HDMI connectivity can be finicky, from the dreaded “handshake requirement” (HDCP) to signal strength limitations over long distances. As a result, custom installers need access to an HDMI connectivity solution that is flexible and stable.
Pure Fi, a connectivity solutions provider in the Pro A/V space, unveiled its Pro HDMI 2.1 Active Optical Cable (AOC) at the 2023 CEDIA EXPO that ran from Sept 7 -9, 2023.
From Bill Huang, CEO of Pure Fi: “We set out to design an optical connectivity solution that offers the same blazing-fast performance our customers have come to expect from Pure Fi, but with a number of benefits sure to be appreciated by professionals in the A/V space,…Our new Pro HDMI AOC features a modular design that serves the dual purpose of streamlining in-wall installation, while future-proofing the AV investment, all thanks to detachable connectors that can be replaced and upgraded in the future without abandoning existing in-wall cabling.”
The Pure Fi Pro HDMI AOC features detachable Tx (transmitter) and Rx (receiver) modules, making it easy to slide the pure optical fiber cable through conduit and other narrow openings before terminating at desired endpoints.
In addition to being narrow and flexible, the AOC’s durable fiber housing and dust-proof connectors withstand moisture, heat, and other harsh environmental conditions. This makes it a great choice for Pro A/V, high-end home theater systems, and gaming setups.
Tip: The Pure Fi Pro HDMI AOC is backward-compatible with earlier versions of HDMI, ensuring that it can be used with existing HDMI devices.
From Jeff Park, Chief Technology Officer at the HDMI Licensing Administrator: “We applaud Pure Fi’s efforts to continue to foster and grow the HDMI ecosystem across the market as a whole and in the professional A/V space in particular,…Commercial applications are demanding, and installers require a durable connectivity solution that performs well and also withstands the harsh environmental elements often associated with professional deployments. Pure Fi is providing a solution that fills an important need in the Pro A/V market.”
Features:
- CL3 Rated: This means the cable has been tested and certified to meet specific fire safety standards for safe in-wall installation, including the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for flame propagation and smoke generation.
- Long-Distance Connectivity: This cable solution supports high-bandwidth connectivity transfer speeds up to 48 Gbps which accommodates 8K content at 60 Hz or 4K content at 120 Hz at distances of up to 1,000 feet with near-zero EMI (Electromagnetic interference).
- Lightweight, Flexible & Modular: Detachable Tx (transmitter) and Rx (receiver) modules mean installers only need to slide cable that is less than .2 inch thin. This makes in-wall and ceiling installation easier as there are no bulky HDMI connectors to get in the way. Once the cable is installed, maintenance and upgrades are easily accommodated by swapping out connector ends without having to replace existing in-wall cabling.
- In-House Design and Manufacturing: Pure Fi designs, engineers, and manufactures its proprietary chipsets and system in-house. This ensures full control of the manufacturing and distribution process.
Tip: Unlike passive and some amplified HDMI cables, which are bi-directional, HDMI AOC cables are un-directional. This means that one cable end only plugs into the HDMI output of a source device (Blu-ray Disc player, Game Control, HD Cable Box, Media Streamer), and the other end only plugs into the HDMI input of a destination device (AVR, TV, Projector)
Availability and Pricing
Pure Fi Pro HDMI 2.1 Active Optical Cable (AOC, 300-feet) is priced at $359.99 at Pure-fi.com, but is currently sold out.
Pure Fi HDMI 2.1a 8K Active Optical Cable is available in lengths from 15-feet to 100-feet, priced from $39.99 – $149.99 at Amazon.
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