When it comes to video and audio output, cables do make a difference, especially if you are going over long distances. Unfortunately, with longer distances typically comes signal degradation. An Active Optical Cable (AOC) helps boost signals over longer distances by adding embedded optical transceivers in both ends of the HDMI cable and using optical fibre instead of copper.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Our Monoprice SlimRun AV 8K Certified Ultra High-Speed Active HDMI Cable review looks at a 32′ HDMI cable which is also CMP Plenum fire safety rated for in-wall, ceiling, and other installations. Read on to see why it earned a Highly Rated badge here at Techaeris.
Table of contents
The Quick Take
As mentioned above, if your setup requires a longer HDMI cable, you will suffer signal degradation with a normal cable. The Monoprice SlimRun AV 8K Certified Ultra High-Speed Active HDMI Cable can be safely run through walls, floors, ceilings, and even ducts while providing improved signal performance over longer lengths. Sure, it’s pricier than non-AOC cables, but it is slim, just as easy to use, and works as advertised.
Specifications
The Monoprice SlimRun AV 8K Certified Ultra High-Speed Active HDMI Cable we reviewed has the following features and specifications (configurable when ordering):
- Active Optical Cable (AOC) improves signal performance over longer lengths
- Supports 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz resolutions
- Dynamic HDR support
- Certified by an HDMI-authorized testing center
- Up to 48Gbps bandwidth to handle all features in HDMI 2.1 specification
- Dynamic HDR, Variable Refresh Rate, Enhanced Audio Return Channel support
- Best option for PlayStation® 5, Nintendo Switch™, Xbox Series X™, Xbox Series S™ and other game consoles
- The Plenum (CMP) fire safety rating of this cable means that it is safe for use in the plenum air duct spaces of commercial and residential buildings.
- Available in 4 different lengths of 24ft, 32ft, 49ft, and 65ft
What’s in the box
- Monoprice SlimRun AV 8K Certified Ultra High-Speed Active HDMI Cable
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 1-year replacement warranty
Design
To be honest, there’s nothing really special design-wise about the Monoprice SlimRun AV 8K Certified Ultra High-Speed Active HDMI Cable. It’s about as standard looking as they come. The 32-foot length of our review sample (it also comes in 234, 49, and 65-foot lengths) is sheathed in a thin black plastic coating and is only 3/16″ thick.
On either end is a gold-plated male HDMI connector. Each connector is attached to the cable by way of a roughly 1 1/2″ by 3/4″ by 1/2″ sheath. Again, pretty typical looking. On one side of the connector sheath is the Monoprice IIIP logo, while the other has the word Source or Display printed on it. Roughly four inches down the cable from each end is also a tag which indicates which end is the source and which end is the display (an important distinction for active HDMI cables).
Again, nothing atypical here, it is a bit stiffer than other HDMI cables I’ve used in the past but stretches out fine over the 32′ length when I was setting it up.
Ease of Use
Normally I wouldn’t include an Ease of Use section in a cable review, they usually are plug-and-play. The same holds with the Monoprice SlimRun AV 8K Certified Ultra High-Speed Active HDMI Cable with one exception. You need to plug the end marked Display into your TV, projector, or monitor, and the end marked Source into your console, computer, or receiver.
Performance
In case you’re not familiar with Active Optical Cables, here’s a quick explanation from Monoprice:
“SlimRun™ AV 8K Certified Cables use an active chipset and optical fiber to support uncompressed video at resolutions up to 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz, with cable lengths never possible with traditional copper cables before.”
On that note, I used this with my Xbox Series X to get 4K@120Hz to a couple of different 4K monitors which featured HDMI 2.1 support, including the 48″ BenQ EX480UZ gaming monitor. I normally have it hooked up to a projector and given my computer is on the opposite side of the basement, it’s usually too much of a pain in the butt to test the Xbox with 4K monitors. With the Monoprice SlimRun AV 8K Certified Ultra High-Speed Active HDMI Cable, I can easily connect the Series X to whatever monitor I’m currently reviewing. Unfortunately, Monoprice didn’t have the 49-foot in stock so I had to snake the 32-foot across the floor but was able to do so under the carpet and along the bottom of the wall without it being too visible.
Once connected, I had no issues with the Xbox displaying 4K@120Hz on the HDMI 2.1 compatible monitors. HDR worked as intended, and gameplay was smooth and as one would hope and expect from the console and with a high-speed cable. I did also briefly test the cable by connecting it to my receiver and the eARC feature worked just fine as well. There are a few complaints on the internet about eARC not working with this cable but I had no issues with the feature with the cable connected properly adhering to the Source and Display connection labelling.
Price/Value
The Monoprice SlimRun AV 8K Certified Ultra High-Speed Active HDMI Cable starts at $99.99 on the Monoprice website (but is currently out of stock). While it looks like there are cheaper versions listed on Amazon, the companies manufacturing them are relatively unknown name-wise and most are not CMP Plenum rated. Sure, you might be paying a bit more for Monoprice cables in this case, but in our experience over the years, it is a name you can trust.
Wrap-up
Honestly, there’s not a lot to say wrap-up in regards to the Monoprice SlimRun AV 8K Certified Ultra High-Speed Active HDMI Cable — it’s a cable. It works as described and is a great option if you need a longer HDMI Cable between your console and TV or projector. Given the CMP Plenum rating, you can rest easy running it through your ceiling or walls, keeping it out of sight and at the same time not having to worry about any issues arising because of that.
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Last Updated on March 13, 2024.
