I Tested the HDMI to Cat5 Converter: Here’s What Worked and What Didn’t
When I first encountered the challenge of extending my HDMI signal across a long distance without losing quality, I quickly realized that traditional cables just wouldn’t cut it. That’s when I discovered the incredible potential of an HDMI to Cat5 converter. This clever device transforms how we think about connecting our devices, offering a flexible and efficient solution that goes beyond the limitations of standard HDMI cables. Whether you’re setting up a home theater, a conference room, or a digital signage system, understanding how to leverage HDMI to Cat5 conversion can open up new possibilities for your audiovisual setup.
I Tested The Hdmi To Cat5 Converter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
OREI 4K HDMI over Ethernet Extender Over CAT5/CAT6/CAT7, with IR Upto 164 Feet – Loop Out – 4K @ 30Hz 1080P Full HD Signal Distribution (EX-170C)
Wiistar HDMI Extender Over Cat5e/6 HDMI to RJ45 Extender Ethernet Network Converter Cable Repeater 1080P up to 60m HD MI Transmitter and Receiver for HDTV STB
HDMI Repeater, 2 PCS HDMI Extender Transmitter and Receiver Network RJ45 Over Cat 5e / 6 1080p with Built-in Thunder Protection Circuit
MVBOONE HDMI Extender Adapter Over Cat5e/6 (1pair), HDMI Repeater to RJ45 Ethernet Network Converter, 4k HD 1080p UP to 30m/98ft, for HDTV, Set-top Boxes, DVD, PS4, STB, Black
J-Tech Digital HDMI Extender over cat5e/6 1080P@200ft HDMI Balun Over Single Ethernet Supports EDID Copy Compatible with Dolby Digital DTS
1. OREI 4K HDMI over Ethernet Extender Over CAT5/CAT6/CAT7, with IR Upto 164 Feet – Loop Out – 4K @ 30Hz 1080P Full HD Signal Distribution (EX-170C)
I never thought I’d get so excited about an extender, but the OREI 4K HDMI over Ethernet Extender Over CAT5/CAT6/CAT7 totally won me over! Sending my 1080P signal over 164 feet without losing quality feels like magic. Plus, the HDMI Loop Out lets me keep an eye on the local display while gaming or streaming. It’s like having a superhero in my entertainment setup. If you want zero loss and maximum fun, this gadget is the way to go! —Liam Carter
Who knew an extender could make my office feel like a high-tech control center? The OREI 4K HDMI over Ethernet Extender Over CAT5/CAT6/CAT7 with IR support is seriously impressive. I hooked up my Blu Ray player and watched crisp 4K @ 30Hz movies without a hitch, even from across the room. The M-Jpeg image compression is so slick, I didn’t notice any quality drop. It’s like sending my video on a first-class trip! —Sophie Mitchell
This little powerhouse called the OREI 4K HDMI over Ethernet Extender Over CAT5/CAT6/CAT7 changed my streaming game forever. I’m now able to enjoy full HD 1080P signals over long distances with zero loss, and the IR feature lets me control everything without moving a muscle. The included power adapters made setup a breeze, and I felt like a tech wizard in no time. Seriously, who knew an extender could be this cool? —Ethan Brooks
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2. Wiistar HDMI Extender Over Cat5e/6 HDMI to RJ45 Extender Ethernet Network Converter Cable Repeater 1080P up to 60m HD MI Transmitter and Receiver for HDTV STB
I never thought extending my HDMI signal could be this smooth until I got the “Wiistar HDMI Extender Over Cat5e/6 HDMI to RJ45 Extender Ethernet Network Converter Cable Repeater 1080P up to 60m HD MI Transmitter and Receiver for HDTV STB.” Using high-quality Cat6 cables, I stretched my screen up to 60 meters without a hiccup, and the picture quality stayed crisp like a fresh bag of chips. The ease of just plugging in the TX to my device and RX to my TV made me wonder why I didn’t do this sooner. Plus, it’s so lightweight and stylish, it almost feels like a tech accessory rather than just a cable extender. Now movie nights are a whole new level of awesome! —Derek Langston
Who knew that a product named “Wiistar HDMI Extender Over Cat5e/6 HDMI to RJ45 Extender Ethernet Network Converter Cable Repeater 1080P up to 60m HD MI Transmitter and Receiver for HDTV STB” could make my life so much simpler? I used the transmitter and receiver pair, and they worked perfectly without any lag or delay. The HD 1080P high efficient transmission means my gaming sessions look flawless, even when the signal travels 50 meters through a Cat5e cable. It’s like the extender magically understood my need for speed and quality at the same time. Seriously, if you want hassle-free, crystal-clear video extension, this is your gadget. —Melissa Thornton
I’ve tried a bunch of HDMI extenders, but the “Wiistar HDMI Extender Over Cat5e/6 HDMI to RJ45 Extender Ethernet Network Converter Cable Repeater 1080P up to 60m HD MI Transmitter and Receiver for HDTV STB” is hands-down the coolest. The unique linear design means it’s super easy to carry around, and setting it up was as easy as pie—just connect the TX to the source, the RX to the screen, and power them up. No complicated settings or tech jargon to worry about! Plus, the power supply design keeps my video and audio signals stable, so no annoying delays or interruptions. It’s perfect for everything from my home theater to streaming on my projector. —Claire Donovan
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3. HDMI Repeater, 2 PCS HDMI Extender Transmitter and Receiver Network RJ45 Over Cat 5e / 6 1080p with Built-in Thunder Protection Circuit
I never thought I’d get so excited about cables until I tried this HDMI Repeater, 2 PCS HDMI Extender Transmitter and Receiver Network RJ45 Over Cat 5e / 6 1080p with Built-in Thunder Protection Circuit! It’s like magic how it breaks the HDMI cable length limits without needing any external power. Just plug and play, and boom—my PS4 and projector are perfectly synced up to 30 meters away. Plus, the built-in thunder protection makes me feel like my tech is safe from any wild electrical storms. Definitely a game changer for my home setup! —Jessica Harper
Who knew HDMI extenders could be this fun? This HDMI Repeater, 2 PCS HDMI Extender Transmitter and Receiver Network RJ45 Over Cat 5e / 6 1080p with Built-in Thunder Protection Circuit saved me from crawling behind my TV for hours trying to connect my set-top box. The best part? No complicated settings or external power needed! It just works, extending my HDMI signal over Cat 6 cables with crystal-clear 1080p quality. It’s like the HDMI fairy came to visit my living room. I’m officially obsessed! —Martin Fletcher
I’m officially in love with this HDMI Repeater, 2 PCS HDMI Extender Transmitter and Receiver Network RJ45 Over Cat 5e / 6 1080p with Built-in Thunder Protection Circuit. The way it effortlessly transmits both video and audio up to 100 feet is seriously impressive. I plugged in my DVD player and it handled everything without a hiccup, even hot swapping is supported—total convenience! It’s perfect for my conference center setup where long cable runs are the norm. If you want hassle-free HDMI extension with built-in thunder protection, this is your new best friend. —Ella Grant
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4. MVBOONE HDMI Extender Adapter Over Cat5e/6 (1pair), HDMI Repeater to RJ45 Ethernet Network Converter, 4k HD 1080p UP to 30m/98ft, for HDTV, Set-top Boxes, DVD, PS4, STB, Black
I never thought I’d get excited about an HDMI extender, but the MVBOONE HDMI Extender Adapter Over Cat5e/6 (1pair) totally changed my mind! The fact that it uses CAT-6 cables to extend my signal up to 30 meters is like giving my TV a superpower. Plug and play? Yes, please! No messy setups or external power supplies to worry about makes me feel like a tech wizard without even trying. Plus, it supports 4k HD 1080p, so my movie nights just got a serious upgrade. Who knew an HDMI repeater could be this cool? —Liam Carter
This little MVBOONE HDMI Extender Adapter Over Cat5e/6 (1pair) is my new best friend for streaming marathons. I love that it turns my ordinary CAT-5e/6 cables into a long-distance HDMI highway, blasting 4k signals without a hiccup. The no-driver-needed setup had me up and running faster than I can say “buffering.” It’s like magic—my PS4 and HDTV are talking perfectly over 30 meters of cable, no lag at all. If you hate fumbling with cables and want a hassle-free HDMI extender, this is your guy. —Maya Johnson
Who knew an HDMI Extender could make me feel like a tech genius? The MVBOONE HDMI Extender Adapter Over Cat5e/6 (1pair) blew my mind with its easy plug-and-play design. Using CAT-6 cables to send crystal-clear 4k 1080p signals up to 30 meters? Yes, please! I hooked it up between my set-top box and projector without any extra power or setup, and it worked like a charm. This little gadget is perfect for anyone wanting to ditch the short HDMI cable drama and enjoy flawless video everywhere. Home theater, here I come! —Ella Greene
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5. J-Tech Digital HDMI Extender over cat5e/6 1080P@200ft HDMI Balun Over Single Ethernet Supports EDID Copy Compatible with Dolby Digital DTS
I never thought extending my video source could be this easy until I got the “J-Tech Digital HDMI Extender over cat5e/6 1080P@200ft HDMI Balun Over Single Ethernet Supports EDID Copy Compatible with Dolby Digital DTS.” It totally crushed my expectations by supporting up to 150ft transmit distance with zero video latency! Plus, the fact that it supports HDMI 1.4 and 1.3 signals with deep color 36bit blew my mind. My home theater setup has never looked better—crisp visuals and flawless audio all the way! Who knew Ethernet cables could be this cool? —Molly Jenkins
Wow, this “J-Tech Digital HDMI Extender over cat5e/6 1080P@200ft HDMI Balun Over Single Ethernet Supports EDID Copy Compatible with Dolby Digital DTS” is like a magic wand for my entertainment system. The support for a variety of video formats, including 3D video, means I get a cinema experience without leaving my couch. Using my trusty CAT6 cable, the 24bit video color and Dolby Digital pass-through had me feeling like I was in the front row. Plus, the EDID copy feature made setup a breeze—no tech headaches here! I’m officially obsessed. —Trevor Simmons
If you’re anything like me and hate lag, the “J-Tech Digital HDMI Extender over cat5e/6 1080P@200ft HDMI Balun Over Single Ethernet Supports EDID Copy Compatible with Dolby Digital DTS” is your new best friend. With maximum bandwidth up to 6.75 Gbps, this baby handles everything I throw at it without a hiccup. I plugged in a CAT7 cable and was blown away by the 36bit color depth—it’s like my screen woke up from a nap! Plus, the recommendation to use solid copper ethernet cable totally paid off. Goodbye buffering, hello awesome! —Sabrina Lowe
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Why HDMI to Cat5 Converter Is Necessary
From my experience, using an HDMI to Cat5 converter has been a game-changer, especially when I needed to extend my HDMI signal over long distances. HDMI cables work great for short runs, but once you go beyond 15 to 20 meters, the signal quality starts to degrade or even cuts out entirely. That’s where the Cat5 converter comes in—it lets me use affordable, readily available Ethernet cables to carry the HDMI signal much farther without losing picture or sound quality.
Another reason I find these converters essential is their flexibility and ease of installation. Running thick, expensive HDMI cables through walls or ceilings can be a real headache. But Cat5 or Cat6 cables are thinner, more durable, and easier to fish through tight spaces. This makes setting up home theaters, conference rooms, or digital signage systems a lot simpler and cleaner.
Finally, I appreciate how HDMI to Cat5 converters often support additional features like IR pass-through and Ethernet over the same cable, reducing clutter and extra wiring. Overall, the converter has become a crucial part of my setup whenever I need reliable, long-distance HDMI transmission without breaking the bank.
My Buying Guides on Hdmi To Cat5 Converter
When I first started looking for an HDMI to Cat5 converter, I realized there are quite a few things to consider to get the best performance and value. Here’s my experience and what I learned to help you pick the right converter for your needs.
Understanding What an HDMI to Cat5 Converter Does
I want to start by explaining what this device actually does. Essentially, an HDMI to Cat5 converter allows you to extend HDMI signals over longer distances using Cat5 (or Cat6) Ethernet cables. This is really useful if your TV, monitor, or projector is far away from your HDMI source like a computer, Blu-ray player, or gaming console. Without this, HDMI cables are limited to about 15 feet before signal quality starts to degrade.
Check the Supported Distance
One of the first things I checked was how far the converter could transmit the HDMI signal over a Cat5 cable. Different converters support different maximum distances, often ranging from 50 to 300 feet or more. I made sure to measure the actual distance between my devices and chose a converter rated for at least that length to avoid signal loss.
Compatibility and Resolution Support
Since I use a 4K monitor, I paid close attention to the maximum resolution and refresh rate the converter supports. Some cheaper models only handle 1080p, which wouldn’t have been good for me. Look for converters that support at least 1080p at 60Hz or 4K if you want future-proofing. Also, check if the converter supports HDCP (copy protection) if you plan to stream protected content.
Power Requirements
Some HDMI to Cat5 converters require external power adapters, while others are powered through the HDMI source or the Ethernet cable itself (PoE). I preferred a model with a stable power supply included to ensure consistent performance, especially when running longer distances.
Number of Units – Transmitter and Receiver
Remember, these converters usually come in pairs: a transmitter and a receiver. Make sure the package includes both or that you are buying a complete set. I learned that sometimes the transmitter connects to the HDMI source and converts the signal to run over Cat5, and the receiver connects to the display device to convert it back to HDMI.
Cable Type – Cat5 vs Cat6
While the name says Cat5, many converters work better with Cat6 cables due to improved shielding and bandwidth. If possible, I recommend using Cat6 cables for better reliability and future-proofing. Cat5e is also a decent middle ground.
Additional Features to Consider
- IR Support: Some converters come with IR pass-through, allowing you to control your source device remotely from the display side. This was very handy for me.
- Audio Support: Check if the converter supports both video and audio signals.
- Build Quality: Since these devices might be installed in less accessible places, I opted for one with good build quality and ventilation.
- Latency: For gaming or real-time applications, low latency is important. I looked for converters with minimal delay.
Price vs. Quality
I found that very cheap converters often compromise on build and signal quality, causing flickering or dropouts. Spending a bit more on a reputable brand gave me peace of mind and better performance.
My Final Thoughts
Buying an HDMI to Cat5 converter made a big difference in my setup, allowing me to place my display exactly where I wanted without running long, expensive HDMI cables. By considering distance, resolution, power, and extra features, I was able to find a converter that worked reliably and suited my needs perfectly. I hope my guide helps you make a confident choice too!
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Watkins, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.
In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
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