OREI HD12-EX165-K / HD14-EX165-K / HD18-EX165-K Extender Splitter Series Troubleshooting Guide

Introduction

This guide helps you troubleshoot common issues with the OREI HD12-EX165-K / HD14-EX165-K / HD18-EX165-K Extender Splitter Series Over CAT6/CAT7. It covers the most frequent customer-reported problems and the recommended steps to isolate the cause and restore video, audio, and IR performance.

Issue description

The HD12-EX165-K / HD14-EX165-K / HD18-EX165-K Extender Splitter Series sends one HDMI source to up to two, four or eight remote displays (depending on the model) over CAT6/CAT7 cabling and also provides a local HDMI loop out. If you are seeing no video, blinking screens, color problems, reduced resolution, audio issues, IR limitations, partial receiver failure, or power problems, use the sections below to identify the likely cause and the next best step.

Signs

• No picture on one or more receivers
• No picture on the HDMI loop out
• Blinking or intermittent video
• Missing color channels or distorted colors
• Resolution stuck at 720p or 1024x768
• No sound or audio breakup
• IR control not working as expected
• Only some receivers displaying video
• Unit not powering on

Basic troubleshooting steps

Before replacing the unit, check these common items:

• Confirm the source device is powered on and outputting video
• Verify the HDMI cables on both input and output are short and in good condition. Try changing the HDMI cables
• Use solid, round, shielded CAT6 cable wired to 568B standard
• Try changing the CAT6 cables.
• Avoid flat, stranded, or unshielded CAT cables
• Power cycle the transmitter, receivers, source device, and displays
• Test with a different source device if available
• Test with a lower resolution
• Try changing the EDID on the Transmitter unit
• Confirm that direct connection between media source and TV works

Advanced troubleshooting steps

1. No video on receivers or HDMI loop out

• Check the CAT port LED status on the transmitter. You should should see the Green LED stable and the Yellow LED either stable or blinking. If you do not see either LED lit up at all, it could point to a problem with the connected Receiver, CAT cable or the port itself.
• Check the CAT port LED status on the receiver that has the issue. If either LED is not lighting up at all, it could signal a problem with the Receiver or the CAT cable.
• Try lowering the resolution from the media source. If 1080p@60Hz doesn't work, try 720p just as a test.
• Try using a different source device. If the video works with the other source device it may point to a compatibility issue with the previously used source device.
• Try 1111 (all switches facing up) or 0000 (all switches down) EDID settings and see which one works. The 1100 setting can also be used to test. Make sure a display is connected to the loop output when using the 1100 EDID.

2. Intermittent signal or screen blinking

• Try a lower resolution from the media source.
• Try different EDID settings such as 1111 or 0000.
• If the issue follows a specific Receiver unit, try moving that unit to the other available CAT outputs and see if the issue stays with the Receiver or the specific port.
• Connect a display to the Loop out and see if the issue appears there as well.
• Try using a different source device.
• Connect the source device to the display directly and see if it works.

3. Color issues over CAT

• Try changing the CAT cables.
• Check if the issue appears on all Receivers or CAT outputs.
• Connect a display to the Loop out and see if the issue appears there as well.

4. Resolution capped lower than expected

If the source is stuck at 720p or 1024x768, 

• Set all EDID dip switches on the transmitter to the 0 (down) position, then manually set the source to 1080p.
• Disconnect all the displays and only connect a single display and see if the video works as expected.
• Try changing the HDMI or CAT cables.

5. Audio issues, no sound, or audio breakup

• Make sure the audio format is set to a format compatible with the connected displays.
• Use 0000 EDID for 1080p 2-channel audio as a test and check if audio works as expected.
• Adjust the EDID dip switches to different settings based on the audio format you need.
• Connect the media source to the display directly and see if the audio issues go away.
• Change the HDMI and/or CAT cables.
• Try using a different media source.

6. IR remote not working as expected

The HD12-EX165-K / HD14-EX165-K / HD18-EX165-K Extender Splitter Series supports IR pass-through for controlling the source device only. It does not support CEC, so it cannot power the TV on or off. The TV remote is still required to control the display.

For IR to work properly the connects need to be made correctly. The IR Blaster cable will connect to the IR OUT port on the Transmitter and the IR Receiver cable would connect to the IR IN port on the Receiver unit. Place the IR Receiver cable's head near the front of the TV so it is in line of sight. Use the media source remote (not the TV's) and point to the IR Receiver head and press any button. The signal would travel back over the CAT cable to the Transmitter end and come out the IR Blaster cable. Make sure the IR Blaster head is placed near or on the IR window of the media source device you wish to control.

For help with IR connections, refer to this video: 

7. Only some receivers working

• Check the status of the Green and Yellow indicator on the CAT port on the specific Receiver unit.
• Try the 1111 or 0000 EDID setting to force a common resolution to all Receivers.
• Move the non-working Receiver(s) to a different CAT output to see if the problem stays with the Receiver or the port.
• Swap the non-working receiver with a known-working receiver to isolate the fault.

8. Unit not powering on

Check the power adapter connection and try a different power outlet. Try a different compatible power adapter if available. If the power light still does not come on, the unit may be defective.

Contact support

Contact OREI support if the steps in this guide do not resolve the issue, or if you need help confirming compatibility, EDID settings, or firmware availability. When you reach out to the team it would be helpful to have some or all of the details mentioned below: 

1. Your setup details: How you have made the connections and the devices you are using
2. The problem you are facing and the troubleshooting steps you have tried already
3. Your purchase invoice or order number
4. Model number of your media devices, TVs and other equipment (if available)

Our support team is available via phone or email between 9 AM to 5 PM CST Monday through Friday.

Email: info@orei.com

Phone: +1 877-290-5530

Additional resources

Important notes:

• Use solid, round, shielded CAT6 cables wired to 568B standard
• Avoid flat or stranded CAT cables
• Keep HDMI cables under 30 ft on both sides

Disclaimer

Troubleshooting results may vary depending on your connected devices, cable quality, and system configuration. Use the steps in this guide at your discretion, and contact support if you are unsure about any setting or connection.