HDBaseT Repeater for ST121HDBTE or ST121HDBTPW HDMI Extender Kit - 4K

Questions & Answers

How do I set up my video extender?
To set up a video extender, connect the transmitter to the video source, connect the receiver to the display, link the transmitter and receiver using the supported extension medium, and apply power if required. Explanation: Before installing the video extender, verify that you have all required components, including: Video transmitter Video receiver Video source (such as a computer or media player) Display (such as a monitor, projector, or television) Appropriate video cables Ethernet or fiber cable, if required by the extender Power adapter(s), if required Before deploying the extender in its final location, it is recommended to test the complete system using a simplified setup to confirm proper operation. To install the video extender: Place the transmitter near the video source. Connect the video source to the transmitter. Connect power to the transmitter, if required. Place the receiver near the display. Connect the receiver to the display. Connect power to the receiver, if required. Connect the transmitter and receiver using the required extension medium (such as Ethernet or fiber cable), if applicable. Connect any optional USB, audio, IR, RS-232, or other supported devices, if your video extender supports these features. If using a wireless video extender, pair the transmitter and receiver according to the product instructions. After installation, verify that the display shows the video output from the source device. If the video does not appear: Verify that all cables are securely connected. Confirm that the transmitter and receiver are connected using the supported cable type and distance. Verify that both units are powered, if external power is required. Confirm that the video source, display, resolution, and refresh rate are supported by the video extender. Refer to the product manual for model-specific requirements, supported cable distances, and optional features.

What are the best practices for setting up an HDMI extender?
Answer: For the best performance, ensure that all devices in the HDMI signal path are compatible, use high-quality cabling, minimize the number of adapters and converters, and follow the installation guidelines for the HDMI extender. Explanation: Following these best practices can help maximize signal quality, improve reliability, and reduce compatibility issues when deploying an HDMI extender. Verify HDMI compatibility. Ensure that the source device, HDMI extender, and display all support the required HDMI features, such as resolution, refresh rate, HDR, HDCP, or 3D, if applicable. Minimize signal conversions. Use the fewest possible adapters, splitters, switches, and converters. Each additional device increases the possibility of signal loss, compatibility issues, or HDCP handshake failures. Choose an extender with sufficient range. Select an HDMI extender that supports a maximum transmission distance greater than the distance required for your installation to provide additional performance margin. Use high-quality network cabling. For CAT5e, CAT6, or CAT6a HDMI extenders, use cable that meets or exceeds the extender's specifications and has been properly tested. Maintain consistent network wiring. Ensure that all network cables, patch panels, wall jacks, and keystone jacks use the same wiring standard (T568A or T568B) throughout the installation. Avoid unnecessary cable stress. Keep network cable runs as straight as practical and avoid tight bends, excessive coiling, or cable damage. Reduce electrical interference. Route network cables away from sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI), such as fluorescent lighting, motors, transformers, and power cables. Provide proper grounding. Ensure that connected equipment is properly grounded to help reduce electrical noise and improve system stability. Following these recommendations helps maximize video quality, maintain reliable HDCP communication, and improve the overall performance of an HDMI extender installation.

I’m not seeing a video signal on the display. How do I fix this?
The power adapter may not be connected at the correct unit or may not be connected at all. Please check your product manual to see where your power adapter has to be positioned. An adapter to another video signal may be connected to the Transmitter or Receiver unit. Please avoid any converters for the initial setup. The Cat 5 or 6 cable coming from the transmitter or receiver unit may be connected to a network switch. Some of our video extenders will work in this configuration, but others will not. Please check your product manual to see if your model can be used connected to an IP network. For the initial setup, avoid connecting the Cat 5 or 6 cables to any network switch, hub, or router. The category of Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables may not meet StarTech.com’s requirements. Ensure at least Cat 5, 5e, or six cables are used, and they have eight wires. Some Cat 5 cables only have four wires. If using Cat 6 cables, be aware they have more twists per foot, so you may have to use shorter cable lengths if using Cat 6 cabling between your video extenders. Bundling up the UTP cabling connected to the extenders can cause crosstalk, which will prevent the video signal from showing on the display. Unwrapping the cable should resolve this issue.

The video signal is displayed, but the quality is not very good, or the colors are not accurate. How do I fix this?
Please check to see if your model has an adjustable Gain dial on the remote unit. If it does, use it to adjust the color until it is acceptable. Replace the VGA cable with a higher quality cable like StarTech.com’s MXT101MMHQ.

Everything is hooked up but nothing is working. What should I do?
When you troubleshoot issues with a video extender, there are some quick tests that you can complete to rule out potential problems. You can test to make sure that the following components are working correctly and are not the source of the issue: Video and Ethernet cables Video extender Video source (such as a DVD player or computer) Video destination (such as a monitor or projector) Note: When you are testing setup components, you should avoid using video adapters. For example, if you are converting a VGA source to HDMI for use with an HDMI extender, you should use an HDMI source when you test the components. To test your setup components, try the following: Use the cable, video extender, video source, and video destination in another setup to see if the problem is with the components or the setup. Use a different cable, video extender, video source, and video destination in your setup to see if the problem persists. Ideally, you should test a component that you know works in another setup. When you test your cables, it is recommended that you do the following: Test each cable individually. Use short cables when you are testing. When you test the video source and video destination, it is recommended that you do the following: Remove the video extender from your setup and test to make sure that the video source and video destination work together without the video extender. Test to make sure that the video source and video destination work together at the resolution that you want to use. Note: In order for your setup to work properly, the video source, extender, and destination all need to support the resolution that you are using.

My display is blank when running at 4K. How do I fix this issue?
This device supports up to 4Kx2K resolutions @30 Hz with a color depth of 8 bits. If you are running a 4K resolution at a refresh rate higher than 30 Hz or a color depth higher than 8 bits, your display will appear blank. To resolve this issue, you need to lower the resolution, refresh rate, or color depth, by completing any of the following: Connect a display to OUT 1 that is only capable of 4K at 30 Hz with a color depth no higher than 8 bits. Connect the least capable display to OUT 1. Connect an additional display to your video source (for example, a video card in a computer) and use this display to reconfigure the display connected to OUT 1 to run at 30 Hz and 8 bits color depth (or lower).

What is the correct way to convert and extend a video signal?
Convert the video signal as close to the source as possible, then extend the converted signal using a compatible video extender. Explanation: When both signal conversion and extension are required, the conversion should occur before the signal is extended. Placing the video converter near the source device ensures the signal is converted to the desired format early, which improves compatibility and signal stability over long distances. After conversion, a video extender should be used to transmit the signal over the required distance while maintaining the same video standard end-to-end. For example, to send a VGA signal to a distant HDMI display, first convert VGA to HDMI at the source, then use an HDMI extender to carry the signal to the display. This approach minimizes signal degradation and ensures the extender operates with a consistent signal type throughout the transmission.

What is a video extender, and how can I tell if it will work in my setup?
A video extender (such as an HDMI extender or DisplayPort extender) transmits audio and video signals over longer distances than standard cables, and compatibility depends on signal type, bandwidth, resolution, distance, and cabling. Explanation: A video extender is a transmitter and receiver system that extends a video signal beyond standard cable limits by sending it over media such as Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet, fiber optic cable, or wireless. Common types include HDMI extenders and DisplayPort extenders, often used for long-distance AV distribution. To determine if a video extender will work in a specific setup, verify the following: Signal compatibility: The extender must support the same video standard as the source and display (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort) Resolution and bandwidth: Confirm support for required resolutions and bandwidth (e.g., 1080p, 4K, refresh rate, color depth) Distance and cable type: Ensure the extender supports the required distance over the intended medium (e.g., Cat6, fiber) Infrastructure type: Some extenders require direct point-to-point connections, while others (IP-based extenders) support network switches Latency requirements: Check latency specifications for real-time applications (e.g., gaming, AV control) Feature support: Verify support for audio, USB, IR control, HDCP, and EDID if needed Power requirements: Confirm power is available for transmitter and receiver units If the video extender does not match the signal type, bandwidth, or infrastructure, it may result in no signal, reduced resolution, increased latency, or unstable performance.

Is a StarTech.com video extender compatible with set-top boxes, and what are the requirements?
Yes, a StarTech.com video extender is compatible with set-top boxes if the set-top box is HDCP-compliant and allows intermediary devices between the source and display; otherwise, it will not work. Explanation: A StarTech.com video extender can transmit video from a set-top box to a remote display, but compatibility depends on the set-top box’s signal protection and connection requirements. HDCP compliance required: The set-top box must support High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) in a way that allows video output through external devices. If HDCP implementation blocks transmission through intermediary hardware, the video extender will not display content. Intermediary device support required: The set-top box must allow a device, such as a video extender, to be placed between the source and the display. Some set-top boxes require a direct HDMI connection and will not output video through any intermediate device. If the set-top box does not meet both requirements, the StarTech.com video extender will not function correctly with that device.

Can a StarTech.com point-to-point video extender be used through a network switch or router?
No, a StarTech.com point-to-point video extender cannot be used through a network switch or router; it requires a direct Ethernet connection between the transmitter and receiver. Explanation: A StarTech.com point-to-point video extender is designed to transmit video over a dedicated Ethernet link between two devices, not across a shared network. Direct connection only: The transmitter must connect directly to the receiver using a single Ethernet cable. No network device support: Network switches and routers are not supported and cannot be used in the signal path. Not network-based (non-IP): This type of video extender does not convert video into IP traffic and cannot operate over standard network infrastructure. If a switch or router is introduced between the transmitter and receiver, the StarTech.com video extender will not function.

How can I connect this HDMI output to a VGA, DVI, or DisplayPort display?
An HDMI output can be connected to VGA, DVI, or DisplayPort displays using the appropriate adapter or video converter. The required solution depends on the input type of the display and whether HDCP-protected content is being used. Explanation: This device outputs HDMI video signals. If the display or video destination uses a different connection type, an adapter or active video converter may be required. Common conversion options include: VGA: An active HDMI to VGA converter is required because HDMI uses digital video signaling and VGA uses analog video signaling. DVI: A passive HDMI to DVI adapter or cable can be used because HDMI and DVI share compatible digital video signaling. DisplayPort: An active HDMI to DisplayPort converter is required because HDMI and DisplayPort use different signaling technologies. HDCP Considerations Before converting an HDMI signal, determine whether the source content is protected by High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP). HDCP is commonly used by devices such as: Blu-ray players DVD players Streaming devices Gaming consoles If the HDMI source is transmitting HDCP-protected content, conversion to an analog video format such as VGA may not be supported because VGA does not support HDCP. In these situations, video may not display correctly or may not display at all. Best Practices For the most reliable results: Use the fewest possible adapters and converters. Verify the required resolution and refresh rate. Confirm that the converter supports the desired signal direction and video format. Consider HDCP requirements when converting protected content.

What DC barrel connector power plug types do StarTech.com products use, and what are their dimensions?
StarTech.com DC barrel connector plug types are defined in the “Plug Type” field of the technical specifications, using a letter code that specifies the connector’s outer diameter (OD) and inner diameter (ID) in millimeters for power adapter compatibility. Explanation: In StarTech.com technical specifications, the “Plug Type” field is a standardized identifier for the exact DC barrel connector size required to power a product. Each plug type is assigned a letter code that corresponds to a specific combination of outer diameter (OD) and inner diameter (ID), measured in millimeters. Common DC barrel plug type dimensions Plug Type OD ID A 2.35 mm 0.7 mm B 4.0 mm 1.7 mm C 4.75 mm 1.7 mm H 3.4 mm 1.3 mm L 5.0 mm 2.5 mm M 5.5 mm 2.1 mm N 5.5 mm 2.5 mm The DC barrel connector plug type must match both the outer diameter and inner diameter exactly. A mismatch between the StarTech.com product requirement and the power adapter connector can prevent proper fit or stable power delivery, which may result in device startup failure or intermittent operation. The plug type defines only the physical connector size. The plug type does not define electrical power requirements such as voltage, current, or polarity. The power adapter used with a StarTech.com product must match the product’s specified electrical requirements. Using an incompatible power adapter can cause device malfunction or permanent damage. This standardized DC barrel connector plug type system enables IT professionals and procurement teams to verify connector dimensions, ensure power adapter compatibility, standardize hardware deployments, and identify the correct replacement power supply for StarTech.com products.