The Light-Link is an "HDMI over Fiber" cable that sends the video information through optical fiber. Because it uses fiber, it can send the signal instantly with no perceptible latency at longer distances than regular copper HDMI cables.
How it Works
The converters inside the cable heads convert incoming electrical signal into optical on one end, and back into electrical on the other end. The Light-Link is composed of fiber cables and copper cables. The copper cables are used for non-video information such as hot plug detection, grounding, and +5v power. The fiber strands carry all the video information.
The light travels down the fibers using internal reflection, which allows the light to bounce off the cable walls similar to a bobsled. Light travels extremely fast (186,000 miles a second) so the signal arrives almost instantly without losing any quality.
Better than copper
According to HDMI.org "The longest HDMI cable runs seen to date have been achieved using fiber-optic cable, which is far less susceptible to attenuation and interference than copper. Electrically it is similar to an active cable or Cat 5/6 solution, the principal difference being the higher-quality optical cabling between the transmit and receive connectors. HDMI over fiber is a highly robust solution, effective in cable runs up to 100 meters or more."
Easier than any HDMI extender
Since the optical converters are housed inside the heads of the cable, there is no need for any external repeaters. This also means that there is no need for extra power adapters or patch cables.
The Light-Link eliminates possible points of failure. In a typical HDMI extender setup with baluns you have a total of eight connections:
- x4 HDMI connections - video source to sender balun and receiver balun to display.
- x2 RJ45 connections - transmitter balun to receiver balun.
- x2 power connections - from baluns to power outlets.
That's eight possible things that can get unplugged, plugged in the wrong way, or become defective. With the Light-Link you only have one cable that can be easily verified end to end. Troubleshooting is incredibly easy compared to any other setup.
Specifications
Specifications
- 18Gbps
- 4K @ 60Hz 4:4:4
- HDMI 2.0
- HDCP 1.4/2.0/2.2
- Compatible with ARC and CEC
- Operating Temperature -20℃ to 70℃ ± 5℃
- Recommended minimum bend radius is about 4 cm when not under tension or about 8 cm when under tension.
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Luis Jarrin Keep up the good work!
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William Elrod These cables are awesome they're small they're portable they bend very easily and you can run them 300' and not have an issue I love them for the versatility that they have and they bring an excellent picture to any video source that has H DMI capability
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kyle c stevens Worked great until the dog chewed it.Will order another sometime.
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William Elrod Order was on time, the new Fiber HDMI is the way to go. Better quality of picture and smaller cable to fit the box
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John Marquiss I have purchased 5 of these although the first does not show under my account. The 4 100ft have worked great even at 4k. I always had trouble with the 150ft link although it took a long time for me to be sure what the issue was. I finally isolated it by buying the 4th 100ft and replacing the 150ft link. That totally solved all my issues. It was out of warranty at that point and Sewell declined to repair it at my expense. The moral of the story is make sure yours works before it is out of warranty. There are other reviewers that also are report receiving defective units so make sure yours works.