EX-230PRO Overview and Use Cases

What Is the EX-230PRO?

The OREI EX-230PRO is a 4K@30Hz HDMI extender kit that sends HDMI video, audio, and IR control 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 EX-230PRO supports HDMI 1.4 and HDCP 1.4. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@30Hz, 1080p@60Hz extension up to 70m / 230ft, 4K@30Hz extension up to 40m / 131ft, HDR10, EDID passthrough, IR passback, automatic signal adjustment, and HDMI audio formats including PCM, LPCM, DTS-HD, DTS-AUDIO, and Dolby Digital 5.1.

The EX-230PRO is useful for outdoor advertising, monitoring systems, home entertainment, conference rooms, classrooms, digital signage, and AV installations where an HDMI source needs to be extended to a display using CAT cable.

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

The EX-230PRO 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

The EX-230PRO supports different extension distances depending on the video resolution.

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

IMPORTANT — Use a Direct CAT Cable Connection

The EX-230PRO must 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. Ethernet wall network 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 Direct Interconnection CAT Cable

The manual warns that the extender must follow the direct interconnection CAT cable method.

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 EX-230PRO package includes two DC 5V/500mA 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 — IR Passback Is Supported

The EX-230PRO supports IR passback with a frequency range of 20kHz to 60kHz.

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

Typical 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 source device’s IR sensor

IMPORTANT — EDID Passthrough Is Supported

The EX-230PRO supports EDID passthrough.

EDID allows the HDMI source to detect the connected display’s supported video and audio capabilities.

This helps with resolution detection, HDMI handshake, and display compatibility.

If there is no video or the wrong resolution appears, check the source output setting, display capability, HDMI cable, and CAT cable.

IMPORTANT — No HDMI Loop Out

The EX-230PRO 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 — No Separate Audio Extraction Output

The EX-230PRO does not include Optical, Coaxial, RCA, or 3.5mm audio extraction.

Audio passes through HDMI to the connected display or HDMI audio device.

If separate audio extraction is needed, use an extender model with built-in audio output.

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, desktop PC, DVR, or media player.
2. Connect the HDMI display to HDMI OUT on the Receiver. 
   Examples include a TV, monitor, projector, or commercial display.
3. Connect the Transmitter RJ45 output to the Receiver RJ45 input using a CAT 6 / CAT 6a / CAT 7 cable.
4. Make sure the CAT cable uses direct straight-through wiring.
5. Connect one included 5V/500mA power adapter to the Transmitter.
6. Connect the second included 5V/500mA 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.
9. Connect the IR Receiver cable to IR IN on the Receiver.
10. Test video, audio, and IR control.
11. If there is no signal, press RESET or power cycle the source, display, Transmitter, and Receiver.

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@30Hz not working
6. Audio dropouts
7. IR control issues
8. Protection mode 
    
   Do not connect the CAT cable through a network switch or router.

HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical

Use high-quality HDMI cables for the source and display.

Poor HDMI cables may cause:

1. No picture
2. Flickering
3. Audio dropouts
4. HDCP handshake issues
5. No signal
6. 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. RJ45 output to connect to the Receiver
3. IR OUT for the IR blaster cable
4. RESET button
5. Signal indicator
6. DC 5V power input 
    
   The Transmitter must be powered using one of the included 5V/500mA power adapters.

Understanding the Receiver

The Receiver is installed near the display.

It has:

1. RJ45 input from the Transmitter
2. HDMI OUT to the display
3. IR IN for the IR receiver cable
4. RESET button
5. Signal indicator
6. DC 5V power input 
    
   The Receiver must be powered using the second included 5V/500mA 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 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. Make sure the IR Receiver is connected to IR IN on the Receiver
4. Make sure the IR Blaster is connected to IR OUT on the Transmitter

Understanding EDID Passthrough

EDID tells the HDMI source what video and audio formats the connected display supports.

The EX-230PRO supports EDID passthrough, allowing the source to read display information through the extender.

This helps with:

1. Resolution detection
2. HDMI handshake
3. Audio format compatibility
4. Display compatibility 
    
   If the source does not detect the display correctly, power cycle the source after the extender and display are connected.

Understanding Automatic Signal Adjustment

The EX-230PRO automatically adjusts parameters to match different network cables and help achieve the best display performance.

This helps improve stability across different CAT cable lengths and cable quality levels.

However, cable quality is still important. For best results, use high-quality CAT 6 / CAT 6a / CAT 7 cable and stay within the recommended distance limits.

Understanding the Signal Indicator

The Transmitter and Receiver each include a signal 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.

Supported Video and Audio

The EX-230PRO supports video formats including:

Supported audio formats include:

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

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

The OREI EX-230PRO 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-230PRO Compatible With?

The EX-230PRO 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
10. Outdoor advertising 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-230PRO used for? 
A: The EX-230PRO is used to extend HDMI video and audio over a single CAT 6 / CAT 6a / CAT 7 cable. It supports up to 4K@30Hz, 1080p@60Hz up to 70m / 230ft, and 4K@30Hz up to 40m / 131ft.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: Does the EX-230PRO support HDR? 
A: Yes. The manual lists HDR10 support.

Q: How far can it extend HDMI? 
A: It supports up to 70m / 230ft at 1080p@60Hz and up to 40m / 131ft at 4K@30Hz over CAT 6 / CAT 6a / CAT 7 cable.

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

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

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

Q: Does the EX-230PRO support Power over Cable? 
A: No Power over Cable function is listed. The package includes two power adapters, and both the Transmitter and Receiver need power.

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

Q: Does the EX-230PRO support IR control? 
A: Yes. It supports IR passback with a 20kHz to 60kHz frequency range.

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 the EX-230PRO 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 audio formats are supported? 
A: The manual lists PCM, LPCM, DTS-HD, DTS-AUDIO, and Dolby Digital 5.1.

Q: Does it support EDID passthrough? 
A: Yes. EDID passthrough is supported.

Q: What does the signal indicator mean? 
A: If the indicator flashes, no HDMI signal is being transmitted. If the indicator stays on, HDMI signal is being transmitted.

Q: What is the RESET button used for? 
A: The RESET button restarts the device and can be used if the HDMI signal does not sync properly.

Q: What should I do if there is no video? 
A: Check that both power adapters are connected, confirm the CAT cable is direct straight-through wiring, try a shorter CAT cable, check HDMI connections, press RESET, and test the source directly with the display.

Q: What should I do if 4K@30Hz does not work? 
A: Use high-quality CAT 6 / CAT 6a / CAT 7 cable, keep the cable 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-230PRO need external power? 
A: Yes. Connect one included DC 5V/500mA power adapter to the Transmitter and the second DC 5V/500mA power adapter to the Receiver.