Manufacturer & Model:FIBBR Technologies Ultra Pro HDMI 2.0 15-Meter Cable Review

MSRP:$279

Link:http://www.fibbrtech.com

Highlights:Full HDMI 2.0x functionality over 50-feet, quality construction, thin and light as compared to traditional long-run passive HDMI cables, smart LED lights indicate connection status, fiber optic design.

Summary:The FIBBR Ultra Pro is a highly competent, well made, fiber optic HDMI 2.0 cable that provides 4K UHD HDR functionality over 15-meteres (nearly 50-feet) of distance. The cable's omnidirectional connection requirements are confirmed by a series of LED indicator lights on the source end of the cable, in addition to clearly identifiable markings. Our tests demonstrated the cable's ability to reliably pass-through

4K HDR (including Dolby Vision) video and multi-channel audio.

Let’s jump into some hot water and talk cables, specifically: HDMI 2.0. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 15 years, then you’re undoubtedly familiar with HDMI (High Definition Multi-Media Interface) cables. After all, they’re your gateway to sending both HD and 4K UHD HDR video signals (along with multi-channel audio) between components and displays using a simple single connection.

4K HDR And HDMI 2.0

The introduction of 4K HDR video quickly ushered the industry into its current HDMI 2.0a specification, which allows for up to 18Gbps of data transfer. For the most part, any High Speed HDMI cable is compatible with 4K UHD HDR content. A cable’s length, however, can be problematic when 4K HDR signals are sent over relatively long distances (roughly 20-feet or greater). Once a lengthy distance is met or exceeded, signal failure can occur. Of course, I’m choosing generalities because equipment and environmental circumstances all come into play.

Speaking from experience, my theater’s room conversion from 1080p to 4K UHD led to a momentary cable crisis. My previous 35-foot long HDMI cable couldn’t reliably pass a 4K signal. After evaluating all available options, including a new beefier passive cable paired with a signal booster, I ultimately purchased a 40-foot fiber optic cable. That cable has performed flawlessly. In fact, fiber optic HDMI cables can be used in runs up to 1,000 feet. Impressive, right?

FIBBR Ultra Pro

Recently, FIBBR Technologies (China) sent me a 15 meter (roughly 50-feet) Ultra Pro HDMI 2.0 Cable for review. This particular fiber optic cable isn’t cheap, currently on Amazon for $279, but has a few interesting features that make installation practically dummy-proof.

The Ultra Pro is 4-core fiber optic cable that’s specified to competently pass 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 video (including 3D) and up to 32 audio channels, which is to say everything required to enjoy the best of current 4K HDR video with a full 7.2.4 Atmos speaker array. Much like all other HDMI cables, it's compatible with any current HD or UHD HDMI device (including projectors, televisions, digital cable boxes, AV receivers, gaming systems and the like). And because its fiber optic, it has a high resistance to external electromagnetic interference.

Like other fiber optic HDMI cables, the Ultra Pro is unidirectional. And to help prevent frustrations from installing the cable backwards, FIBBR has instituted several visual aids including simple graphics that clearly mark the display end of the cable. The company has also endowed the component end with a “smart status” LED indicator that blinks green when correctly plugged into a source, blinks red when mistakenly inserted into a display, and glows blue when a data connection is established.

The Ultra Pro does not support either ARC (Audio Return Channel) or Ethernet capabilities.

Out Of The Box

The Ultra Pro is boxed in shelf-quality packaging, internally coiled to fit neatly in a plastic molded container. FIBBR ships the cable secured by three Velcro ties (which can be used for quick bundling during installation) with its connector ends protected by plastic caps. Simple installation instructions are included on the box’s inside lid.

The cable, itself, boasts rather robust construction with a rugged braided PET sheath covering a pliable LSZH jacket. Overall build quality is noticeably competent. Unlike many passive HDMI cables, the Ultra Pro is extremely thin and flexible (not to mention lightweight).

Installation and Performance

A blue indicator light signifies a functional connection on the source end of the cable.

I was initially concerned about the Ultra Pro’s ability to lay straight and flat, largely due to its rugged sheath. That concern was unfounded, however, as the cable was relatively easy to work with and conformed along the edge of a baseboard on a carpeted surface. Once plugged into a device, the cable’s plug to cable bend length accounts for roughly 2.5-inches, meaning you need 2.5-inches of space between a component/display and a wall (assuming the HDMI port isn’t angled or positioned on the side of a device).

Despite its rugged exterior, the Ultra Pro lays relatively flat and straight without issue.

Once installed, the Ultra Pro cable needs roughly 2.5-inches of space to fit properly.

The cable’s three component-end lights (as described above) all worked as intended and are clearly visible.

In terms of playback, the cable worked perfectly, successfully passing a 4K UHD HDR signal (Planet Earth II, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray) from an OPPO UDP-205 Ultra HD Blu-ray player directly to a JVC RS520 projector (and, alternatively through a Marantz RS7012 AVR). The projector’s internal menu system confirmed it was receiving a 4K (3840p) signal with 12-Bit color. To the eye, the picture was exquisite, devoid of any visible issues; audio was pristine. Alternatively, the cable also successfully passed a 4K UHD Dolby Vision signal (Fate of the Furious, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray) from an OPPO UDP-203 to an LG OLED B6 4K television. Again, picture perfect.

The Ultra Pro delivered a full 4K UHD HDR signal to a JVC RS520 projector.

An LG OLED B6 displaying 4K Dolby Vision received via the Ultra Pro.

The cable was used in excess of one week without failure.

Conclusion

While expensive, FIBBR Technologies' Ultra Pro HDMI 2.0 Cable is an excellent choice for 4K UHD HDR duty over long runs. While it’s impossible to ignore that forthcoming HDMI 2.1 standards will require a far more capable (HDMI 2.1 certified) cable, those cables have yet to hit the market. Therefore, cables such as the FIBBR Ultra Pro are perfect for servicing current 4K systems that owners are likely use for years to come. Buy with confidence.

FIBBR Ultra Pro HDMI 2.0 Specifications

Product model: FIBBR UltraPro HDMI 2.0

Product specification:4:4:4 4K@60Hz

HDMI cable length: 49.2ft (15 meters)

HDMI cord core material: 4-core optical fiber

Bandwidth: 18 Gbps

Housing: PC material

Cable diameter: 4.6 mm

Braided coating: PET

Supports: 3D Content, resolutions up to Ultra HD 4K 4096×2160 60Hz, Dolby True HD, DTS-HD Master Audio up to 32 audio channels, Transfer Rates of Up to 18 Gbps, HDCP

Compatibility: projector,3D player, Digital Set-Up box, DVR, A/V receiver, Blu-Ray player, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3/4 , HD Cable Box, Personal Computer or any other device with a standard HDMI output interface.

Does Not Support: ARC and Ethernet

Retail Package Contents: FIBBR Ultra Pro HDMI 2.0 Cable 15 meter *1