HDBaseT extenders are widely used for AV integration. This technology is developed by the HDBaseT Alliance and it enables us to manage audio-visual transmission in a more efficient way.

Table of Contents

What’s HDBaseT?

HDBaseT is a technology created for long-distance AV signal transmission and distribution. It’s now a global standard for audio, visual, controls, and USB signals transmission (and reception) & Ethernet connectivity. The HDBaseT transmitter and receiver are connected with an Ethernet cable and the tech allows the data to run up to 100 meters without compromising the overall performance and image quality.

You may already be familiar with it if you have ever searched for an HDMI or KVM extender for your own use. HDBaseT extenders are officially certified by the Alliance after testing to make sure the product is in compliance with the standard.

How Does HDBaseT Work?

Just like an HDMI balun, an HDBaseT HDMI extender contains two main units — a transmitter and a receiver.

Audio, visual, controls, and USB signals are received by the HDBaseT transmitter on the source device end and transferred through the category twisted pair cable; the receiver would be placed near the displays and peripherals. It’s responsible for converting the CAT signals back to HDMI and USB and sending them over to the electronic devices.

HDBaseT technology is able to transmit:

  • Uncompressed high-definition video (up to 4K@60hz 4:4:4 for Spec 3.0)
  • High-quality audio data (such as Dolby Atmos), USB (2.0 standard)
  • Control signals (IR, RS232)
  • Ethernet (up to 1Gbps)

HDBaseT Specifications

HDBaseT 3.0 was first released in 2019 and it remains the most advanced generation now. Before 3.0, there are Spec 2.0 and 1.0. They are different in the supported data, transmission length, and more. While even though your devices are in compliance with different versions, they are backward compatible and will figure out the best way they can to deliver their value.

Spec 3.0

HDBaseT 3.0 supports fully uncompressed 4K@60 4:4:4 video, USB 2.0 transmission up to 100m/328ft, and full-duplex Ethernet up to 1Gbps. Basically, if you want to make the best out of an HDBaseT 3.0 extender, a Cat6a cable or above is recommended. An HDMI 2.0 extender (true 4K) would require spec 3.0 if it is using this tech for the extension.

Spec 2.0

Spec 2.0 supports the same distance (up to 100m/328ft) for a lower level video transmission of UHD 4K@30 4:4:4 or 4K@60 4:2:0. USB 2.0 extension was newly added in this version, and strengthened HDBaseT’s overall feature and made it a more robust AV distribution tech.

Spec 1.0

The initial version of the standard supports 1080p transmission up to 100m/328ft., UHD 4K up to 90m/295ft. And 100Mbps Ethernet connectivity. It still was a breakthrough at the time for long-distance, integrated data transmission of audio, video, Ethernet, and control signals over a single Category cable.

HDBaseT Extenders Advantages

HDBaseT technology enables “one-stop” long-distance transmission for a collection of data types, both for displays and controls, for Ethernet and power (PoE). An HDBaseT extender helps eliminate cable clusters and maintain your data at a good enough quality.

Key strengths

  • Long-distance data transmission up to 100 meters
  • Handling audio, visual, controls, USB, and Ethernet data all at one
  • High quality 4K@60hz 4:4:4 video supported
  • Delivering data through a single Category cable
  • Backward compatible with all specs

Conclusions

I am wondering if this article answers your question when you click in. When I rethink: What’s HDBaseT? I think people may be confused by a lot of different ProAV extenders and wanna know whether they shall choose an HDBaseT extender over others. If you are in the same situation, this article may help you out: Top 5 Reasons to Choose an HDBaseT Extender. You may be also interested in:

AV Access is an experienced, professional ProAV & IPAV manufacturer and we offer quality KVM extenders, HDMI extenders, AV over IP solutions, and more. Visit the AV Access shop to pick an HDBaseT extender today!

Original copy: https://www.avaccess.com/blogs/guides/whats-hdbaset/