Active optical HDMI cables convert electrical TMDS signals to light and back, enabling:rnrnConsistent 18 Gbps bandwidth up to long lengths without signal attenuation.rnrnLow interference from EMI/RFI due to optical transmission.rnrnThinner cables with smaller bend radius, which simplifies routing in OEM cabling.

At 10 m / 33 ft, fiber AOCs are very reliable at 4K60 18 Gbps. Traditional passive HDMI may fail at these lengths for high bandwidth content — active optical designs avoid that. Typical optical designs can scale up to 30 m or more with preserved signal integrity.

Armored” refers to a durable outer layer (often with steel or reinforced materials) that protects the cable from physical damage, crush, abrasion, and harsh environments — making it suitable for industrial or professional installations.

Some AV splitters, adapters, wall plates, or devices may not provide sufficient power or proper communication for active cables — testing is recommended before installation. Additionally, very long runs may fail if intermediary hardware doesn’t support signal conversion properly.

Do not sharply bend or kink the cable — optical fibers can be sensitive to tight bends.rnrnEnsure directionality is correct (“Source → Display”).rnrnAlways test signal quality before permanently installing inside walls or conduits.