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AV Distribution & Extenders

AV distribution and extenders here move HDMI video, audio and control between sources and displays. They include HDMI splitters and switches, matrix switchers, HDMI extenders over Cat5e/6, HDBaseT and fibre, AV over IP, wireless HDMI, in-line repeaters, RF modulators and audio extenders. Examples include the Vanco EVSP14SC 4K 1x4 splitter, the EVMX4K44 4x4 matrix and the AV:Link 128.839UK extender kit.

Choosing AV Distribution & Extenders

Start with how many sources and displays there are, then how far the signal has to travel and what resolution it must keep.

Splitters, switches and matrices

A splitter sends one source to several displays: the Vanco EVSP14SC sends 4K at 60Hz with HDR to four displays and downscales for a 1080p screen, and the EVSP18SC feeds eight HDMI outputs. A switch picks one of several sources, as the EVSW1042 does with four 4K inputs. A matrix such as the EVMX4K44 connects four HDMI sources to four displays at the same time. Most of the range is Vanco, including its Evolution and PulseAudio products.

Extending over cable

For runs beyond a normal HDMI lead, an extender sends the signal over one Cat cable. The AV:Link 128.839UK kit reaches 100m over a single shielded cat5e or cat6 cable and has a built in IR function, and the Haydon HAY-HDMIEXT25 covers 25 meters at 1080p with no additional power supply. HDBaseT models go further: the Vanco EVEXHDB3 extends uncompressed 4K with HDR to 328ft/100m over Cat6a/7, and the EVWP3000 has a single-gang wall-plate transmitter. For the longest runs the EVEXFBR1 uses fibre, reaching 984ft over multi-mode or 6.2 miles over single-mode.

AV over IP and wireless

AV over IP sends video across a network, so many sources can reach many displays. The EVO-IP EVOIPTX1 transmitter and EVOIPRX1 receiver carry 4K at 60Hz, and the system can handle over 1000 transmitters and receivers. Where no cable can be run, the EV4KWHDMI sends 4K wirelessly up to 164ft/50m.

Audio, repeaters and modulators

The Vanco HD4KRPTR couples two HDMI cables for a longer run, and the Technomate HDMI modulator puts an HDMI source on existing coaxial RF systems at 1080p.

NeedExampleReach or portsVideo
1x4 splitterEVSP14SC4 displays4K at 60Hz
4x4 matrixEVMX4K444 sources, 4 displays4K at 60Hz
Cat extender kit128.839UK100m4K and FHD
HDBaseT extenderEVEXHDB3100m on Cat6a/74K with HDR
Fibre extenderEVEXFBR16.2 miles single-mode4K at 60Hz
Wireless extenderEV4KWHDMI50m4K
eARC audio extenderPAEXEARC100mAudio only

Related categories

Pair the kit with HDMI cables and adapters for the runs and terminate at AV wall plates and outlets. More converters are in AV adapters and the wider audio and visual range, and our Help & Support guides cover HDMI versions and extender ranges.

Brands we stock in AV Distribution & Extenders

AV:Link, AVARRO, Dahua Technology, Genie, Haydon, Klarity, Technomate and Vanco.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an HDMI splitter and an HDMI switch?

A splitter shows one source on several displays, while a switch picks one of several sources for a single display. The Vanco EVSP12SC splits one source to two HDMI outputs, and the EVSW1042 switches four HDMI inputs to one output with auto and manual switching modes. A matrix such as the EVMX4K44 does both, sending four sources to four displays.

How far can an HDMI extender send a signal?

The Vanco EVEX4K70 extends full HD up to 330ft/100m but 4K content up to 230ft/70m over one Cat6/6A/7 cable, so a higher resolution shortens the reach. The AV:Link 128.839UK sends 4K and FHD signals up to 100m over one Ethernet cable, and over fibre the EVEXFBRK1 reaches 6.2mi/10km on single-mode.

What is HDBaseT?

It is a way of sending uncompressed HD video over a Cat cable together with audio, IR control and power. The Vanco EVWP3000 uses it to carry audio, video, IR and Power over HDBaseT, reaching 131ft (40m) at 4K or 230ft (70m) at 1080p, and the EVEXHDB1 carries full HD over a single 230ft/70m Cat5e/Cat6 cable.

Can I extend a keyboard and mouse along with the HDMI signal?

Yes, with a KVM extender. The Klarity KVM-POE/4K extends HDMI and USB over a single CAT cable at 4K @30Hz or 1080p @60Hz, with 2 USB ports on the receiver. The Vanco EVEXKVM1 carries HD video with KVM control via USB 2.0 up to 164ft/50m, and the EVEXFBRK1 adds KVM over fibre.

How do I show an HDMI source on TVs through the aerial system?

Use an HDMI to DVB-T RF modulator, which turns the HDMI signal into a channel the TVs can tune to. The Klarity modulator converts any HDMI signal to a Freeview DVB-T compatible signal at 1080P and needs a DVB-T or DVB-T2 compatible television. The Technomate 4K modulator takes an HDMI 2.0 input with loop-through and is cascadable for multiple TV setups.

How can I send TV sound to an amplifier in another room?

Use an ARC audio extender over a Cat cable. The PulseAudio PAEXARC1 routes digital audio from a display back to a remote location or amplifier over one Cat cable up to 492ft (150m), with an ARC Backup Plan using SPDIF. The PAEXEARC carries eARC or ARC up to 100m, and for microphones and analog audio the PA-EXMIX reaches 300m.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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