Oehlbach Easy Connect Steel HDMI Cable

Oehlbach Easy Connect Steel is a High-Speed HDMI cable designed for audio and video equipment with HDMI connections. It carries data at rates of up to 18 Gbit/s and supports 4K Ultra HD video at 50 or 60 Hz. It is available in 1.50 m and 2.50 m versions.

The cable can connect a television, AV receiver, media player, games console or another compatible HDMI device. A single HDMI cable carries digital video and multichannel audio while also supporting control commands.

Video and data transmission

2160p resolution at 60 Hz allows smooth 4K video to be transmitted from a compatible source to a television or projector. The specified bandwidth is up to 18 Gbit/s, making the cable suitable for video configurations that do not exceed this data rate.

3D video at 4K resolution is also supported. The capabilities available in practice depend on the entire signal path. The source, AV receiver, television and projector must all support the selected resolution and refresh rate.

The HDMI Ethernet Channel gives compatible AV devices access to an additional data channel. This can remove the need for a separate network cable between them. The function works only when it is supported by both connected devices.

Audio and device control

The Audio Return Channel can send sound from a television back to a compatible AV receiver or soundbar. This allows audio from television programmes and sources connected to the TV to use the same HDMI connection.

The cable supports 5.1 DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD and up to 32 digital audio channels. The sending and receiving devices must support the selected audio format. The cable carries the signal but does not decode or alter it.

HDMI CEC is intended for automated control between compatible AV devices. It can carry power-on, power-off and other control commands over the same cable. The connected equipment determines which commands are available and how they work.

Construction and connection

This round black cable has a braided fabric sheath. Both straight connectors have plastic housings with metal sleeves, while their contacts are plated with 24-carat gold. The straight design is convenient when there is enough space in front of the HDMI socket or behind the equipment to route the cable without obstruction.

Before connecting the cable, check the available space behind the television, receiver or furniture. The straight connectors should not be pressed against a wall. Avoid bending the cable sharply where it meets the connector housing.

Choosing the right length

Easy Connect Steel 150 (item number 124) is 1.50 m long. It is suitable for devices placed close together when the cable does not need to be routed around furniture. The shorter length also helps prevent an unnecessary loop of spare cable.

Easy Connect Steel 250 (item number 125) is 2.50 m long. Choose this version when the devices are on different shelves or the cable must pass behind a wider piece of furniture. Measure the actual routing path and allow a little slack at the connectors.

Use in an audio and video system

In a home cinema system, the cable can connect an HDMI source to an AV receiver or connect the receiver to a display. Every separate HDMI connection requires its own cable. One cable does not provide several independent outputs.

In a stereo system, the cable is suitable only if the amplifier or receiver has the required HDMI connections. ARC is particularly useful for carrying sound from a television. This cable cannot be used with a conventional analogue or optical input.

After connecting the cable, select the appropriate HDMI input and output on the equipment. ARC, CEC and Ethernet functions may need to be enabled in the device menus. If the signal passes through an AV receiver, that receiver must also support the selected video and audio mode.

Technical specifications

FAQ

Which cable length should I choose?

Measure the actual cable route, including any section running behind furniture. Allow a little slack for the straight connectors and avoid bending the cable sharply beside their housings.

Does the Ethernet Channel replace a network cable?

It can replace a separate network cable only between devices that support this HDMI function. The cable cannot provide a network connection to equipment that does not support the Ethernet Channel.

How can I send television audio to an AV receiver?

Connect HDMI sockets that support ARC and enable audio return in the device settings. If either socket does not support ARC, audio cannot be returned using this method.

Is the cable suitable for a 4K games console or media player?

Yes, provided that the selected signal does not exceed 18 Gbit/s and every device in the signal path supports 2160p resolution at 60 Hz.

Does the cable process multichannel audio itself?

No. It carries the digital audio signal. The format is decoded by the television, AV receiver, soundbar or another connected device.

What should I know about HDCP?

The cable is specified as supporting HDCP, but no particular version is stated. Protected 4K content may require a specific HDCP version throughout the entire signal path.

Can one cable serve several devices in a system?

It connects two HDMI points at a time. In a system with several sources, each separate connection requires its own cable unless an AV receiver performs the HDMI switching.