Active HDMI cables carry video and audio over long runs using a built-in chip that boosts the signal, which suits projectors, home cinemas, meeting rooms and digital signage. Our range has over 20 models from StarTech.com, DIGITUS, LogiLink and Lindy, in lengths from 5 m to 30 m.
How to choose an active HDMI cable
Length. Measure the actual cable route, not the straight distance, and add a little slack for bends. Our range includes 5 m, 10 m, 15 m, 20 m, 25 m and 30 m cables, with 10 m and 15 m the most frequent lengths in the specification data. Choosing the shortest cable that fits keeps the signal as clean as possible.
Resolution and refresh rate. Check what your screen and source need, for example 4K at 60 Hz for a projector or 120 Hz and above for a gaming monitor. Maximum refresh rates in our range run from 30 Hz up to 240 Hz, so it is worth reading the specification rather than assuming every long cable handles high frame rates.
HDMI version. Most cables with a listed version in our range are HDMI 2.0 class, while a few are HDMI 1.4b. The older standard is enough for Full HD and basic 4K at 30 Hz, but 4K at 60 Hz and HDR need the newer one.
Direction and power. Many active cables are directional, with one end marked for the source (laptop, player or console) and the other for the display. Plugging them in the wrong way round usually means no picture. Some models also draw power from the HDMI port, while others use a separate USB connection, so check which ports you have free near the equipment.
Cable construction. Active cables use either copper with a signal booster or optical fibre. Optical cables are thinner and lighter, which makes them easier to pull through conduit or walls, but they should not be bent sharply. All cables in our range have male HDMI connectors, so check that your devices have standard full-size HDMI sockets.
HDMI cable brands we carry
- StarTech.com: a connectivity specialist that serves IT and professional AV installers, with the largest number of active HDMI cables in our range.
- DIGITUS: a brand from ASSMANN Electronic, known for cabling and connection accessories used in offices and network installations.
- Lindy: focuses on AV and IT connectivity products, including cables designed for longer distances between source and display.
Also in our range: LogiLink, VivoLink and Gembird.
Active HDMI cables: frequently asked questions
What is an active HDMI cable?
An active HDMI cable contains electronics that amplify or condition the signal along its length. This lets it keep a stable picture over distances where an ordinary passive cable would show flicker, sparkles or a blank screen. It looks like a normal HDMI cable, but the connector housings are often slightly larger.
When do I need an active HDMI cable instead of a normal one?
You need one when the run is longer than a standard passive cable can handle reliably, particularly at 4K resolution. For short connections of a few metres, a passive high speed cable is normally sufficient. Active cables become useful from around 10 m, for example when connecting a projector to a source across a room.
Do active HDMI cables work in both directions?
Many do not. Most active cables are directional, meaning the signal only flows from the marked source end to the marked display end. Check the labels on the connectors before installing, especially if the cable runs through a wall or ceiling.
Will an active HDMI cable support 4K at 60 Hz?
It can, provided the cable is rated for it. Look for HDMI 2.0 or newer in the specification and a stated 4K 60 Hz capability. Cables listed as HDMI 1.4b generally manage 4K only at 30 Hz, so they are better suited to Full HD setups.
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