Fiber-optic technology allows Active Optical Cables (AOC) to transmit ultra-high-bandwidth data signals over distances that copper cannot. Copper cables struggle to transmit 4K60 a standard 5 meters (16.4 feet) and only then with a bulky inflexible construction. At 8K60 video resolutions the length size and expense of the cable get even worse in some cases ruling it out based on spec along. To achieve longer distances copper solutions need to switch to modular transmitter/receiver extenders while all-in-one AOC cables can easily support DisplayPort 1.4 bandwidths of 32.4 Gbps over hundreds of meters.
High-end AV applications today don't just need the best video resolutions available but a solution that can display them while also providing all of the features necessary to support their content. Active Optical Cables can do just that providing 8K60 video resolutions while also supporting the full feature set of the DisplayPort 1.4 specification. They deliver high-dynamic-range (HDR) video for expansive contrast ratio and color accuracy while also supporting DPCP content protection which is necessary to display the latest content. Also supported are BT.2020 colorimetry and 219 cinema aspect ratio as well as EDID CEC DDC and more making active optical a full-featured solution for professional AV installs.
Active Optical Cable also provides immersive audio that is essential for AV applications. These cables support PCM 8-Channel DTS-HD and Dolby Digital True HD Surround Sound audio for theater-quality sound and can transmit up to 32 audio channels with 1536-kHz sampling rate.
There is no software external power or additional hardware needed for an AOC to work. To install an Active Optical Cable (AOC) a technician simply connects it to a source and a display - nothing more. No expert training or guidance needed. It's as easy as installing a common HDMI cable at home. This simple all-in-one cable solution also provides premium reliability when compared with alternative solutions. To achieve the same high-bandwidth transmission and extended distance you would have to utilize an over CAT5 or over fiber extender kit. These kits are costly and require transmitter and receiver units in addition to the potential points of failure that come with them. With AOC's you simply plug and play like an ordinary cable leaving it to reliably transmit your audio/video signal without interruption.
Active Optical Cables (AOC) are much thinner than traditional copper cable which lets them easily fit behind today's ultra-thin displays. These cables also have a superior bend radius that makes routing them through tight spaces easy and decreases the risk of poor performance when navigating cable around corners and bends. This is especially helpful in AV applications that must connect many sources and displays like video walls. Video walls require many cables to be routed through the same area which can cause clutter. Because AOCs are much thinner and more flexible than copper cables they keep the video wall setup neater and less cluttered. On top of that Active Optical Cables are much lighter than copper solutions Sixteen feet (five meters) of copper cabling weighs approximately one kilogram whereas 32 feet (10 meters) of AOC weighs less than 300 grams. This makes pulling AOCs through ceilings and walls much easier and less likely to result in costly damage.
Copper cable is prone to electromagnetic interference which can disrupt signal quality data transmission and connectivity. Active Optical Cables (AOC) have a much lower RFI/EMI profile because they are made of fiber.