The Stellar 48 was the first active optical cable to obtain the Ultra High Speed certification from the HDMI Forum, a rigorous compliance program that guarantees the operation of all HDMI 2.1 features without compression or compromise.
High-end optical fiber and active components
Copper HDMI cables reach their physical limit at around 3 meters when they have to carry 48 Gbps. Beyond that, signal attenuation degrades the image. The cable uses four OM3-grade optical fibers, a laser-optimized multimode fiber specification developed for very high-speed applications. These fibers work optimally with 850 nm VCSEL lasers and offer a bandwidth of 2000 MHz·km.
The laser modules come from II-VI, an American manufacturer specializing in photonic components for industrial and telecommunication applications. The driver chipset is produced by Silicon Line GmbH, a Munich-based company and world leader in ultra low power optical link technology for consumer electronics and industrial applications. The combination of these two suppliers allows the cable to operate without external power: the HDMI signal provides the energy required for the active components.
VIVIDTECH: built-in video noise processing
The Stellar 48 integrates a proprietary system called VIVIDTECH NR. This processing reduces video pixel noise, which improves edge definition and color saturation. David Salz, founder and president of Wireworld, specifies that this system “improves signal purity.”
This approach differs from conventional optical cables that merely carry the signal without processing. VIVIDTECH acts on the digital artifacts that can appear during electro-optical conversion, a source of degradation often overlooked in active cables.
Construction and durability
The cable structure includes reinforced double shielding and multiple high-strength Kevlar fiber bundles for better durability and protection against interference.
The connectors are made of die-cast zinc with 24-carat gold-plated contacts. Their width of only 18 mm allows them to be pulled through standard electrical conduits, a practical advantage for flush-mount installations where space is limited.
Plenum certification for professional installations
UL-CMP/FT6 Plenum certification indicates that the cable has passed rigorous flame tests ensuring minimal smoke production and low flame spread. The most common plenum spaces are the open spaces above a suspended ceiling or under a raised floor. This certification makes the Stellar 48 compliant with building codes for commercial and residential installations in these areas.
This compliance meets the requirements of professional installations: broadcast studios, conference rooms, showrooms, or high-end home automation systems where cables run through suspended ceilings or ventilated cable trays.
User reviews
David
On paper it's 48Kbps, but in reality, it's not certain. I'm clearly having issues at 120Hz. And yet, I'm only streaming video, no audio.
Overall, it's excellent at 60Hz with impeccable sharpness, but no further.
Comment from October 14, 2023 — Experience from September 26, 2022
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Sur le papier c'est du 48Kbp, dans la réalité, pas sûr. J'ai clairement des problèmes en 120Hz. Et pourtant, je ne passe que de l'image, pas de son.
Globalement, c'est excellent en 60Hz avec un piqué irréprochable mais pas plus loin.
