EX-230C Overview and Use Cases

What Is the EX-230C?

The OREI EX-230C is an HDMI extender kit that sends HDMI video, audio, and one-way IR control 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-230C supports HDMI 1.4, HDCP 1.4, and DVI 1.0, with a video bandwidth of 10.2Gbps. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@30Hz, 1080p extension up to 70m / 230ft over CAT 6, 4K@30Hz extension up to 40m / 131ft over CAT 6, HDMI loop out on the Transmitter, EDID copy from either the local loop display or remote receiver display, one-way PoC from Transmitter to Receiver, one-way IR control, and audio formats up to PCM 7.1, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD.

The EX-230C is useful for home theater, classrooms, conference rooms, multimedia halls, TV teaching, retail displays, large-screen displays, and AV installations where an HDMI source needs to be extended to a display using CAT cable.

IMPORTANT — EX-230C Supports 4K@30Hz, Not 4K@60Hz or 8K

The EX-230C supports video resolutions up to 4K@30Hz.

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

For 4K@60Hz setups, use an HDMI 2.0 extender.

For 8K or 4K@120Hz setups, use an HDMI 2.1 extender.

IMPORTANT — Maximum Distance Depends on Resolution and Cable Type

The EX-230C supports different distances depending on the resolution and CAT cable type.

For best performance, use high-quality CAT 6 cable, especially for 4K@30Hz.

IMPORTANT — Use a Direct CAT Cable Connection

The EX-230C should be connected directly from the Transmitter CAT port to the Receiver CAT port using CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable.

Do not connect the EX-230C through:

1. Network switch
2. Router
3. Internet network
4. LAN switch
5. Ethernet distribution 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 — One-Way PoC Is Supported

The EX-230C supports one-way PoC from the Transmitter to the Receiver.

This means the included 12V/1A power adapter connects to the Transmitter, and the Receiver receives power through the CAT cable.

If the Receiver does not power on, check the CAT cable connection and confirm the Transmitter power adapter is connected properly.

IMPORTANT — HDMI Loop Out Is on the Transmitter

The Transmitter includes an HDMI OUT port.

This HDMI OUT port is used as a loop output for connecting a local display near the HDMI source.

For example, a Blu-ray player can connect to the Transmitter HDMI IN, a nearby TV can connect to the Transmitter HDMI OUT, and a remote TV can connect to the Receiver HDMI OUT.

IMPORTANT — HDMI Loop Out Can Be Used for Cascading

The manual notes that the HDMI loop output can be cascaded to the next extender.

This allows the HDMI signal to continue to another extender setup if needed.

When cascading, make sure the source resolution, cable quality, and connected displays are compatible.

IMPORTANT — One-Way IR Control Is Supported

The EX-230C supports one-way IR signal transmission.

This allows control signals to be sent from the Receiver/display side back to the source device at the Transmitter side.

Typical IR setup:

1. Connect the IR Receiver cable to IR IN on the Receiver
2. Connect the IR Blaster cable to IR OUT on the Transmitter
3. Place the IR Receiver where the remote control can see it
4. Place the IR Blaster near the IR sensor of the source device

IMPORTANT — EDID Switch Controls Display Compatibility

The Transmitter includes an EDID DIP switch.

EDID tells the HDMI source what video and audio format to send.

Use TX if you want the source to follow the local display connected to the Transmitter.

Use RX if you want the source to follow the remote display connected to the Receiver.

If there is no video, wrong resolution, or audio compatibility issue, changing the EDID switch may help.

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, DVD player, streaming device, cable box, laptop, set-top box, or media player.
2. Connect a local display to HDMI OUT on the Transmitter if needed.
3. Connect the remote display to HDMI OUT on the Receiver.
4. Connect a CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable from the CAT port on the Transmitter to the CAT port on the Receiver.
5. Connect the included 12V/1A power adapter to the DC 12V port on the Transmitter.
6. Power on the HDMI source device and displays.
7. Check that the Power LEDs are on.
8. Check the Digital Signal Indicator.
9. If using IR control, connect the IR Receiver cable to IR IN on the Receiver.
10. Connect the IR Blaster cable to IR OUT on the Transmitter.
11. Set the EDID switch to TX or RX depending on which display EDID should be copied.
12. 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. No signal
3. Flickering
4. Black screen
5. Audio dropouts
6. 4K@30Hz not working
7. IR control issues
8. Receiver not powering on 
    
   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. Flickering
3. Audio dropouts
4. HDCP handshake issues
5. No signal on local display
6. No signal on remote display
7. 4K@30Hz not working correctly 
    
   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. HDMI OUT for a local display
3. CAT output to send the signal to the Receiver
4. EDID DIP switch
5. IR OUT for the IR Blaster cable
6. DC 12V power input 
    
   The included 12V/1A power adapter connects to the Transmitter.

Understanding the Receiver

The Receiver is installed near the remote display.

It has:

1. CAT input from the Transmitter
2. HDMI OUT to the remote display
3. IR IN for the IR Receiver cable
4. Power LED
5. Digital Signal Indicator 
    
   The Receiver receives power through the CAT cable from the Transmitter.

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:

This is useful when the source needs to be shown on both a nearby display and a remote display.

Understanding EDID Copy

The EX-230C can copy EDID from either the local loop out display or the remote Receiver display.

If the local display supports 4K but the remote display only supports 1080p, the EDID switch position can affect whether the source sends a 4K or 1080p signal.

For mixed display setups, choose the EDID source carefully to avoid no signal on one of the displays.

Understanding One-Way IR Control

The EX-230C supports one-way IR control from the Receiver side to the Transmitter side.

Typical use case:

1. The user is near the remote display
2. The HDMI source is near the Transmitter
3. The user wants to control the source device from the remote display location 
    
   Setup:

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

Understanding IR Cable Placement

The IR Receiver receives commands from the remote control.

The IR Blaster sends commands to the device being controlled.

For reliable IR control:

1. Place the IR Receiver where the remote control has line of sight
2. Place the IR Blaster near the IR sensor of the source device
3. Confirm the IR Receiver and IR Blaster are not reversed

Understanding the Digital Signal Indicator

The EX-230C includes a Digital Signal Indicator.

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

Supported Video and Audio

The EX-230C supports video resolutions up to:

Supported audio includes:

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

What Source Devices Is the EX-230C Compatible With?

The OREI EX-230C 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. Laptops with HDMI output
9. Desktop PCs with HDMI output
10. DVRs
11. Game consoles with supported HDMI output 
     
    For best compatibility, set the source resolution to 4K@30Hz or lower.

What Displays Is the EX-230C Compatible With?

The EX-230C can connect to HDMI displays such as:

1. 4K TVs
2. 1080p TVs
3. Monitors
4. Projectors
5. Commercial displays
6. Security monitors
7. Classroom displays
8. Conference room displays
9. Retail displays 
    
   The connected display must support the selected source resolution. 
    
   For troubleshooting, set the source output to 1080p@60Hz.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI EX-230C used for? 
A: The EX-230C is used to extend HDMI video and audio up to 70m / 230ft over a single CAT 6 cable for 1080p, or up to 40m / 131ft for 4K@30Hz. It also supports HDMI loop out, EDID copy, one-way PoC, and one-way IR control.

Q: Does the EX-230C support 4K? 
A: Yes. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@30Hz.

Q: Does the EX-230C support 4K@60Hz? 
A: No. It supports up to 4K@30Hz only.

Q: Does the EX-230C support 8K? 
A: No. It does not support 8K.

Q: Does the EX-230C support 4K@120Hz? 
A: No. It does not support 4K@120Hz.

Q: What HDMI version does the EX-230C support? 
A: It supports HDMI 1.4.

Q: What HDCP version does it support? 
A: It supports HDCP 1.4.

Q: What video bandwidth does it support? 
A: It supports 10.2Gbps video bandwidth.

Q: How far can it extend HDMI? 
A: Over CAT 6, it supports up to 70m / 230ft at 1080p and up to 40m / 131ft at 4K@30Hz.

Q: How far can it extend over CAT 5e? 
A: Over CAT 5e, it supports up to 60m / 197ft at 1080p and up to 35m / 115ft at 4K@30Hz.

Q: What CAT cable should I use? 
A: Use high-quality CAT 6 cable for best performance, especially for 4K@30Hz.

Q: Can I connect the EX-230C through a network switch or router? 
A: No. The Transmitter and Receiver must be connected directly by CAT cable.

Q: Does the EX-230C need power on both ends? 
A: No. It supports one-way PoC from the Transmitter to the Receiver. Connect the included 12V/1A power adapter to the Transmitter.

Q: What is PoC? 
A: PoC means Power over Cable. It allows the Transmitter to power the Receiver 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 display.

Q: Can the HDMI loop out be used for cascading? 
A: Yes. The manual notes that the HDMI loop output can be cascaded to the next extender.

Q: Does the EX-230C support IR control? 
A: Yes. It supports one-way IR control from the Receiver side to the Transmitter side.

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: What EDID options are available? 
A: The EDID switch can copy EDID from the local HDMI loop out display or from the remote Receiver display.

Q: Should I use TX or RX EDID? 
A: Use TX if you want the source to follow the local loop display. Use RX if you want the source to follow the remote Receiver display.

Q: What audio formats are supported? 
A: The manual lists audio support up to PCM 7.1, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD.

Q: Does the EX-230C have separate audio output? 
A: No. This model does not include Optical, Coaxial, RCA, or 3.5mm audio extraction. Audio passes through HDMI.

Q: What does the digital signal indicator mean? 
A: Light on means HDMI signal with HDCP, flashing means HDMI signal without HDCP, and light off means no HDMI signal.

Q: What should I do if there is no video? 
A: Check the CAT cable, confirm the Transmitter and Receiver are directly connected, check the digital signal indicator, try changing the EDID switch, test the source directly with the display, and lower the source resolution to 1080p for troubleshooting.

Q: What should I do if 4K@30Hz does not work? 
A: Use high-quality CAT 6 cable, keep distance within 40m / 131ft, confirm the source and display support 4K@30Hz, and try shorter HDMI cables.

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 EX-230C need external power? 
A: Yes. Connect the included 12V/1A power adapter to the Transmitter. The Receiver receives power through the CAT cable.