Extron has released the HD Pro Plenum Series of active, hybrid optical-copper cables for high-speed transmission of HDMI digital video and audio signals.

They support data rates up to 18Gbps, video resolutions up to 4K/60 at 4:4:4, HDR, EDID, HDCP and CEC, as well as all HDMI audio formats.

These active cables are unidirectional and draw only nominal power from the connected HDMI source device. Each ultra-thin cable is just 4mm in diameter and offers a narrow bend radius, providing easy installation and uncompromised performance.

Providing the benefits of fibre optics with the simplicity of traditional copper cable, the HD Pro Plenum Series supports 4K/60 video signals over long distances up to 91.4m.

“Our customers wanted a high-performance solution for sending 4K/60 signals with full 4:4:4 colour sampling over extended distances that didn’t require transmitters and receivers for every endpoint,” says Extron vice president of worldwide sales and marketing Casey Hall.

“HD Pro Plenum Series cables are a convenient, high-performance solution that easily supports the 18Gbps data rate required to transport 4K/60 video and maintain uncompromised signal quality.”

The HD Pro Plenum Series uses glass multimode fibre, which allows for use in high-interference environments such as data centres and manufacturing facilities.

Built-in active circuitry converts the incoming electrical signal into an optical signal on one end and back into an electrical signal on the other.

Non-bandwidth intensive or low-speed signals are carried on the integrated copper wires, including EDID, HDCP, CEC and 5V power.