Hello all,
Sort of new here but not really (multi-year lurker!)

I've got a pre-wire coming up and my client is interested in HDMI/DVI on all of his televisions (2 plasmas and 2 DLP's). The runs are all in excess of 40' from the head end. I'm considering an extra cat5e/6 with an active box. What do you recommend. Component video alone will not be enough.

thanks

I recommend explaining to him that there are currently no HDMI *matrix* switchers on the market so while I see NOTHING wrong with pre-wiring with HDMI, I don't know how you'd use it as this point.

You can custom order HDMI in 40' lengths with no problems. Do NOT run Cat 5/6 for this application regardless of companies such as Gefen that are marketing Cat5toHDMI boxes.

You could also run fiber HDMI cables.

thanks again,

he isn't in need of an actual matrix switcher yet, but from his head end he wants the ability to centrally locate multiple cable/sat boxes and dvd (hd or other wise) to minimize local gear. The longest run is approximately 100'. Who makes a cable that can RELIABLY pass a 1080i signal at this distance?

"QQQ

On 03/05/05 20:32 ET, elnickster said...
Ernie:

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but the baluns out there today are only passing up to 480p, correct?

We have orders pending on new baluns that will pass 1080i.

Of course active Cat 5 solutions have exceeded 480P for a long time."


so I assume those baluns sucked? Intelix just released a balun that uses two cat 5 to pass HDTV. They don't' specify if they support HDTV and recommend using shielded cat 5 cable. But for 40 feet your better off using a prefabricated cable. I'm just trying to prove my manhood to QQQ with this post.

This message was edited by scottedge267 on 05/01/05 00:48 ET.

Actually...EXTRON makes something...

[Link: extron.com]

It's a DVI d/a...might help out

I think the best thing going right now (or in a week or so) (looks cool on paper)

http://www.audioauthority.com/

Ask yourself why HDMI? - If you want HD and Digital Audio distributed from a central location for long distances do the 2 cat 5 thing. When we prewire...to be safe...we run 2 cat5e's, 1 RGBHVmini and a stereo balanced audio cable. That pretty much covers the bases.

I think HDMI has it's purpose...link sources to an AV reciever...totally clean rack! Easy and quick prewire with the highest level I/O

P.S. There are baluns that pass HD now...available from multiple manufacturers

scottedge267,

Must be brief at the moment but no problems with the baluns at all. The requirements for HDMI are drastically different than analog component video which is what we are using the baluns for.

Also, what I meant to say in that post you quoted was that there are now component baluns being "offcially" designed to pass 1080i as opposed to 480i.

This message was edited by QQQ on 05/01/05 15:36 ET.

Check out the CAT5 DVI and Component video stuff from Extron, Pvid stuff from Crestron, and other Baluns. I have had way too many long (Over 25 feet) HDMI cables bad out of the box. I have tried Monster, IXOS, NGX, Phoenix Gold, etc. I have not found one that is reliable over that distance. Now I always test before we pre-wire using an HDMI.

1080i Baluns:

[Link: svideo.com]
[Link: unicomlink.com]
[Link: extron.com]

Mike

QQQ,

I would interpret your post to inidcate that the Gefen HDMI over dual Cat5 solution does not work? I have heard it works fairly well. Have you had a different experience with it?

I have found Long HDMi at Holland Electronics, Ventura CA

Dave

Audio Control has a system that shoots 1080i over cat-5
[Link: wholehouseaudiocontrol.com]