The EX-500IR supports bi-directional RS-232 transmission.
This means RS-232 control signals can pass from the Transmitter side to the Receiver side or from the Receiver side to the Transmitter side.
Example uses include:
- PC controlling an RS-232-equipped display
- Control system communicating with an RS-232 device near the remote display
- RS-232-equipped HDMI matrix communicating across the extender link
The manual shows RS-232 application examples using a PC, an RS-232 cable, and an RS-232-equipped HDMI matrix.
Understanding Indicator Lamps
The EX-500IR includes connection and data signal indicators.
| Indicator | Status | Meaning |
| Connection Signal Indicator | Illuminated | Transmitter and Receiver are connected properly |
| Connection Signal Indicator | Flashing | Transmitter and Receiver connection is poor |
| Connection Signal Indicator | Dark | Transmitter and Receiver are not connected |
| Data Signal Indicator | Illuminated | HDMI signal with HDCP |
| Data Signal Indicator | Flashing | HDMI signal without HDCP |
| Data Signal Indicator | Dark | No HDMI signal |
Use these indicator lamps when troubleshooting no video or unstable signal issues.
Supported Video and Audio
The EX-500IR supports video resolutions up to:
| Supported Resolution |
| 1080p@60Hz YUV 4:4:4 |
| 1080p@60Hz RGB 4:4:4 |
Supported HDMI audio pass-through formats include:
| Audio Format |
| LPCM 2.0 |
| LPCM 5.1 |
| LPCM 7.1 |
| Dolby Digital |
| DTS 5.1 |
| Dolby Digital+ |
| Dolby TrueHD |
| DTS-HD Master Audio |
| Dolby Atmos |
| DTS:X |
The connected source and display/audio device must also support the selected audio format.
What Source Devices Is the EX-500IR Compatible With?
The OREI EX-500IR is compatible with HDMI source devices such as:
- Blu-ray players
- DVD players
- Streaming devices
- Cable boxes
- Satellite receivers
- Set-top boxes
- Media players
- Laptops with HDMI output
- Desktop PCs with HDMI output
- DVRs
- Game consoles with supported 1080p HDMI output
- HDMI matrix systems
For best compatibility, set the source resolution to 1080p@60Hz or lower.
What Displays Is the EX-500IR Compatible With?
The EX-500IR can connect to HDMI displays such as:
- TVs
- Monitors
- Projectors
- Commercial displays
- Security monitors
- Classroom displays
- Conference room displays
- Retail displays
The connected display must support the selected source resolution.
For troubleshooting, set the source output to 1080p@60Hz.
What Control Devices Is the EX-500IR Compatible With?
The EX-500IR can pass control signals for:
- IR remote controls
- IR-controlled source devices
- IR-controlled displays
- RS-232 control systems
- RS-232-equipped HDMI matrices
- PCs using RS-232
- RS-232-equipped displays or projectors
IR and RS-232 behavior depends on correct cable placement, correct wiring, and the connected equipment’s control settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the OREI EX-500IR used for?
A: The EX-500IR is used to extend a 1080p HDMI signal up to 150m / 500ft over a single CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable. It also supports HDMI loop out, bi-directional IR, and bi-directional RS-232 pass-through.
Q: Does the EX-500IR support 4K?
A: No. The EX-500IR supports up to 1080p@60Hz. It does not support 4K.
Q: Does the EX-500IR support 1080p@60Hz?
A: Yes. It supports video resolutions up to 1080p@60Hz YUV 4:4:4 / RGB 4:4:4.
Q: How far can the EX-500IR extend HDMI?
A: It can extend HDMI up to 150m / 500ft over CAT 6 cable.
Q: What CAT cable should I use?
A: Use high-quality CAT 6 cable for best performance.
Q: Can I use CAT 5e cable?
A: The manual describes extension over CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable, but for best long-distance performance, use CAT 6 cable.
Q: Can I connect the EX-500IR through a network switch?
A: No. The Transmitter and Receiver should be connected directly with a CAT cable.
Q: What wiring method should the CAT cable use?
A: Use direct straight-through wiring, such as T568B to T568B. Do not use cross-interconnection wiring.
Q: What happens if I use a cross-wired CAT cable?
A: The manual states the extender may go into protection mode automatically and provide no video output.
Q: Does the EX-500IR need power on both ends?
A: No. It supports Power over Cable, so only one 24V/1A power adapter is required. It can be connected at either the Transmitter or Receiver side.
Q: What is POC?
A: POC stands for Power over Cable. It allows one unit to power the other unit through the CAT cable.
Q: Does the Transmitter have HDMI loop out?
A: Yes. The Transmitter has an HDMI OUT port for connecting 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 Receiver display.
Q: Does the EX-500IR support IR control?
A: Yes. It supports bi-directional IR control.
Q: What does bi-directional IR mean?
A: It means IR remote control signals can travel in both directions between the Transmitter and Receiver.
Q: Which IR cable goes into IR IN?
A: The IR Receiver cable connects to IR IN.
Q: Which IR cable goes into IR OUT?
A: The IR Emitter / Blaster cable connects to IR OUT.
Q: Does the EX-500IR support RS-232?
A: Yes. It supports bi-directional RS-232 signal transmission through Phoenix connectors.
Q: What is RS-232 pass-through used for?
A: It is used to send serial control commands between equipment on the Transmitter and Receiver sides, such as a PC, control system, display, projector, or HDMI matrix.
Q: What HDMI version does the EX-500IR support?
A: It supports HDMI 1.4.
Q: What HDCP version does it support?
A: It supports HDCP 1.4.
Q: What audio formats are supported?
A: It supports HDMI audio pass-through including LPCM 2/5.1/7.1CH, Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X.
Q: What does the connection signal indicator mean?
A: Illuminated means good connection, flashing means poor connection, and dark means the Transmitter and Receiver are not connected.
Q: What does the data signal indicator mean?
A: Illuminated means HDMI signal with HDCP, flashing means HDMI signal without HDCP, and dark means no HDMI signal.
Q: What should I do if there is no video output?
A: Check the CAT cable wiring, confirm the cable is direct straight-through, check the connection indicator lamps, test the HDMI source directly with the display, and try a different CAT cable.
Q: What should I do if the connection indicator is flashing?
A: The connection may be poor. Try a shorter or higher-quality CAT 6 cable and check the RJ45 terminations.
Q: What should I do if the data signal indicator is dark?
A: The extender is not receiving an HDMI signal. Check the HDMI source, HDMI cable, and source output resolution.
Q: Does the EX-500IR need external power?
A: Yes. Connect the included 24V/1A power adapter to either the Transmitter or Receiver. The other unit is powered through the CAT cable.
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