HDMI extenders/Dual Cat5/6 question
 

I need some guidance in what is a better approach to feed video over longer cables. HDMI extenders? Dual Cat5/6? Fiber optic extenders? :scratch2: Some of the TV sets will be at least 40-50ft away from cable boxes/PS3s, etc...

Thanks!

Should be a good info source
HDMI :: Installers :: Running Long Cable Lengths

HDMI

Thanks! :thumbsup:

The best solution for long length video is Cat 5/6

I ran cat 5 and extenders (milestec) (sp) and had major handshake problems.
I had to go back to HDMI cables.
It was all pro installed. (My research said do not use it cat5 /extenders , but he insisted by the adage "Do not believe what you read on the web")

So count me as one, who it did not work out for.
Check to see which equipment it is known to have a problem on the handshake cat5 /extenders.
Example the PS3= no picture but sound 1/2 the time.

I may wind up having some problems with copy protected content in the future, but for now I send HD video (limited to 1080i or 720p) to my remote TV's via component video. I have some 60 ft. + runs and use HD distribution amplifiers like this: Amazon.com: CE LABS AV901HD HDTV/Component A/V Distribution Amplifier: Electronics

I'm not able to send 1080p video this way, but it's somewhat problematic sending 1080p for long distances over HDMI anyway. I agree with Ivan's advice to run a more than sufficient number of Cat 5/6 cables to each remote location, but I believe you will find the component cables to work very robustly and worth installing as a backup if nothing else.

HDMI runs over 25'-30' won't be able to push enough data for 1080p much less the next big step. The Cat 5/6 concept with high mhz modulators at both ends is the answer.

I can't disagree with you about that, and I also recommend running multiple Cat 5/6 cables, but I would still run legacy component video and analog stereo audio along with them while I was at it. I have spoken with several installers about this, and their and my experiences indicate that component video is, at least currently, the most reliable method for 1080i & 720p content. Is it a solution for 1080p, 3D, or 4K? Certainly not, but my main use right now for multi-zone whole house video distribution is satellite TV, which save for a couple of movie channels @1080p/24 is 1080i or 720p for HD content.

I have a feeling we are going to go through several generations of modulators before we have a completely robust solution for high resolution HDMI transmission by Cat5/6, although I hope I am wrong (which is frequently the case:D).

Is there a specific Cat 5/6 HDMI transmission solution you can currently recommend, Ivan? I'd love to learn more as my knowledge on this is at least 6 months old, and things are changing quickly on this front.

I still have the very best component cable (approx 45') run to my G90 in Florida. In fact it is 5 cables (R,G,B,H,V) all terminated with BNC's. Honestly there is no contest when A/B that to running all digital from source to lens.

A good backup though none the less. I'm using some high end super shielded Cat 6 in both locations. The brand escapes me at the moment, but I purchased 1000' feet & it was less than the best Wireworld HDMI cable.

My modulators are also quite inexpensive, around $350 for both ends. The best digital card for my projector cost about $500.

So the big expense is only the projector. Run at least 6 Cat 5/6 cables to the projector for expansion ie: 4000p, 3D, control, etc.

Hope that helps.