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StarTech. com 146B-USBC-HDMI4K-AOC USB-C to HDMI 2. 0 Active Optical Cable - AOC - 50ft - 15. 2m - 4K 60Hz - CL3 Rated - HDR10 - HDCP 2. 2
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This USB-C to HDMI 2.0 active optical cable delivers 4K UHD resolution at 60Hz refresh rate with full support for HDR10 content. The cable features HDMI 2.1 connectors with backward compatibility to HDMI 2.0 specifications, supporting HDCP 1.4 and 2.2 content protection for streaming services and protected media.
The fiber optic construction provides inherent EMI protection, minimizing electrical interference that can degrade signal quality in long cable runs. The cable supports 8/10-bit RGB and YCbCr 4:4:4 color formats, ensuring accurate color representation without compression artifacts.
This section brings together practical product details such as Cable Type, Fiber Optic Mode, Fiber Category, Color Family, so buyers can judge configuration, deployment fit, and day-to-day suitability with less guesswork.
A strong technical summary explains how the product's interfaces, hardware profile, and operating characteristics work together in real deployment. Buyers often need this context to confirm compatibility with existing devices, expected performance in daily use, and whether installation will be straightforward for IT staff or end users.
Key Product Advantages
This active optical cable solves the distance limitations of traditional copper HDMI cables while maintaining full 4K 60Hz performance with HDR support. The integrated design combines both cable and adapter functionality in a single durable solution.
Long-Range 4K Performance
Delivers 4K 60Hz video over 50 feet without signal degradation, making it ideal for conference rooms, digital signage, and extended desktop setups where standard cables fail.
- Fiber optic cores reduce EMI
- Active signal boosting
- Maintains 4K resolution at full length
Universal Compatibility
Works with any USB-C device supporting DisplayPort Alternate Mode, including USB4, Thunderbolt 3, and Thunderbolt 4 laptops, tablets, and docking stations.
- No drivers or software required
- Cross-platform OS support
- USB-A power cable included
Deployment / Use Cases
This cable is engineered for professional and commercial environments where reliable long-distance 4K video transmission is essential. The CL3 fire-rated PVC jacket makes it suitable for in-wall installation in commercial buildings, educational facilities, and corporate offices.
The unidirectional design (USB-C source to HDMI display) ensures optimal signal flow for presentations, digital signage, video walls, and extended workstation setups. The included 1.4-foot USB-A power cable provides flexibility for connecting to available USB ports or wall chargers when the source device cannot provide sufficient power through the USB-C port alone.
Conference Room & Presentation
Connect laptops to wall-mounted displays or projectors across large meeting spaces without compromising 4K video quality or requiring additional signal boosters.
Digital Signage & Video Walls
Reliably transmit 4K content to multiple displays in retail environments, airports, or corporate lobbies where cable runs often exceed standard copper limitations.
What's in the Box
This product includes everything needed for immediate deployment in professional AV setups.
Highlights
- 50-foot active optical cable maintains 4K 60Hz performance over long distances
- Integrated USB-C to HDMI adapter eliminates separate adapter requirements
- Supports HDR10 for accurate color reproduction and high dynamic range content
- HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 1.4/2.2 compatibility for protected media streaming
- Fiber optic construction with EMI protection ensures clean signal transmission
- Universal compatibility with USB-C DP Alt Mode, USB4, Thunderbolt 3/4 devices
- CL3 fire-rated PVC jacket suitable for in-wall commercial installations
- No drivers or software required - plug-and-play across all operating systems
- Includes USB-A power cable for devices requiring additional power
- 3-year limited warranty with RoHS and WEEE environmental compliance
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 146B-USBC-HDMI4K-AOC |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | Fiber Optic Audio/Video Cable |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | A/V Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Fiber Optic |
| Fiber Optic Mode | Multi-mode |
| Fiber Category | OM3 |
| Cable Length | 50 ft (15.24 m) |
| Connector Type on First End | USB 2.0 Type A - Male,HDMI 2.1 Digital Audio/Video - Male |
| Connector Gender on First End | Male |
| Connector on First End Details | 1 x USB 2.0 Type A - Male,1 x HDMI 2.1 Digital Audio/Video - Male |
| Connector Type on Second End | USB Type C - Male |
| Connector Gender on Second End | Male |
| Connector on Second End Details | 1 x USB Type C - Male |
| Jacket Type | CL3 |
| Device Supported | Audio/Video Device,Display,Wall Charger,Notebook,USB Device |
| Supported Resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
| Features | AOC Technology,HDR Support,EMI Protection,Durable,Strain Relief,Noise Reducing,HDCP 1.4,HDCP 2.2,HDR10 Support,Consumer Electronics Control (CEC),Audio Return Channel (ARC),Active,DisplayPort Alternate (ALT) Mode |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Dual Color |
| Product Color | Black,Space Gray |
| Jacket Material | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 1 x USB-C to HDMI Cable 1 x Quick-Start Guide |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 3 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What is the maximum resolution and refresh rate this cable supports?
This active optical cable supports 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) at 60Hz refresh rate. It maintains this performance across the full 50-foot length, which exceeds the capabilities of standard copper HDMI cables at similar distances. The cable also supports HDR10 content for enhanced color depth and contrast in compatible displays and content sources.
Does this cable require external power to function?
Yes, the cable includes a 1.4-foot USB-A power cable that must be connected to a USB-A port or wall charger. This provides the necessary power for the active components that maintain signal integrity over the 50-foot length. The USB-C connector draws minimal power from the source device, but the active booster requires this additional power connection for optimal 4K performance.
Is this cable compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 devices?
Yes, the cable is fully compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 devices that support DisplayPort Alternate Mode over USB-C. It also works with standard USB-C ports supporting DP Alt Mode, USB4 implementations, and various laptops, tablets, and docking stations. The cable requires no special drivers or software and functions across Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.
What does CL3 rating mean for this cable?
CL3 (Class 3) is a fire safety rating indicating the cable jacket meets specific flame-retardant standards for in-wall installation in commercial buildings. This rating makes the cable suitable for permanent installations where cables run through walls, ceilings, or conduits in accordance with local electrical codes. The PVC jacket provides both durability and compliance with commercial installation requirements.
Can this cable transmit audio along with video?
Yes, the cable supports multi-channel audio transmission including 7.1 channel surround sound. It features Audio Return Channel (ARC) support for bidirectional audio between compatible devices and Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) for single-remote operation of connected equipment. The HDMI 2.0 specification ensures full audio compatibility with standard HDMI audio formats.
What is the difference between this active optical cable and a standard copper HDMI cable?
Active optical cables use fiber optic cores instead of copper wires to transmit signals, which eliminates electromagnetic interference and maintains signal integrity over much longer distances. While standard copper HDMI cables typically struggle with 4K signals beyond 15-25 feet, this AOC maintains full 4K 60Hz performance across 50 feet. The fiber construction also makes the cable lighter and more flexible than equivalent copper cables while providing better EMI protection in electrically noisy environments.
What resolution or display format is specified?
It features a display specification of 3840 x 2160, giving you clear visuals for work and media use.
What refresh rate or brightness details are available?
Display-oriented products are best judged through screen, connectivity, and installation specifications. Those facts help buyers confirm visual fit, mounting flexibility, and deployment suitability more clearly than generic summary text.