OEHLBACH Flex Evolution UHD 1,5m (92601), Flex Evolution UHD 3,0m (92603), Flex Evolution UHD 2,0m (92602) Flex-Evolution-Lite-Magazin-Test-2021-EN.pdf
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TEST
Oehlbach
Flex Evolution
Highlight
www.lite-magazin.de
Testurteil
2021
Oehlbach Flex Evolution
FLEXIBLE 8K ULTRA
HIGH-SPEED HDMI-CABLE
CLEVER KINK
PROTECTION
Gaming fun
in 4K/120 Hz
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The Oehlbach Flex Evolution is an
HDMI cable that reliably transmits
image and sound signals
up to 4K/120 Hz. The bend
protection relieves the strain on
the plug and HDMI socket, thus
preventing damage.
Photo: Michael B. Rehders
Oehlbach Flex Evolution
Flexible 8K Ultra High-Speed HDMI-Cable
The Flex Evolution from Oehlbach is more than "just"
another HDMI cable. It is a multifunctional signal conductor for the highest demands and a real problem
solver. It enables the interference-free signal transmission of high-resolution UHD/HDR content. Gamers
can also enjoy the smooth gameplay in HFR. But that's
not all, the Flex Evolution has a few more advantages
to offer.
Home cinema enthusiasts and gamers are familiar with
this: as soon as the new game console is in the house
or the new 4K Blu-ray player, interference is visible on
the TV or projector. Since everything has been running
flawlessly with Full HD resolution so far, the blame for picture and sound errors is initially placed on the new devices. As a rule, however, these are not defective. The fault
often lies in the HDMI signal transmission. But why is that?
The answer to this question is relatively simple: Because
the old cables cannot fully transport the now higher bandwidth. While movies and games with Full HD resolution are
relatively frugal, 4K content demands up to 18 gigabits/second. Compared to less picky Full HD movies, that is twice
as much. If you add brand-new features, for example HFR
(High Frame Rate), which allows video games and movies
in 4K resolution to run at up to 120 FPS (Frames per Second).
Commercially available 18 Gbps HDMI cables are overtaxed
with this. This is where Oehlbach comes into play.
The right HDMI cable
Ideally, an HDMI cable should output image and sound signals exactly as they are fed in. There should be no errors
or losses on the transmission path, so that you can experience movies and games in the best quality. Now, I already
mentioned at the beginning that different image signals
require more or less bandwidth. In addition, there are often typical interferences. These can come from smartphones, antennas and even from the freezer next door. But
also an HDMI cable hanging on voltage over the years can
break, as I have experienced myself. Constant plugging
and unplugging is also not particularly conducive to longterm durability. The Oehlbach Flex Evolution is supposed
to remedy this. It's an HDMI cable that supports all the latest features. Movies and games are transmitted flawlessly
in 4K up to 120 FPS and in 8K up to 60 FPS. This is currently
the upper limit of the HDMI standard. Moreover, it has a
strain relief for the connector.
Test 2021 | www.lite-magazin.de
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Clever kink protection
The Flex Evolution Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable
features the patent plug with integrated kink protection
developed and registered by Oehlbach. Thanks to its
design and material composition, it is intended to
optimally protect the cable against cable breakage. In
addition, the plug housing is shorter than that of other
HDMI cables. This allows the projector to be pushed even
closer to the rear wall. If you plan the image size exactly to the millimeter, you still get a few centimeters of
leeway to the rear, which are extremely welcome. I can easily
move the Oehlbach Flex Evolution down or to the side in a
relatively tight radius. This also has advantages for the AV
receiver when it is quite close to the wall. Cables, plugs
and connection sockets are less stressed when the HDMI
cable is laid in tight curves. This can significantly extend
the durability. Oehlbach is so convinced of the quality
of the Flex Evolution that the company even grants a
30-year (!) warranty.
Testurteil
2021
Highlight
www.lite-magazin.de
Model: Oehlbach Flex Evolution
Product category: HDMI cable
Price: - 69,99 Euro (3 Meter)
- 39,99 Euro (1 Meter)
Warranty: 30 years
Versions: Petrol blue / Anthracite
Vertrieb: Oehlbach, Cologne
02203 / 2974 700
www.oehlbach.com
The Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable from Oehlbach is available in two
lengths: In one meter and three meters. Both support the highest
HDMI standard currently available. Photo: Michael B. Rehders
Dimensions: 1 Meter / 3 Meter
Transmission rate: 48 Gbps
Material: OFC – oxygen-free Copper
Shielding structure: 2 x aluminum foil + 1 x copper braid
Shielding structure: 3-fold
Resolution: - 8K UHD 50/60 Hz
- 4K UHD 120 Hz
HDMI features: - 32 digital audio channels
- Deep Color 30/36/48-bit 21:9
- Cinema aspect ratio
- HDMI CEC Automated A/V Control
- HEC - HDMI with Ethernet Channel
- CEC 2.0 HDR High Dynamic Range Image
- Dolby Vision
- eARC - Enhanced Audio
Return Channel
- VRR - Variable Refresh Rate
- Dynamic HDR
Sound formats: - Dolby TrueHD
- Dolby Atmos
- DTS-HD Master Audio
- DTS:X 5.1
- DTS HD
The flexible housing protects the cable and reduces the risk of
cable breakage. Especially when space is tight during installation
and the cable is to be routed downwards or sideways in tight curves. Photo: Michael B. Rehders
Test 2021 | www.lite-magazin.de
Overall grade: Highlight
Class: Top class
Price/performance excellent
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The Oehlbach Flex Evolution performs well with 4K projectors like the ViewSonic PX728-4K. It transmits all image signals completely free
of interference. The sound is transmitted from the projector to the AV receiver via eARC. This is practical if the ViewSonic is to receive
apps and the sound is to be played back from the 5.1 system. Photo: Michael B. Rehders
4K movies on the big screen
Today I start my picture test with the 4K Blu-ray "Jungle
Cruise" on an entry-level 4K beamer, the ViewSonic PX7284K. Beforehand, I connect the projector and AV receiver
with the three-meter cable. The player is also connected to
the AV receiver via the one-meter version. The contacts of
the Oehlbach are 24-carat gold-plated, PVC-free and the
inner conductors are made of oxygen-free copper (OFC).
Since all common picture and sound formats are supported, I would first like to see how the Flex Evolution HDMI
cables do in normal 4K playback.
To make a long story short: Both Oehlbach HDMI cables
transmit all signals without interference. Since menus from
4K Blu-rays are often available in 60 Hz, the cable and projector must be able to handle this frequency. Otherwise,
signal interruptions occur. Not so in this combination. The
menu of "Jungle Cruise" is there immediately. The handshake when starting the movie is done in no time. Our test
sample also masters eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Chanel).
Experience 8K movies
The future of home entertainment has long since begun:
Projectors and televisions with 8K Ultra HD are already
available today. Admittedly, movies in this resolution are
still scarce. Currently, there are no Blu-ray players that can
handle this resolution. At best, a few 8K videos can be
played via YouTube on a PC. But the development continues at a rapid pace. It is only a matter of time until fea-
ture films are available in 8K resolution. The Oehlbach Flex
Evolution is ready for that. Now I'm connecting it to a JVC
DLA-NZ9, a brand new 8K e-shift laser projector. Over the
entire test period, the signal transmission remains stable. I'm really excited about it. Both cables transmit photos
and YouTube videos flawlessly and in full UHD resolution
at 7,680 x 4,320 pixels in 60 Hz. I have never been able
to experience my photos in such splendor. 8K movies are
also impressive for their sheer resolution. Movements are
completely judder-free and run smoothly throughout.
A look at the projector's on-screen menu proves this: Thanks to
the reliable transmission of the Flex Evolution, the source signal
arrives in full 8K resolution. Photo: Michael B. Rehders
Test 2021 | www.lite-magazin.de
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HFR for starters
Where some other HDMI cables already have problems
transmitting the feature film "Gemini Man" at 4K/60 Hz
without errors, the Oehlbach Flex Evolution, on the other
hand, does not show any weakness. The movie runs
absolutely smoothly in 60 Hz. As expected, everything
that was fed into the HDMI cable at the beginning arrives
correctly at the projector. Artifacts in the form of
interference, which can be traced back to the HDMI signal
transmission, do not exist with the Oehlbach. Influences
from smartphones, antenna cables and WiFi sticks leave
our test sample completely unimpressed. It does what it
is supposed to: Transmit signals circumferentially and
without interference. Henry Brogan (Will Smith) is a
contract killer with extraordinary abilities. His way of
working is precise and he completes his missions in the
shortest possible time. When he is pursued by his cloned
younger self on a motorcycle, crazy fast camera pans
occur. The projector and HDMI cable show up with
aplomb. Everything is crystal clear on the screen. It doesn't
get any better than this.
Conclusion
The Oehlbach Flex Evolution is an 8K ultra high-speed
HDMI cable that meets all current HDMI standards. It can
be flexibly routed in the tightest of spaces, has a patented
anti-kink connector to prevent cable breakage, and it is excellently crafted. The signal transmission of 8K with 50/60
Hz and 4K with 120 Hz succeeds flawlessly over the entire
distance. Gamers who demand the highest standards and
movie enthusiasts alike who are already speculating on 8K
will benefit from this.
With the Oehlbach Flex Evolution, the optimum is extracted from console, flat screen and projector, in which image
and sound signals are transmitted true to the original. All
this at a price that is more affordable than many think.
At 69 euros (3 meters) and 39 euros
(1 meter), the Oehlbach Flex Evolution
HDMI cable is surprisingly inexpensive.
Even my 8K panorama shot of Hamburg is completely transmitted
by the Oehlbach Flex Evolution. The screenshot from the screen
proves that the high resolution is transmitted completely and true
to the original. Photo: Michael B. Rehders
Gaming fun in 4K/120 Hz
While movies in 4K/120 Hz are limited to a relatively few
YouTube videos and manufacturer demos, gamers currently have it better. The first games with 120 FPS are available
via PS5. These include, for example: "Call Of Duty Black
Ops: Cold War", "Borderlands 3", "Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition" and "Centerpede Recharged". Played back
via the Philips 55OLED806, the result is simply stunning
when running games at 4K/120 FPS. Fast movements are
crisp and totally smooth. Reactions on the controller are
promptly implemented. The sound is rendered absolutely
synchronously with the picture. There is no noise at all. The
combination of PS5, Oehlbach Flex Evolution and Smart TV
harmonizes perfectly. The three meter HDMI cable is even
long enough to lay it inconspicuously behind the TV and
connect it to the PS5. The cable sits firmly and wobble-free
in the HDMI sockets of the TV and console. This ensures
an absolutely interference-free transmission. This makes
gaming fun!
Test, text and photos:
Michael B. Rehders
Test 2021 | www.lite-magazin.de | Irrtümer vorbehalten.
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