ATEN VE8952T 4K HDMI over IP Transmitter
Overview
The ATEN VE8952T is a 4K HDMI over IP extender transmitter designed to push full 4096×2160 or 3840×2160 video signals up to 100 meters over standard Cat5e or Cat6 cabling in point-to-point configurations. For AV integrators and IT architects deploying digital signage, conference room displays, or command-center video walls, the VE8952T removes the hard distance ceiling of HDMI's native 5–10m runs without introducing the complexity of fiber or proprietary cable runs. It pairs with the matching ATEN AV over IP receiver to complete the extension link, and it fits naturally into any HDMI extender infrastructure built on standard network infrastructure.
Key Features
- 4K at 100m over Cat5e/6: The VE8952T delivers 4096×2160 or 3840×2160 at 60Hz (4:2:0) and 30Hz (4:4:4) over a single Cat5e or Cat6 run up to 100m — meaning you can reach from a rack in an IDF closet to a display at the far end of a large conference room or digital signage display without re-cabling or signal boosters. Planning your cabling runs? A structured cabling planning guide helps size runs correctly for 4K loads.
- PoE (802.3af) or DC power: The unit accepts either a standard 802.3af PoE switch port or a DC jack with a locking connector. Running PoE means no local power outlet needed at the transmitter end — a real advantage when mounting above a ceiling tile or behind a display cabinet where outlets are scarce. Your existing PoE network switch can power the unit directly.
- HDMI Type A input: A single HDMI Type A female connector accepts the source signal. This covers virtually every laptop, media player, PC, or set-top box output without adapters.
- Analog audio input (3.5mm stereo): A mini stereo jack female input (green) lets you inject an analog audio signal separately — useful when the HDMI source's embedded audio isn't what you need at the far end, or when you're mixing in a microphone or ambient audio feed.
- USB Type B for KVM extension: The USB Type B female port enables USB signal extension alongside the video, supporting keyboard, mouse, and peripheral control from the remote display location. This makes the VE8952T viable for KVM over IP applications, not just passive video distribution.
- ID number selection via push buttons: Two front-panel push buttons set the unit's ID — allowing you to assign transmitter/receiver pairings without a laptop or software tool on-site. Straightforward for field commissioning or re-pairing after a layout change.
- Compact, low-profile form factor: At 16.60 × 12.49 × 2.90 cm (without bracket) and 0.67 kg (1.48 lb), the VE8952T fits in tight AV rack shelves, equipment closets, and behind-panel installations where space is constrained.
- Firmware field-upgradeable: Firmware v1.5.145 (released 2026-02-10) is available, meaning the unit can be updated in the field without hardware swap — relevant for deployments that need to track compatibility updates over a multi-year installation lifecycle.
Integration and Compatibility
The VE8952T is built for point-to-point Cat5e/Cat6 runs. It handles a wide input resolution range — from legacy 720×576p at 50Hz up through 3840×2160p at 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, and 30Hz — making it backward-compatible with older source equipment while supporting current 4K sources. The unit operates within 0–80% RH non-condensing humidity environments, appropriate for typical indoor commercial and enterprise spaces including server rooms, offices, and retail back-of-house installations. Power flexibility (PoE 802.3af or DC locking jack) means it integrates cleanly whether your infrastructure is network-powered or traditionally wired. For multi-display or matrix deployments, review the broader AV over IP extender family to assess whether a matrix-switching variant better fits your topology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the maximum transmission distance of the VE8952T?
A: The VE8952T supports up to 100 meters over Cat5e or Cat6 cable in a point-to-point configuration at 4K resolution.
Q: Does the VE8952T support 4K at 60Hz?
A: Yes, but at 4:2:0 color sampling. Full 4:4:4 color sampling is supported at 4K@30Hz. For most digital signage and presentation use cases, 4K@60Hz 4:2:0 is visually indistinguishable from 4:4:4 at normal viewing distances.
Q: Can the VE8952T be powered by a standard PoE switch?
A: Yes. The VE8952T accepts standard 802.3af PoE, which means any 802.3af-capable switch port will power it — no separate power supply or local outlet required at the transmitter location.
Q: Does the VE8952T support USB for keyboard and mouse extension?
A: Yes. The USB Type B female port on the transmitter enables USB device extension alongside the video signal, supporting KVM-style deployments where keyboard and mouse control are needed at the far end.
Q: What cable type is required for 100m 4K transmission?
A: Cat5e or Cat6 is required for the full 100m range at 4K. Cable quality and installation practices (avoiding sharp bends, maintaining proper terminations) will affect signal integrity at longer distances.
Q: Is the VE8952T suitable for outdoor installation?
A: No. The VE8952T is rated for 0–80% RH non-condensing humidity and is an indoor unit. It is not rated for direct outdoor exposure.
The spec that matters most on the VE8952T is the 4K@60Hz 4:2:0 over 100m rating — because that's exactly where most conference room and digital signage integrators run into trouble with HDMI. You've got a source rack in an equipment room and a display 80 meters away, and standard HDMI simply won't reach. The VE8952T solves that cleanly over existing Cat5e/6 infrastructure, which is already pulled in virtually every commercial building.
Technical Highlights:
- Dual 4K color modes: 4096×2160 / 3840×2160 at 60Hz in 4:2:0 handles the vast majority of digital signage and presentation sources without dropped frames. Switch to 4:4:4 at 30Hz when color accuracy matters — graphic arts, color-critical AV.
- 802.3af PoE with locking DC fallback: The locking DC jack prevents accidental disconnects in rack environments where cable management gets dense. PoE 802.3af keeps the transmitter powered from the network switch with no outlet dependency — genuinely useful above ceilings.
- USB Type B extension: The USB port turns this into a KVM extender, not just a video extender — a meaningful difference for broadcast control rooms or remote workstation setups where you need keyboard and mouse at the display end.
Deployment Considerations:
- The 100m distance rating assumes quality Cat5e/Cat6 with proper terminations and no sharp bends. Budget Cat5e with poorly punched-down keystones at both ends will underperform at distance — use a cable tester before blaming the unit.
- 4K@60Hz is 4:2:0 only. If your source application requires full 4:4:4 (color-calibrated display work, some medical imaging outputs), you're limited to 30Hz at that color depth. Confirm the source and use case before specifying.
The VE8952T is the right call for corporate AV integrators standardizing conference room builds on Cat6 infrastructure — specifically the 60–100m source-to-display runs where HDMI cables and fiber both create more problems than a PoE-powered IP extender pair does.
