Hardware

Pure Fi unveils ultra high speed 8K HDMI optical cable

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November 15, 2022

Pure Fi, a California-based startup, has unveiled a proprietary ultra high speed 8K HDMI active optical cable, according to a press release and exclusive interview with Digital Signage Today.

Thanks to the use of optical, copper-free signal transmission, the cables are lightweight and permit long-distance networking without the signal boosters needed with traditional copper cabling. EM signal interference generation is also far lower than copper counterparts, which are also heavier and more expensive while generally transmitting lower data over much shorter distances; cabling in large networks using traditional copper often requires signal boosting devices due to the low transmission distances and high resistance of copper, which also has lower bandwidth.

Prioritizing vertical integration, Pure Fi founder Bill Huang explained in an exclusive Zoom interview that unlike many major suppliers of HDMI cables, his company is able to carefully control every aspect of cable design, including the software at the connector-level and ongoing compatibility testing with major devices. Huang says this all results in making the cables faster and more reliable than many other HDMI cables, whose design, components and production are often split between an array of providers before they are sold by a distributor; this can lead to compatibility and performance issues that the Pure Fi optical cable avoids, since everything is carefully controlled in-house. By allowing long-distance connections without expensive equipment like signal boosters, Huang believes his cable will greatly reduce cost for businesses and integrators in large networking use cases.

"Connectivity from source to endpoint is critical to deliver the very best digital signage experience," Jeff Hastings, CEO of BrightSign, said in the release. "Just like our players, Pure Fi designed its new AOC to handle the most robust 8K content with ease. We tested the new cable and consider Pure Fi's new AOC to be an ideal complement to our new Series 5 media players, especially for content-rich applications that require long runs from the player to the display."

"HDMI Forum in conjunction with HDMI LA have created the Ultra High Speed HDMI cable certification program to ensure HDMI cables are tested and certified to the HDMI 2.1a specification at HDMI Forum Authorized Testing Centers," said Rob Tobias, CEO and President of HDMI Licensing Administrator. "We applaud Pure Fi for certifying their AOC cables so that installers can be assured they are buying quality cables that have passed certification testing."

Highlights of the release include:

• High-Bandwidth Connectivity: Throughput up to 48 Gbps, supporting 8K content at 60 hertz or 4K content at 120 hertz.
• Extended Range: Pure Fi's 50-foot AOC is certified through the Ultra High Speed HDMI cable certification program, and additional lengths of 15 and 25 feet are in the process of being certified. Additionally, custom cable lengths can be made and certified upon request.
• Low Electromagnetic Interference: Running 8K video content via traditional copper cables generates high electromagnetic interference, whereas Pure Fi's AOC generates near-zero EMI.
• Lightweight & Flexible: In contrast to heavy shielded copper cables, Pure Fi's AOC is less than .2 inch thick, and a 300-foot cable weighs less than one pound.
• True-to-Life Sound: Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) allows high-fidelity audio for an immersive surround-sound experience.
• Plug & Play Simplicity: Unidirectional cables greatly simplify connectivity, with no external power or software required.
• Compliant with the Latest Industry Standards: Pure Fi's new HDMI AOC is fully compliant with the latest industry standards, including version 2.1a of the HDMI specification.