StarTech.com VGA to Cat5 Monitor Extender Kit (250ft/80m) - VGA Cat5 Extender

The StarTech.com VGA to Cat5 Monitor Extender Kit is the ultimate solution for delivering crystal-clear VGA video over long distances. Designed for versatility in education, corporate settings, and public venues, this two-piece extender lets you place a projector, monitor, or display up to 250 feet (80 meters) away from the source without compromising image quality. Built to withstand the rigors of busy classrooms, conference rooms, and digital signage installations, the kit combines a compact transmitter with a matching receiver to create a reliable, easy-to-install VGA extension over standard Cat5e or Cat6 cables. Whether you’re upgrading a lecture hall, outfitting a boardroom, or expanding your digital signage network, this VGA Cat5 Extender delivers consistent performance, minimal setup time, and clean cable management that keeps your space looking professional.

• The kit extends VGA signals over Cat5e/6 cabling up to 250 feet (80 meters), enabling flexible placement of displays, projectors, and screens far from the video source while preserving image sharpness and color accuracy. With this length, you can optimize seating arrangements, improve sightlines, and simplify room layouts without resorting to lengthy, bulky VGA cables.
• Transmitter and receiver units work together to convert and transmit the VGA signal over standard twisted-pair cables. Two RJ-45 connections between the transmitter and receiver support a robust, EMI-resistant link, helping to maintain stable synchronization and minimize ghosting or blurring even at maximum distance. The result is dependable performance for presentations, lectures, and multimedia displays.
• Plug-and-play and driver-free installation make setup fast and straightforward. Simply connect the VGA output from your computer or media player to the transmitter, run Cat5e/6 cables to the remote display, connect the receiver to the VGA input of the monitor or projector, and power both ends. No software or driver installation is required, so you can deploy in minutes and scale as needed with minimal disruption.
• Versatile deployment options suit a wide range of environments. The compact transmitter and receiver are designed for desktop, wall-mount, or rack-mounted installations, so you can tuck the hardware behind a display, inside a cabinet, or along the ceiling line. The streamlined design helps with cable management and keeps pathways clear in busy classrooms or conference rooms.
• Cost-effective, scalable solution for long-distance VGA distribution. By using existing Cat5e/6 infrastructure, you avoid the cost and complexity of fiber or specialized video matrices. The StarTech extender provides a reliable, upgrade-friendly pathway for one-to-one VGA connections, and it can be combined with additional extenders to support multiple displays in larger layouts.

Technical Details of StarTech.com VGA to Cat5 Monitor Extender Kit

• Distance: Up to 250 ft (80 m) between the transmitter and receiver over Cat5e/6 cables.
• Cabling: Requires standard Cat5e or Cat6 twisted-pair cabling; typically two cables are used for the link between transmitter and receiver depending on installation.
• Video interface: VGA (HD-15) input on the transmitter and VGA (HD-15) output on the receiver; no audio signal is carried by this extender.
• Power: External 5V DC power adapters are included for both the transmitter and the receiver units.
• Package contents: Transmitter unit, Receiver unit, two external power adapters, quick start guide, and mounting hardware.

How to install StarTech.com VGA to Cat5 Monitor Extender Kit

• Place the transmitter close to the video source (computer, media player, or presentation device) and near a power outlet. Connect a VGA cable from the source to the transmitter’s VGA input, then attach the transmitter’s power adapter to energize the unit.
• Lay out the Cat5e/6 cabling along the route to the display location. Use two standard Ethernet cables if required by your installation, ensuring they are safely routed away from sources of interference and secured to prevent accidental disconnections.
• At the display end, connect the receiver’s VGA input to the monitor or projector with a VGA cable. Plug in the receiver’s external power adapter to power the unit and establish the link with the transmitter via the Cat5e/6 cables.
• Power on the source and the display, then verify that the image is present and stable. If needed, adjust the host device’s resolution to match the display’s native capabilities for optimal clarity and text legibility.
• Secure the units in their chosen positions using the supplied mounting hardware if desired. Organize and label cables for easy maintenance, and test the setup under typical use conditions to confirm long-distance performance remains consistent across the installed path.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What does the StarTech VGA to Cat5 Monitor Extender Kit do?
• A: It extends a VGA video signal over standard Cat5e/6 cabling, allowing you to position a monitor, projector, or display up to 250 feet (80 meters) away from the computer or video source while maintaining image quality and synchronization.
• Q: Does this kit carry audio along with the video?
• A: No. This extender transmits VGA video only. If your setup requires audio, use a separate audio link directly between the source and the display or pair with an audio-enabled solution.
• Q: How many displays can I drive with one kit?
• A: Each kit is designed to extend a single VGA path to one display. For multiple displays, you would typically use multiple kits or a more comprehensive distribution system designed for multi-monitor setups.
• Q: Is the installation plug-and-play?
• A: Yes. The extender is designed for quick, driver-free installation. Connect the VGA cables, run Cat5e/6 cables between the two units, and plug in the power adapters to begin using the extended VGA link immediately.
• Q: Are there any special requirements for the network cabling?
• A: Use standard Cat5e or Cat6 twisted-pair cables of appropriate length. For best results, keep runs clear of heavy electrical cables and sources of EMI, and ensure the connectors are properly terminated at both ends.