8 Port VGA Video Extender over Cat 5 (UTPE Series)

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.

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.

Why can't I use a video extender with multiple video outputs to get independent or extended displays?
Although there are multiple video outputs on certain video extenders at StarTech.com, these do not create independent displays. Instead, the input to the video extenders with multiple outputs gets mirrored or duplicated. This is because video extenders have built-in video splitters to allow for multiple video outputs. For more information about how mirroring works, refer to the following FAQ: https://www.startech.com/en-us/support/faqs/technical?topic=video#mirror-span-extend . Note: The ST12MHDLAN can be used to create a video wall which allows for independent displays. For more information about the ST12MHDLAN, refer to the product page for ST12MDHLAN: http://www.startech.com/ST12MHDLAN .

When should I use a longer video cable instead of a video extender?
Use a longer video cable whenever possible; use a video extender only when the required distance exceeds the reliable limits of standard or active cables. Explanation: Direct cabling is the preferred method for video connections because it maintains signal integrity and reduces complexity. Standard maximum cable lengths for common video signals are: Video standard Maximum length DisplayPort 50 ft. (15.2m) HDMI 50 ft. (15.2m) DVI 50 ft. (15.2m) VGA 200 ft. (71m) Active cables can extend these distances by incorporating built-in signal amplification and are designed to exceed standard length limits while maintaining specified performance. Video extenders are used when cable length requirements exceed what passive or active cables can reliably support. Extenders transmit the signal over longer distances by boosting and then restoring it, while maintaining the same video standard from input to output.

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.

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 convert the VGA output on this device to DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort?
This device outputs an analog VGA signal. To connect it to a display that uses DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort, an active video converter is typically required. The exact conversion method depends on the input type supported by the destination display. Explanation: VGA is an analog video standard. Most modern display interfaces, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI-D, use digital video signaling. As a result, signal conversion is often required when connecting a VGA source to a non-VGA display. The following table outlines example adapters for common conversion paths: Target connection First conversion Second conversion (if required) DVI-D VGA to HDMI: https://www.startech.com/VGA2HDU HDMI to DVI-D: https://www.startech.com/HDDVIMF8IN DVI-I VGA to DVI-I: https://www.startech.com/dvivgafm N/A HDMI VGA to HDMI: https://www.startech.com/VGA2HDU N/A DisplayPort VGA to HDMI: https://www.startech.com/VGA2HDU HDMI to DisplayPort: https://www.startech.com/128-hdmi-displayport When selecting a conversion solution, use the fewest possible adapters and converters. Fewer conversion stages typically improve reliability and simplify installation. Understanding DVI-I and DVI-D When converting a VGA signal to DVI, it is important to identify the type of DVI connection used by the destination device. DVI-I supports both Analog and digital signals, whereas DVI-D supports digital signals only. Because VGA is an analog signal: VGA can be adapted directly to DVI-I when the destination device supports analog DVI-I signaling. VGA cannot be adapted directly to DVI-D without an active signal converter because DVI-D supports digital video only. Some devices include a DVI-I connector but support only DVI-D signaling internally. In these cases, a passive VGA-to-DVI-I adapter will not work. Before selecting a conversion solution, verify: The video output type of the source device (VGA) The video input type of the display (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI-I, or DVI-D) Whether the destination device supports analog or digital signaling Any resolution or refresh rate requirements for the installation Choosing the correct converter ensures compatibility and helps maintain the best possible video quality for the connected display.

How can I connect a DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort video source to this device's VGA input?
This device features a VGA input. If your video source uses DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort, you must use the appropriate adapter or video converter to convert the source signal to VGA. Explanation: VGA is an analog video standard. Most modern video interfaces, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI-D, use digital video signaling and require signal conversion before they can connect to a VGA input. Common conversion options include: DVI-I source: A passive DVI-I to VGA adapter or cable can be used if the DVI-I output supports analog video signaling. DVI-D source: An active DVI-D to VGA converter is required because DVI-D supports digital video only. HDMI source: An active HDMI to VGA converter is required because HDMI uses digital video signaling. DisplayPort source: An active DisplayPort to VGA converter is required because DisplayPort uses digital video signaling. DVI-I vs. DVI-D Before selecting a DVI conversion solution, determine whether the source device uses DVI-I or DVI-D. DVI-I can support both analog and digital video signals. DVI-D supports digital video signals only. Some devices use a DVI-I connector but support only digital DVI-D signaling internally. In these cases, a passive DVI-I to VGA adapter will not work, and an active DVI-D to VGA converter is required. Before purchasing a converter, verify: The video output type of the source device The required resolution and refresh rate Whether the source supports analog or digital signaling Choosing the correct converter ensures compatibility and reliable video output to the VGA input.