Fiber-optic Technology in HDMI Cable Assemblies

Growing market preference for fiber-optic HDMI cable assemblies’ data transmission speed and signal integrity over long distances

by Vianie Li & Cecile de Veyra

Demand for high data transmission speed continues to generate interest in fiber-optic HDMI cable assemblies, the latest that this A/V standard offers. Fiber technology has lent them advantages of distance with no signal loss or attenuation and immunity to EMI and RFI – issues common to copper-based counterparts and reasons for fiber’s growing popularity.

HDMI AOCs, as they are also known, are more secure in delivering data as well because no electrical signals that can be tapped are used. They are intrinsically safe with no electrical spark hazards, and corrosion-resistant, in addition to being comparatively thinner and more lightweight and as such are easy to install. Like conventional HDMI cables, these optical versions are available with connectors that have a removable or swivel head for flexibility to use in tight spaces or connect smartphones and other small electronics to devices with bigger screens such as computers, TVs and monitors.

In gaming, these products are finding a niche, being the recommended cabling solution that can literally go the distance without the lag. The additional push is from HDMI 2.1’s inclusion in the PS5 and Xbox Series X, as well as in recent models of major TV brands.

Fiber-optic HDMI cables, however, are expensive and remain a high-end option compared to copper variants, especially for short-distance residential and commercial applications. Pundits say that they are more costly only in the short run but may be less pricey as a futureproofing solution in terms of speed, distance, bandwidth, strength and overall reliability.

Globally, HDMI cable assemblies are projected to increase by $1.65 billion from 2020 to 2025 at a CAGR of 6.43 percent, according to Technavio. Their fiber-optic segment, meanwhile, will realize more than 10 percent growth during this period.

Hybrid alternatives

In China, fiber-optic HDMI cable assemblies will be the subject of much R&D in the coming years, although manufacturers such as Studio Electronic Technology Co. Ltd have already begun offering them to complement their predominantly conventional selections. Studio is looking to increase its production of fiber-optic cables, expecting them to account for more than 50 percent of shipments in the next two years.

Hybrid HDMI cables, an optical fiber and copper construction for a best-of-both-worlds solution, are widely available in China now.

Typical products are based on the HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 specifications. They have Type A or D connectors with gold-plated copper contacts, and cables consisting of 50/125µm multimode fibers and seven-core copper conductors. The cables are usually sheathed in flame-retardant PVC jackets and come in lengths of up to 100m.

Chinese manufacturers use plastic fiber for cables shorter than 5m, reserving glass variants for other lengths. They source all materials, including optical fibers, copper wires, aluminum foils, stainless steel and TPU, from domestic providers. Some produce plugs in-house, but outsourcing is common practice.

Many companies will continue to raise their output by 10 to 15 percent in the next two years, anticipating the same rate of increase in overseas shipments, according to manufacturers interviewed by Global Sources.

Most suppliers in China export between 30 and 80 percent of their products. Their main destinations are Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region, with a number of enterprises exploring market opportunities in the Middle East and South America as well.