BENFEI HDMI 2.1 fibre optic cable, 100 feet

For a home theatre where the source and screen are far apart, a long HDMI run can be more practical than moving a console or PC closer to the TV. This BENFEI HDMI 2.1 fibre optic cable is 100 feet long and is designed for connections between devices such as a PS5, Xbox or PC GPU and a TV, projector or home theatre system. Its CL3-rated jacket makes it suitable for in-wall installation, while the fibre-optic design is intended for carrying the signal over a long distance. One detail matters from the start: it is directional, so the ends must face the right devices.

Getting the most from it

Connect the end marked “Source” to the console or PC, and the “Display” end to the TV, monitor or projector. Reversing them can result in no signal, so check the markings before routing the cable through a wall or behind furniture. That small step is much easier to take before the cable is installed.

The listed video capabilities are 8K at 60 Hz and 4K at 240 Hz, with bandwidth specified at 48 Gbps. It also lists VRR, eARC, Dynamic HDR and HDCP 2.3. Those features may suit a setup built around gaming, high-resolution video or a soundbar connection, but the connected source and display need to support the features you want to use. The cable itself cannot add a display mode or audio feature that your other equipment lacks.

Why it’s worth it

The main reason to consider this model is its combination of a 100-foot reach and an in-wall-rated jacket. A shorter copper cable may be a simpler choice for a console beside the TV, this fibre-optic option is aimed at a more permanent layout where the equipment sits across a room or in a separate part of a home theatre. The manufacturer also lists support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and other high-bitrate audio formats, as well as an 18-month warranty.

There is a trade-off: the directional connection makes placement less forgiving than a cable that can be plugged in either way. According to the manufacturer, the cable is thinner and lighter than copper, but the listing does not give dimensions or a bending limit. Plan the route with care rather than assuming it can be pulled or sharply bent like an ordinary short lead.

At a glance

• Type: HDMI 2.1 fibre optic cable
• Length: 100 feet
• Listed video modes: 8K at 60 Hz, 4K at 240 Hz
• Bandwidth: 48 Gbps
• Other listed features: VRR, eARC, Dynamic HDR and HDCP 2.3
• Installation rating: CL3, for in-wall use
• Warranty: 18 months

It makes sense if you need to link distant equipment and want the cable route concealed. It’s better to avoid it if you need a short, reversible connection or would rather not keep track of which end goes to the source.

When to choose it

Choose this cable when distance and a tidier, potentially in-wall route matter more than plug-in simplicity. For example, a PC in a cabinet at one end of a room could connect to a display at the other, with the source and display labels helping identify the correct direction. If you prioritize a long run for a fixed gaming or home theatre setup, its stated format and features are relevant, if you prefer the least fussy option for nearby devices, a standard shorter cable is likely a more straightforward fit.