AudioQuest Root Beer 18 HDMI Cable (Active Optical)

The AudioQuest Root Beer 18 is an active-optical HDMI cable (AOC) that sends the picture signals as light through glass fibers, carrying 18 Gbps over distances up to 30 meters. It's the answer for distances where copper simply can't cope anymore.

Why the Root Beer 18?

With HDMI, copper is a sprinter, not a marathon runner. Fiber optics doesn't have this problem: the Root Beer 18 converts the AV signals into light in the connector, transmits them over the fiber, and converts them back at the other end. In between, the run is galvanically isolated and picks up neither ground loops nor interference from Wi-Fi, mobile networks or dimmers. The cable stays thin and light throughout – an advantage you'll appreciate at the latest when pulling it through conduit.

What you get

An active-optical HDMI cable in 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 meters. Two things belong before installation: the cable is unidirectional – one end is meant for the source, the other for the display, and swapped no picture arrives. And it draws its operating power directly from the HDMI socket of the connected devices; you don't need a plug-in power supply.

Who is the Root Beer 18 for – and who isn't it for?

Straight talk: under five meters, an AOC cable is overkill – any decent passive cable will do there. The Root Beer 18 is made for the cases where the projector hangs at the back of the ceiling or the equipment cabinet is a floor below. If you want to transmit 8K/60 or 4K/120 in that setup, reach for the Cherry Cola 48; the Root Beer stays at 18 Gbps and thus at 4K/60.

Our verdict

The Root Beer 18 makes distances possible where copper simply gives up – no power supply, no repeater, no fiddling. Before you pull conduit, have a quick word with us: HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, 044 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical data

• Type: active-optical HDMI cable (AOC), 18 Gbps
• AV conductors: glass fiber, galvanically isolated, insensitive to stray RF interference
• eARC and control conductors: metallic, direction-controlled
• Resolutions: 4K/60, 8K/30
• eARC/ARC: supported
• Signal direction: unidirectional – one end belongs at the source, the other at the display; swapped, the screen stays black
• Power supply: via the HDMI socket of the connected devices, no external power supply needed
• Max. distance: 30 m
• Lengths: 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 30 m
• Included: HDMI cable in the chosen length

Frequently asked questions

Which end goes to the source?

The end marked as the source side – that's where the optical transmitter sits. It belongs at the AV receiver, the player, or the console; the other end goes to the projector or TV. Swapped, the screen stays black or reports "no signal"; that's not a defect.

Does the Root Beer 18 need a power supply?

No. The cable powers its transmitting and receiving electronics directly from the HDMI socket of the connected devices, so a plug-in power supply isn't needed. Very old or underpowered HDMI outputs occasionally supply too little current – if that happens, we'll sort it out with you and your device.

Can it be pulled through conduit?

Usually yes – the optical construction is considerably thinner and lighter than a copper cable of the same length. What matters is the connector head: measure your conduit, plan wide bends, and pull on the connector housing, never on the fiber. In tight situations, we'll plan this through with you beforehand.

Root Beer 18 or Cherry Cola 48?

It depends on bandwidth and distance. The Root Beer 18 delivers 18 Gbps and reaches up to 30 meters – ideal for 4K/60. The Cherry Cola 48 delivers 48 Gbps for 8K/60 and 4K/120, but only up to 15 meters. Decide on the display first, then choose the cable.

Why order the Root Beer 18 from HD Zürisee?

Because a 25-meter cable in conduit isn't a return you make just like that. We clarify direction, length, conduit diameter and bandwidth beforehand – and deliver, on request, complete with installation by our technician. Specialist retail support from Wädenswil, with contacts you know by name.

Goes well with

At the end of a long run there's usually a projector: browse Home Cinema, check out the shorter connections under HDMI Cables, or discover the whole AudioQuest world.