HDMI over Ethernet extenders commonly use a single Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6A, or Cat 7 cable, depending on the extender and installation. Cable category, cable quality, and video resolution affect transmission distance, with many systems supporting longer runs for 1080p than for 4K, while some HDBaseT extenders reach up to 100 meters over Cat 6A or Cat 7 cable.

HDMI over Ethernet extenders carry embedded HDMI audio, with some models supporting multichannel formats, Audio Return Channel (ARC), or audio extraction through a separate output. Many also support High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP), while pass-through for infrared (IR), RS-232, Ethernet control, or USB keyboard and mouse signals can help installers manage the source or display remotely, depending on the model.

Choose Power over Ethernet (PoE) when you want the transmitter and receiver to share power through the Category cable, and choose infrared (IR) control when users need to operate the source or display from the opposite end of the link. Choose Audio Return Channel (ARC) when display audio needs to travel back to an audio system with fewer connections, and choose serial control, such as RS-232, when a control system must send commands to compatible displays or other connected devices.

Review the cable type and run length against the extender’s supported resolution, verify HDMI and HDCP compatibility between the source and display, and determine whether the installation needs Power over Ethernet (PoE) or remote power. Also account for IR, RS-232, Ethernet, Audio Return Channel (ARC), or USB keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) control, along with audio requirements, mounting space, cable termination, and link testing for residential, commercial, or educational AV systems.