Overview
Use passive HDMI cables between sources and Just Add Power Encoders, and between Just Add Power Decoders and displays. Select cables that support the bandwidth of the video signal at each connection.
Active HDMI cables can cause intermittent video, a black screen, or HDCP handshake problems when connected to Just Add Power devices.
Active and Passive HDMI Cables
- Active HDMI cables contain electronics that process the signal and require power from the HDMI connection or an external supply. They are commonly directional, with ends labeled for the source and display. Active optical HDMI cables are also active cables.
- Passive HDMI cables do not contain powered signal-processing electronics and are not directional. Passive describes how a cable works; it does not establish the cable's bandwidth or quality.
Check the cable packaging or manufacturer specifications if its type is unclear.
HDMI Cable Certification
HDMI cable certification identifies the bandwidth a cable has been tested to support. Select a certification that meets the requirements of the video signal.
| Certification | Certified Bandwidth |
|---|---|
| Premium High Speed HDMI | Up to 18 Gbps |
| Ultra High Speed HDMI | Up to 48 Gbps |
Look for the official certification label on the packaging. See HDMI cable types and certification labels for more information.
Check both requirements: Certified HDMI cables can be active or passive. Confirm that the cable is passive and that its certification supports the required signal bandwidth.
MaxColor Series Requirements
MaxColor Series devices support source signals up to 4K60 with 4:4:4 color and 36-bit color depth (12 bits per color component). The HDMI cable must support the bandwidth of the signal being carried.
- For a 4K60, 4:4:4, 36-bit source signal, use a passive, certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.
- For signals within 18 Gbps, a passive, certified Premium High Speed HDMI cable may be used.
Check both the source-to-Encoder and Decoder-to-display connections. The required cable bandwidth depends on the signal carried by each connection.
Wall Plates, Couplers, and Adapters
The complete HDMI path must support the signal being carried, including cables, wall plates, couplers, and adapters. Cable certification does not establish the performance of accessories added to the connection.
- Confirm that each accessory supports the required resolution, refresh rate, color format, color depth, and HDCP version.
- Minimize intermediate connections. Each additional connection can reduce signal margin or introduce a connection problem.
- Check whether a wall plate or adapter contains active electronics. A passive HDMI cable does not make the complete path passive.
If an accessory's capabilities are unclear or the connection is unreliable, test with a direct passive HDMI cable of the required certification, as described below.
Troubleshooting
If video is intermittent, black, or failing an HDCP handshake, test the HDMI connection at the affected source or display:
- Confirm that the installed HDMI cable is passive and supports the bandwidth of the video signal.
- Replace the HDMI connection being tested with a short, known-working passive cable of the required certification. Connect it directly between the source and Encoder or between the Decoder and display, temporarily bypassing HDMI wall plates, couplers, and adapters.
- Check whether the symptom clears. If it does, reconnect the original HDMI path one component at a time to identify the cable, termination, or accessory causing the issue.
- Replace the component causing the issue, then verify operation through the complete installed HDMI path.
If the issue remains with the direct test cable, continue troubleshooting the source, display, and Just Add Power device.
