Optical HDMI cables (AOC) carry video and audio as light through fibre inside the cable, so the picture holds up over long runs to projectors, TVs and monitors where a copper cable would struggle. Our range is mostly HDMI Type A cables, plus a micro HDMI option, from brands such as Gembird, Micro Connect, Claroc, Lanberg and Lindy.
How to choose an optical HDMI cable
Cable length. Our range runs from 10 m to 50 m, with 10 m, 15 m and 20 m the most frequent listed lengths. Measure the real route along walls, ceilings or conduit and add a little for bends, but do not buy far more than you need. Optical cables are thin and flexible, though they should not be kinked or pulled hard by the connector.
HDMI version and bandwidth. Both HDMI 2.0 cables rated at 18 Gbit/s and HDMI 2.1 cables rated at 48 Gbit/s appear in our range. 18 Gbit/s is enough for 4K at 60 Hz, while 48 Gbit/s is what you need for 4K at 120 Hz or 8K.
Resolution, refresh rate and audio. Listed maximum refresh rates are 60 Hz and 120 Hz, and supported resolutions range from 4096 x 2160 up to 7680 x 4320 and beyond. Some cables also list Dolby TrueHD or Dolby Vision support. The source and the display must support the same features, as the cable cannot add them.
Connectors and direction. Most cables here have HDMI Type A (standard) at both ends, and one has a micro HDMI (Type D) end for compact devices. Many optical cables are directional, with one end marked for the source and the other for the display. Check the labels before pulling the cable through walls or conduit.
Optical HDMI cable brands we carry
- Gembird: a European maker of cables and computer accessories, and the brand with the most optical HDMI models in our range.
- Lindy: a long-established brand focused on AV and computer connectivity, used in both home and professional installations.
- PureLink: specialises in AV signal distribution, so its cables suit installations with matrices, extenders and long runs.
- Lanberg: a Polish brand known for network cabling and connection accessories.
- Assmann Electronic: the manufacturer behind the DIGITUS cable and connectivity range.
Also in our range: Micro Connect, Claroc, Unitek, Qoltec, MediaRange, Accura and Techly.
Optical HDMI cable FAQ
What is an optical HDMI cable (AOC)?
An optical HDMI cable, also called an active optical cable, sends the video and audio signal as light through glass or plastic fibre. Small converters in the connectors change the signal from electrical to optical and back. This allows much longer distances than a standard copper HDMI cable.
When do I need an optical HDMI cable instead of a copper one?
You need one when the distance is too long for a copper cable to carry a high-bandwidth signal reliably. For 4K or higher, copper cables often become unreliable beyond roughly 10 to 15 m. Optical cables are also useful when you must pull the cable through narrow conduit, since they are thinner and lighter.
Does an optical HDMI cable work in both directions?
Many optical HDMI cables work in one direction only. One end is marked for the source, such as a computer or media player, and the other for the display. Plugging them in the wrong way round usually means no picture, so check the markings on the connectors.
Can an optical HDMI cable carry 4K at 120 Hz?
Yes, if it is an HDMI 2.1 cable rated at 48 Gbit/s and your source and display both support that mode. Cables rated at 18 Gbit/s are designed for 4K at 60 Hz. Our range includes both types, so check the bandwidth in the specifications before you buy.
