ATEN VE800A

Powerful HDMI Extender over Cat6

The ATEN VE800A HDMI Extender is a high-performance video extender kit designed to transmit HDMI signals over a single Cat 5e cable, enabling reliable distribution of 1080p video up to 40 meters and standard-definition 1080i up to 60 meters. It comes as a kit with both transmitting and receiving units (VE800AT and VE800AR), each hardened in a compact metal chassis weighing just 0.16 kg (0.35 lb) and measuring approximately 9.0 × 5.5 × 2.2 cm. This ultra‑compact form factor and lightweight build makes it easy to deploy behind displays, inside equipment racks, or in tight AV closets.

What makes the VE800A stand out is its efficient use of Cat 5e cable combined with ATEN’s proprietary EDID transmission technology—meaning both video and EDID/HDCP communication are preserved over a single cable. The transmitter unit connects to the HDMI source and sends the signal over the RJ-45 cable, while the receiver unit restores the HDMI signal for the display. An optional second Cat 5e cable can be added to transmit display EDID information or support HDCP authentication bypass when needed. With support for 3D video, deep color, and high-performance audio standards including Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio, the VE800A ensures both image and sound remain uncompromised across long cable runs.

The unit delivers high-quality video performance up to resolutions of 1920×1200 at 1080p. An eight‑segment equalization switch on the receiver makes it possible to optimize video quality based on cable length and skew, allowing system integrators to fine‑tune clarity, sharpness, and color rendition. It supports a maximum TMDS clock frequency of 225 MHz (6.75 Gbps total bandwidth, distributed over three lanes), ensuring smooth reception of high-definition content. HDCP compliance ensures secure playback of encrypted content from streaming devices or media players.

On the audio side, all audio is carried via HDMI, eliminating separate cabling or conversion. Supported formats include multi-channel HD audio, embedded within the HDMI stream. The VE800A’s design makes logistics simple: both transmitter and receiver run on low-voltage DC (5 V), with consumption spanning from approximately 0.61 W to 0.9 W depending on unit. The compact units each have a power input jack and an LED for power status, while the receiver additionally includes a green LED to confirm link connectivity.

From an environmental standpoint, both VE800A units are engineered for wide-range operational reliability. They operate continuously between 0 °C and 50 °C, and can be stored between –20 °C and 60 °C. They tolerate up to 80% relative humidity (non‑condensing) without any impact on performance. The rugged metal housing provides electromagnetic shielding while at the same time remaining lightweight for easy shelf or wall mounting using the included kit. Installation is straightforward: simply mount both units, connect the HDMI source and display, power the units via the included adapters, run the Cat 5e cable between their RJ-45 ports, then adjust the equalization switch as needed.

The VE800A is ideal for real-world use cases such as digital signage, multimedia classrooms, conference rooms, broadcast monitoring stations, and centralized AV extensions in hospitality or corporate facilities. For example, it allows an HD media player or video wall processor located in a control room to deliver crisp video to screens spread throughout a building, without using bulky HDMI cable runs. EDID support and HDCP compliance ensure smooth interoperability with commercial displays and protected content sources.

Thanks to its minimal cable footprint, easy installation, and small footprint, the VE800A simplifies long‑distance AV routing while reducing cost. Each kit includes both transmitter and receiver modules, power supplies for each, a mounting bracket kit, and basic user instructions. The two‑year warranty reflects ATEN’s confidence in the product’s reliability.

In summary, the ATEN VE800A HDMI Extender is a compact, cost‑effective solution for extending high-definition HDMI signals over long reaches using Cat 5e cabling. Its support for full 1080p video, deep color, HD audio, EDID handling, and HDCP compliance makes it a trusted choice for professional AV installations. Perfect for anyone needing to bridge considerable distances between source and display while maintaining signal integrity and simplifying cabling infrastructure.