ZILR 8K Armoured Fibre Optic HDMI with Ethernet Review
The ZILR 8K Armoured Fibre Optic HDMI with Ethernet cables allows you to deliver up to 8K resolutions and HDR content support over long distances.
These types of Fibre Optic HDMI with Ethernet are arguably primarily for productions or applications where you need to hardwire cameras, monitors, switchers, etc. This could be in studios, houses of worship, events, live streaming, conferences, etc.
Key features
- Up to 8K Resolution at 60 Hz
- Up to 48 Gb/s Transfer Rate
- HDMI 2.1 Specification
- Support for Ethernet & Camera Log Data
- HDCP 2.2 Protected Content Support
- 24kt Gold-Plated Connectors
- Armored Outer Shield
- Protective Plug Cover
What lengths are available?
It is available in the following lengths:
With regular Passive HDMI Cables, the maximum lengths are limited to around 25′ / 7.6m. With Active HDMI Cables, that length increases to around 100′ / 30m.
Active optical HDMI cables, such as the ones being used by ZILR, can transmit high-definition signals over distances of up to 328 feet / 100m.
How much does it weigh?
The ZILR ZRHAA18 8K Armored Fiber Optic HDMI Cable with Ethernet (164′) version I was reviewing weighs in at 5.2kg / 11.46 lb.
HDMI 2.1
The cables support the HDMI 2.1 specification, and they are capable of speeds up to 48 Gb/s to deliver 8K resolution at a 60 Hz refresh rate with HDR color. It also supports Ethernet channel and camera log formats for when displaying on monitors and capture devices.
HDMI 2.1 offers a big increase in bandwidth from its 2.0 predecessor; 48Gbps vs 18Gbps. With this increased bandwidth, it will handle 4K @ 60 (4:4:4), 8K @ 60 (4:4:4), and all the way up to 10K @ 100/120.
Build Quality
The ZILR 8K HDMI cable features an armoured outer shield to help protect the cable from accidental bumps.
It also has hard shells that protect the ends of the HDMI cable during transport and storage.
The cable reel is well-made and easy to use.
It has a nice contoured handle that makes it easy to pick up and carry.
There are also these large clips on the outside of the drum reel that allow you to affix the cable to keep things neat and tidy.
I also like how ZILR attaches clear and concise stickers on the reel that let users know exactly what it is.
Performance
I tested out the ZILR ZRHAA18 8K Armored Fiber Optic HDMI Cable with Ethernet (164′) with a variety of different gear to see how it performed.
The cable was able to pass through 4K 60p over HDMI at its fully extended length of 50m / 164′ without any issue. I wasn’t able to test its ability to send an 8K up to 30p signal, as I don’t have access to an 8K monitor.
Price & Availability
The cables cost the following:
Thoughts
Having the ability to run a reasonably long HDMI cable is very handy for certain applications. Having 50m or 100m versions on reels keeps things tidy and organized.
The ZILR 8K Armoured Fibre Optic HDMI with Ethernet is a very solid option that works as advertised.
