{"product_id":"audioquest-root-beer-18-hdmi-optisch","title":"AudioQuest Root Beer 18 HDMI Cable (Active Optical)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy the Root Beer 18?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn active-optical HDMI cable in 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 meters. Two things belong before installation: the cable is \u003cstrong\u003eunidirectional\u003c\/strong\u003e – 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is the Root Beer 18 for – and who isn't it for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStraight 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/41765342200\"\u003e076 534 22 00\u003c\/a\u003e (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical data\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: active-optical HDMI cable (AOC), 18 Gbps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAV conductors: glass fiber, galvanically isolated, insensitive to stray RF interference\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eeARC and control conductors: metallic, direction-controlled\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResolutions: 4K\/60, 8K\/30\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eeARC\/ARC: supported\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignal direction: unidirectional – one end belongs at the source, the other at the display; swapped, the screen stays black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower supply: via the HDMI socket of the connected devices, no external power supply needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMax. distance: 30 m\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLengths: 5 \/ 10 \/ 15 \/ 20 \/ 25 \/ 30 m\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncluded: HDMI cable in the chosen length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich end goes to the source?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the Root Beer 18 need a power supply?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan it be pulled through conduit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsually 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRoot Beer 18 or Cherry Cola 48?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy order the Root Beer 18 from HD Zürisee?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the end of a long run there's usually a projector: browse \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/heimkino\"\u003eHome Cinema\u003c\/a\u003e, check out the shorter connections under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/hdmi-kabel\"\u003eHDMI Cables\u003c\/a\u003e, or discover the whole \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/audioquest\"\u003eAudioQuest world\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AudioQuest","offers":[{"title":"5 m","offer_id":53019214578000,"sku":null,"price":539.95,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 m","offer_id":53019214610768,"sku":null,"price":599.95,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true},{"title":"15 m","offer_id":53019214643536,"sku":null,"price":659.95,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true},{"title":"20 m","offer_id":53019214676304,"sku":null,"price":719.95,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true},{"title":"25 m","offer_id":53019214709072,"sku":null,"price":779.95,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true},{"title":"30 m","offer_id":53019214741840,"sku":null,"price":839.95,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/3262\/8048\/files\/audioquest-root-beer-18-hdmi-kabel-produktansicht.webp?v=1785435681","url":"https:\/\/hdzuerisee.ch\/en\/products\/audioquest-root-beer-18-hdmi-optisch","provider":"HD Zürisee AG","version":"1.0","type":"link"}