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. It also can send much higher resolutions up to 8K at these distances due to the high data throughput of fiber.
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
- 48 Gbps
- 8K @ 60Hz
- 4K @120Hz
- HDMI 2.1
- HDCP 1.4/2.0/2.2
- Compatible with ARC and CEC
- Operating Temperature -20℃ to 80℃ ± 5℃
- Recommended minimum bend radius is about 4 cm when not under tension or about 8 cm when under tension.
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Lawrence Nolan I bought two of these light-link 2.1 hdmi cables. Neither one of them works. I have been trying to get the company to send me a return authorization. So far, they are claiming they can't find the order number.
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William Richards I have used several of these now with great success. Runs up to 50 feet with no problems.
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Jed Bartschi i needed a 40ft cable for my new projector and had been burned by the ones on amazon. this cable has worked great so far on an epson ls11000. the company processed the order promptly. BUT - i only live 3 hours away from company and cables took 5 business days to show up via USPS. If you need cables in a timely manner then you may want to order elsewhere.
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Orlando Shipment was prompt, wish they had red flag warnings about polarity.
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Steve Malloy Had an issue with tv freezing up fro time to time. I replaced the cable with another Sewell cable and it works fine now. I am not sure why I had this issue with the fiber cable.
