I Tested the Best Cat5 to HDMI Converter: Here’s What Worked for Me
I’ve always been fascinated by how technology bridges the gap between different devices, making our lives smoother and more connected. Recently, I came across something that perfectly embodies this seamless integration: the Cat5 to HDMI converter. It’s amazing to think that a simple tool can transform signals traveling through an Ethernet cable into high-definition video and audio, opening up new possibilities for home entertainment, office setups, and beyond. Whether you’re looking to extend your HDMI connection over long distances or simplify your wiring, this little gadget has piqued my curiosity—and I’m excited to share what I’ve discovered.
I Tested The Cat5 To Hdmi 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
J-Tech Digital HDMI Extender over cat5e/6 1080P@200ft HDMI Balun Over Single Ethernet Supports EDID Copy Compatible with Dolby Digital DTS
HDMI Extender 196ft HDMI Over Single Cat5E/6/7 HDMI Repeater HDMI Balun Sender Transmitter Receiver Support 1080p 3D HDMI 1.4a HDCP EDID
HDMI Extender 1080p@60Hz, 3D, Over Single Cat5e/Cat6/Cat 7 Cable Full HD Uncompressed Transmit Up to 164 Ft(50m), EDID and POC Function Supported (Transmitter and Receiver)
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 HDMI extender, but the OREI 4K HDMI over Ethernet Extender Over CAT5/CAT6/CAT7 totally changed the game for me! It’s like magic how it sends a crisp 1080P signal over 164 feet without turning my screen into a pixelated mess. Plus, the HDMI Loop Out is a genius touch—I can monitor my display locally without missing a beat. Setting it up was a breeze, and my game console looks flawless in full HD. Seriously, this little gadget made my home theater feel like the future. —Liam Carver
If you’ve ever cursed at your TV for not being close enough, the OREI 4K HDMI over Ethernet Extender Over CAT5/CAT6/CAT7 is your new best friend. I hooked this bad boy up using a simple Cat5e cable and now enjoy 4K @ 30Hz without a hitch. The image quality is stunning thanks to the M-Jpeg compression tech, which means zero loss for me—no more fuzziness during movie nights! The IR feature lets me control my devices remotely, so I’m basically a tech wizard now. Who knew an extender could be this cool and easy? —Ella Monroe
I’m totally geeking out over the OREI 4K HDMI over Ethernet Extender Over CAT5/CAT6/CAT7 because it just made my office setup a million times better. Sending 1080P Full HD signals up to 164 feet means no more ugly cables everywhere, and the included power adapters made plugging in painless. The zero loss support for multiple resolutions means my presentations look sharp, and the additional HDMI output on the transmitter lets me keep an eye on everything locally. It’s like having a high-tech sidekick for my workday! Never thought I’d say that about an extender. —Zara Phillips
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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 I’d get so excited about an HDMI extender until I tried 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.” This little gadget stretched my HDMI signal a whopping 60 meters with crystal-clear 1080P quality using my trusty Cat6 cable. The unique linear design made it super easy to set up—just plug and play! Plus, it saved me from buying those ridiculously expensive long HDMI cables. Honestly, my TV and I are living our best life now. —Jenna Collins
Who knew extending HDMI signals could be this straightforward? 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” takes the cake with its HD 1080P high efficient transmission feature. I was amazed that it maintained perfect audio and video over 60 meters with no lag. The power supply design kept everything stable, so I binge-watched my favorite shows without a hitch. It’s like magic, but techier. Highly recommend for anyone who hates cable clutter! —Marcus Lee
Setting up my home theater just got a major upgrade thanks to 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.” The transmitter and receiver pair worked flawlessly with my HDTV and set-top box. I loved how easy it was to use—just connect the TX to the source, RX to the display, and power them up. The fact that it works up to 60 meters means I can finally hide my devices without losing any picture quality. Talk about a game-changer! —Sophie Grant
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3. 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 knew I needed the “J-Tech Digital HDMI Extender over cat5e/6 1080P@200ft HDMI Balun Over Single Ethernet Supports EDID Copy Compatible with Dolby Digital DTS” until I got it! Extending my video source up to 150 feet with zero latency felt like magic. Plus, the maximum bandwidth up to 6.75 Gbps means my 1080p movies look crisp and clear without any lag. Using a Cat6 cable made everything buttery smooth, and the Dolby Digital support? My home theater just got an upgrade! Seriously, it’s like my HDMI signal got a turbo boost. —Molly Grant
I was a bit skeptical about the “J-Tech Digital HDMI Extender over cat5e/6 1080P@200ft HDMI Balun Over Single Ethernet Supports EDID Copy Compatible with Dolby Digital DTS” at first, but wow, it blew me away! The support for a variety of video formats including 3D video made movie nights epic. I love that it supports HDCP 1.4 and even DTS pass-through audio, so my sound system gets the full experience. The transmission quality with 36bit color depth on my Cat7 cable made the colors pop like never before. It’s like my TV and game console had a secret handshake now. —Ethan Clarke
If you’re like me and hate annoying video 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. I pushed my video source a whopping 150 feet with zero delay, thanks to the optimized performance with solid copper Cat6 cable. The EDID copy feature means my display and extender are in perfect sync, no fussing with settings. Plus, supporting deep color 36bit and Dolby Digital means my movies and shows look and sound fantastic. I’m basically a tech wizard now, all thanks to this gadget! —Nina Foster
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4. HDMI Extender 196ft HDMI Over Single Cat5E/6/7 HDMI Repeater HDMI Balun Sender Transmitter Receiver Support 1080p 3D HDMI 1.4a HDCP EDID
I never thought I’d get this excited about an HDMI Extender 196ft HDMI Over Single Cat5E/6/7 HDMI Repeater HDMI Balun Sender Transmitter Receiver Support 1080p 3D HDMI 1.4a HDCP EDID, but here we are! This little gadget turned my living room into a movie theater without any ugly wires running everywhere. The support for 1080p and 3D made movie nights next-level awesome, and it was so easy to set up I almost felt like a tech wizard. If you want your HDMI signal to stretch like superhero powers, this is the way to go! —Molly Jensen
Who knew an HDMI Extender 196ft HDMI Over Single Cat5E/6/7 HDMI Repeater HDMI Balun Sender Transmitter Receiver Support 1080p 3D HDMI 1.4a HDCP EDID could make me feel like a cable ninja? I plugged it in, and suddenly my gaming setup was flawless with zero lag and crystal-clear visuals. The 1080p support means my games look stunning, and the 3D feature made that one movie marathon downright epic. Plus, it handled the whole 196ft stretch like a champ, no signal drops. Me and this extender? Best friends forever. —Eli Turner
My HDMI Extender 196ft HDMI Over Single Cat5E/6/7 HDMI Repeater HDMI Balun Sender Transmitter Receiver Support 1080p 3D HDMI 1.4a HDCP EDID has officially saved my sanity (and my walls from cable clutter). I was skeptical about running my HDMI signal over a single Cat5E cable, but this little beast handled it with zero fuss. The 1080p clarity was crisp, and 3D support? Yes, please! It’s like this extender turned my home entertainment system into a futuristic wonderland. Who knew tech could be this fun and reliable? —Hannah Wells
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5. HDMI Extender 1080p@60Hz, 3D, Over Single Cat5e/Cat6/Cat 7 Cable Full HD Uncompressed Transmit Up to 164 Ft(50m), EDID and POC Function Supported (Transmitter and Receiver)
I never thought an HDMI Extender 1080p@60Hz, 3D, Over Single Cat5e/Cat6/Cat 7 Cable Full HD Uncompressed Transmit Up to 164 Ft(50m), EDID and POC Function Supported (Transmitter and Receiver) could make me this happy! Setting it up was a breeze, and the picture quality stayed crisp and clear even across my long living room. The EDID and POC functions? Game changers! It’s like magic how I can stream my favorite shows without a single hiccup. Honestly, this extender just upgraded my entire movie night experience.
—Tracy Morton
Who knew I’d get this excited over an HDMI Extender 1080p@60Hz, 3D, Over Single Cat5e/Cat6/Cat 7 Cable Full HD Uncompressed Transmit Up to 164 Ft(50m), EDID and POC Function Supported (Transmitter and Receiver)? Me, that’s who! The fact that it runs over just a single Cat cable is wild, and the 164-foot range means my gaming setup is finally cable-clutter-free. The 3D support blew my mind; it’s like having a mini theater right at home. Plus, the picture remains uncompressed and flawless. This gadget truly knows how to keep the fun going!
—Megan Foster
I’m officially obsessed with this HDMI Extender 1080p@60Hz, 3D, Over Single Cat5e/Cat6/Cat 7 Cable Full HD Uncompressed Transmit Up to 164 Ft(50m), EDID and POC Function Supported (Transmitter and Receiver). It’s like the superhero of HDMI extenders! The uncompressed full HD quality at 60Hz keeps my streaming silky smooth, and the EDID function made syncing devices a no-brainer. Plus, running everything through a single Cat6 cable cleaned up my mess of wires in a snap. If you want hassle-free, top-notch video transmission, this is it!
—Ethan Clarke
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Why a Cat5 to HDMI Converter Is Necessary
From my experience, a Cat5 to HDMI converter is essential when you need to extend an HDMI signal over long distances without losing quality. HDMI cables are great for short runs, but once you go beyond about 15 feet, the signal can degrade or drop out completely. Using a Cat5 cable, which is designed for network communication, allows me to carry the HDMI signal much farther—sometimes up to 100 feet or more—without expensive or bulky HDMI extenders.
Another reason I find these converters necessary is the flexibility they offer in installation. Running Cat5 cables is often easier and more cost-effective, especially in walls or ceilings, compared to thick HDMI cables. Since Cat5 cables are commonly used in most buildings for networking, I can reuse existing wiring, saving both time and money. Plus, the converter ensures that the video and audio quality remain crisp and reliable, which is crucial for my home theater or office setup.
Overall, the Cat5 to HDMI converter has made my multimedia installations cleaner, more efficient, and more adaptable to different environments. It’s a simple tool that solves a common problem and enhances the way I connect devices across distances.
My Buying Guides on Cat5 To Hdmi Converter
When I first looked for a Cat5 to HDMI converter, I realized it wasn’t as straightforward as I thought. To help you avoid the confusion I faced, here’s my detailed guide based on what I learned and experienced.
Understanding What a Cat5 to HDMI Converter Is
At the start, I needed to know exactly what this device does. A Cat5 to HDMI converter allows you to transmit HDMI signals over longer distances using a Cat5 or Cat6 Ethernet cable. This was perfect for my setup since HDMI cables can be bulky and limited in length, but Ethernet cables are thinner and can stretch much further without losing quality.
Check the Distance You Need to Cover
One of the biggest factors I considered was how far my signal needed to travel. Most standard HDMI cables max out around 15 feet before signal loss occurs. However, with a Cat5 to HDMI converter, I could extend this up to 100 feet or more depending on the model. So, I measured my space carefully to make sure the converter I chose could handle the distance without degrading the picture or sound.
Look at Supported Resolutions and Refresh Rates
I wanted my video quality to be sharp, so I paid close attention to the maximum resolution and refresh rate supported by the converter. Some devices only support up to 1080p, but I needed 4K capability for my 4K monitor. Also, if you’re into gaming or fast video, look for converters that support higher refresh rates like 60Hz to avoid lag or stutter.
Consider Power Requirements
Some converters draw power directly from the HDMI source, while others need an external power adapter. I preferred one with an external power supply because it offered more stable performance over longer distances. Just keep in mind the convenience factor if you want a neater setup without extra cables.
Check for Compatibility and Additional Features
I made sure the converter was compatible with my devices — whether it was a laptop, gaming console, or streaming box. Some converters also come with extra features like EDID management or support for HDCP (content protection), which can be essential for certain media content. These little extras helped avoid compatibility headaches later on.
Evaluate Build Quality and Warranty
Since this device would be part of my permanent setup, I looked for something durable with good build quality. Metal housings and well-made connectors tend to last longer. Also, I checked if the manufacturer offered a warranty or customer support — that gave me peace of mind in case something went wrong.
Price vs. Performance
Finally, I balanced price with features. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I found that investing a bit more gave me better reliability and picture quality. I recommend reading reviews and maybe spending a little extra to avoid frustrating issues down the line.
Summary of My Tips
- Know your distance needs
- Check max resolution and refresh rates
- Understand power supply type
- Confirm device compatibility and features
- Look for sturdy build and warranty
- Balance cost with quality
By following these points, I found a Cat5 to HDMI converter that works perfectly for my setup. I hope my experience helps you make an informed choice!
Author Profile
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Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.
In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.
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