8K Plenum Fiber Optic HDMI 2.1 Cable, 48Gbps, for Projector & Commercial Runs, CMP

The Ultra High Speed 8K HDMI 2.1 Active Optical Cable, Plenum carries a 48Gbps signal over hybrid optical fiber for long runs that a passive copper cable cannot handle. Its CMP plenum-rated jacket is approved for air-handling and return-air plenum spaces, which makes it built for commercial AV installations that route cable above drop ceilings and through code-regulated spaces. It connects a source to a distant display at 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz across 25 to 150 ft.

One end of the cable is a 19-pin HDMI Type A male connector marked Source, which plugs into the output of a media player, console, signage player or AV receiver. The gold-flash contacts resist corrosion, and the active optics inside the connector convert the electrical signal for transmission over the fiber, drawing power directly from the HDMI port without an external adapter.

The opposite end is a 19-pin HDMI Type A male connector marked Display, which plugs into the projector or display. Because the cable is directional, the Source and Display ends are not interchangeable, and connecting them in reverse will not pass a picture. This active optical design is what allows a full 48Gbps signal to travel 50, 100 or 150 ft without the signal loss that limits passive copper.

The CMP plenum rating is the key difference from a standard CL3 in-wall cable: plenum-rated cable is required in the air-handling spaces that carry return air in many commercial buildings, where a CL3 cable is not approved. The cable is UL recognized (E468039) and RoHS compliant, and its slim 4.8 mm jacket is light enough to pull through conduit and over long ceiling runs.

For commercial AV, the cable reaches a ceiling-mounted projector and supports HDR for high-contrast 8K and 4K video, plus eARC so audio can return from a display to a receiver over the same run. It suits conference rooms, lecture halls, digital signage and boardrooms where a long, code-compliant 8K run is needed between source and screen.

This plenum active optical cable is offered in 25, 35, 50, 65, 75, 100 and 150 ft lengths for long and plenum runs. It is compatible with 8K and 4K HDMI 2.1 sources and displays. For residential in-wall runs, the CL3-rated version of this cable is the right choice; for short desktop or console runs from 3 to 15 ft, choose the Cable Leader 8K HDMI 2.1 copper cable instead.

Product Comparison: Plenum (CMP) vs CL3 In-Wall

Both versions are the same 8K HDMI 2.1 active optical fiber cable; the difference is the jacket fire rating. The plenum (CMP) version is approved for return-air plenum spaces in commercial buildings, while the CL3 version covers standard residential in-wall runs. Use the table below to match the rating your install requires.

FAQ

What is the difference between a plenum (CMP) HDMI cable and a CL3 in-wall cable?

A plenum (CMP) cable carries the highest fire rating and is required in air-handling and return-air plenum spaces, such as above many commercial drop ceilings. A CL3 cable is rated for general in-wall residential use but is not approved for plenum spaces. Choose plenum when local code requires it for the space.

Does this cable support 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, eARC, HDR and projectors?

Yes. It supports 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, eARC, HDR, HDCP and CEC over the full 48Gbps bandwidth. It works with 8K and 4K HDMI 2.1 projectors, displays, consoles and AV receivers, and the long lengths suit ceiling-mounted projectors in commercial rooms.

Can an HDMI cable carry 8K over a long distance through a plenum space?

Yes. As an active optical cable, the signal travels over fiber and maintains 48Gbps where passive copper would drop the 8K signal. The CMP plenum jacket is approved for return-air spaces, and at 4.8 mm it is slim enough to pull through conduit and over long ceiling runs.

How do I connect it, which way round does it go, and does it need power?

The cable is directional. Connect the Source end to the source device and the Display end to the projector or display; connecting them in reverse will not pass a picture. It draws power from the HDMI port, so no external power adapter is required.

Should I choose the plenum (CMP) or the in-wall (CL3) version?

Choose the plenum (CMP) version when cable runs through an air-handling or return-air plenum space, which is common in commercial buildings and required by code there. For standard residential in-wall runs, the CL3 version is sufficient and more economical.