Name: Ethereal Install Bay® Active Hybrid HDMI Cable
Brand: Ethereal
SKU: 120AOC80
Price: 329.00 USD
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Rating: 4.5 (67 reviews)

by Crutchfield's Steve Kindig

Hybrid design + active processing = zero signal loss

Ethereal's Install Bay® active hybrid HDMI cables are a great way to go when you have a long cable run between a 4K source and your 4K TV — even up to 260 feet! These cables support the maximum 18 Gbps bandwidth provided by the HDMI 2.0 standard, and they're rated for in-wall use. They can handle the latest advances in video technology, including 4K Ultra HD and HDR content.

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Hybrid design + active processing = zero signal loss

Unlike conventional copper-based HDMI cables, these hybrid cables divvy up the signal-carrying duties among four fiber optic conductors and seven copper conductors. The other advantage of these cables is the "active" part — the built-in signal processing chip. It helps ensure that your signals travel from source to display with no loss or interruption. The cable is self-powered, drawing 5V via the HDMI connection to the source device, so no external power supply is needed.

These Ethereal cables are thin, lightweight, and flexible — their small bending radius of 45mm makes connections in tight spaces possible. The cables have labeled connector ends to reduce installation error (there's only one correct way to hook them up).

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Product highlights:

active design uses a signal processing chip to ensure more reliable signal transmission over greater distances
powered by the HDMI connection to the source device; no external power required
hybrid cable design uses four fiber optic conductors and seven copper conductors
cable is slim, lightweight, and flexible, with a small bending radius of 45mm
supports HDMI features through version 2.0:
- supports 4K/60Hz and HDR (18 Gbps maximum bandwidth)
- bi-directional Ethernet communication with compatible components
- ARC (Audio Return Channel) for sending Dolby® Digital sound from a TV back to an A/V receiver
CL3-rated for safe in-wall installation
directional design — connection ends are labeled to reduce installation error
gold-plated contacts resist corrosion
warranty: 1 year
MFR # IB-HDAOC-080

What's in the box:

80' Hybrid HDMI/Optical cable

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Researched by Crutchfield's Stacey B.

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Features

Hybrid Active HDMI/Optical Cable: This active hybrid cable contains both fiber optic and copper cores terminated by a HDMI connector on each end. It allows you to transmit HDMI signals long distances without an external power supply. With an advanced optical engine embedded, this hybrid active HDMI/Optical cable provides full HDMI signal integrity and supports a maximum data rate of 18Gbps.

HDMI 2.0b: The active hybrid HDMI/Optical cable is terminated with a gold-plated HDMI type-A connector on each end and fully complies with the HDMI 2.0b specification. The HDMI 2.0b specification means that it will support data rates up to 18Gbps, video resolutions up to Ultra HD 4K/60Hz (4:4:4) with 48-bit color depth (16-bit per channel), as well as lossless HDMI audio formats like Dolby True HD and DTS-HD. It also supports bi-directional EDID, as well as HDCP 1.4 & 2.2 communication. In addition, the cable is compatible with ARC, HEC, CEC, and Ethernet-over-HDMI.

Directional: This active hybrid cable can only be used in one direction. The HDMI type-A connectors are marked with "Source" and "Display". Each HDMI type-A connector must be plugged into the correct port to avoid signal loss. Make the appropriate connections with your Source and Display device turned off.

Note: Do not use any intermediate cables or adapters between the connections, as the signal transmission performance maybe attenuated.

Passive Power: The active hybrid HDMI/Optical cable is designed for use with the +5V passive power, supplied through pin 18 on the HDMI connection from the source device. This +5V connection, as well as powering the internal fiber optic module, is also carried through to the other sink via a full standard copper connection. Make sure that your source device is capable of delivering more than 500mA.

CL3 Rated: The active hybrid HDMI/Optical cable features a UL rated CL3 approved PVC jacket for safe in-wall use. It is intended for indoor use only; do not use it outdoors (contact with moisture must be avoided under all circumstances). The PVC jacket is also lightweight, flexible, and has a small diameter.

Specifications:

Connector Type: HDMI Type-A
Cable Type: Hybrid type with OM3 fiber and copper wire
HDMI Version: HDMI 2.0b (fully supports bi-directional EDID and HDCP 1.4/2.2 communication, audio/video pass-through, Ethernet-over-HDMI, CEC/HEC, & ARC)
Video Bandwidth: 18Gbps (6 Gbps per Channel + Clock)
Max Resolution: 2160p60 4:4:4 8/10bit
- HDTV: 480p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p deep color, 4K (60P), 3D Full HD 1920x1080
- PC: WUXGA 1920x1200
Passive Power Supply: 4.75 - 5.5V (no external power required)
Power Consumption: 2450mW (max.)

Dimensions:

Connector: 0.75" (w) x 0.375" (h) x 2.4375" (d)
Cable Diameter: 0.195"
Bending Radius: bending the cable to a smaller radius will irreversibly destroy the cable
- Short Term: 2.3125" (6cm)
- Long Term: 1.75" (45mm)
Max Pull Tensile Load: 150N (15kg)
Cable Lengths: available in 30', 50', 65', 80', 100', 130', 200', and 260' lengths

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9 questions already asked

Will this work with a Dish Hopper 3 receiver?

sharkey5103 Dec 31, 2019

3 answers

If the application is to connect the Dish Hopper 3 receiver to a TV then be sure to connect the "Display-TV" termination to the TV and the "Source termination to the Dish Hopper 3.

meade g Jan 10, 2020

I don't see why not, but Im not the expert on your receiver. What I wanted to point out is that the cable ends are labeled to be plugged in a specific direction(one end TV/one end receiver). I did not notice this and plugged it in backwards. It did not work at all that way and it took me a while to figure out. Was a pain to re-run the long wire again also. Works great when plugged in correctly. Mine is used between a Kenwood receiver and a projector. Hope this saves you some headache.

robert Jan 10, 2020

I don't know about the Dish Hopper. I have it connected to my Onkyo Home Theatre receiver and my Samsung smart TV and it works great!

thomas Jan 10, 2020

Several audio techs claim that HDMI hybrid cables will not work over long distances. They claim I have to run fibre cable and then splice HDMI cables. I've got to run 85 feet of HDMI cable up between walls and in the attic. Will the Metra install bay active hybrid HDMI cable really work if I connect a 4K UHD TV to an AVR?

hector i. Jan 28, 2019

6 answers

It should. We ran a 4K projector off a 100' Crutchfield active hybrid HDMI cable and it works great. We have run 100'+ non hybrid HDMI cables in the past but they are so thick (like the thickness of your thumb or greater) that they are EXTREMELY hard to work with and pull through walls, they are very thick and HEAVY. The advantage of the active hybrid HDMI cable is that they are the thickness of ordinary HDMI cables or thinner and lightweight. The possible disadvantage of them is that you have to be careful pulling them and going around bends as they have a fiber optics cable in them which is made out of glass. Hope this helps.

eric Feb 03, 2019

Absolutely!!!!! I was using an hdmi over cat 6 extender before this cable came along.... This thing works flawlessly and the ARC function and all control functions work as they should.

matt Jan 30, 2019

Actually my purchase was 30 feet, That said, I would not try to run fibre cable and then splice HDMI cables. Instead, I would purchase 85' - 100' of Metra and bring the components to a convenient single location to verify the transmission of audio/video before installing between the walls. Take care to read the markings on the cable as the one I bought was "one-way". Do take special care with the run between the walls.

meade g Jan 29, 2019

This cable worked great for me. I have a media closet where I keep all of my A/V equipment. I have it connected from my Denon AVR, to a 75 inch Samsung NU7100 series TV. I run 7.2 ch sound, and 4k source from an xbox one x, and a Sony 4k player. Sound and video are perfect. My run is about 100 feet. I tried other cheaper cables, but the video quality was very poor.

mark Jan 29, 2019

I have been told the same over long distances. The hybrid cable works fine for my 30 ft distance but I do not know if it will support longer distances. I would follow the advice of a professional. Good luck!

thomas Jan 29, 2019

Yes, the hybrid HDMI cable will work from an AVR to a 4K UHD tv. Just make sure to pay attention to which connection end goes to the tv and the other to the AVR. The connection ends should be labeled for proper connection. Also, the cable cannot be pulled hard over the run as it can damage the cable. I ran a 200' hybrid HDMI cable from an AVR to an outdoor 4K UHD tv and it works great.

derek eglinton Jan 28, 2019

Does this cable support projectors with native 4k resolution 4096X2160?

checkingin Sep 05, 2021

1 answer

Yes, I have used this cable successfully with a Sony native 4k projector. 30ft is just long enough for my set-up. However assuming longer cable lengths work just as well, I now regret not investing in a longer cable to give me greater positional flexibility.

francis Sep 06, 2021

Will this cable fit through flexible conduit with a 3/4-inch inner diameter? (even though it can be run outside of conduit since it is in-wall rated)

regis Jan 12, 2020

2 answers

Yes

john Jan 12, 2020

i'm running two of these cables in the wall without conduits.It would be very easy to check and see if the HDMI connector would pass through the three-quarter inch sized conduit that could be measured. Also be sure to remember that the cable is directional

john Jan 12, 2020

I have 3 separate tv's to connect. On tv is approx 30ft away, another is 60ft and another 50ft. I have a 3 port splitter so that all TV's are displaying the same content, Will this cables work with a splitter, or perhaps a specific type of splitter?

pete Jul 21, 2020

1 answer

I use this cable for a long run (around 55') and it works perfectly. I don't see how it would not perform well in your application. Long runs are tough for hdmi for several reasons. I suggest testing your setup before installing in walls.

david Jul 21, 2020

as this was installed behind the walls i did not notice there marking "source" and "TV" . I tested it using a laptop on one end and a display monitor where the TV would be plugged in. Would it not work if the cable was backwards?

paul j Mar 04, 2020

2 answers

Not for the ARC feature.

craig Apr 02, 2020

If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer.

kristina Apr 02, 2020 (Staff)

Would this cable work with eARC?

steven Sep 22, 2019

1 answer

They cannot, eARC is supported by HDMI 2.1, and these are 2.0.

thomas Oct 03, 2019 (Staff)

what is the weight of the 15 meters bundle?

reddy kamal Aug 16, 2019

2 answers

I don't have the exact weight, since it is installed in my wall, but I don't think it's more than 5 lbs.

peter Aug 22, 2019

I'd say it's ~3 lbs.