We're doing about a $20k prewire right now for structured, dist. audio and a dedicated theater in the basement. From head end to projector location is about a 40 ft. run, meaning a 15m HDMI cable would be needed. Some in our shop don't feel that we should run HDMI because of all the known issues and cost of a 15m HDMI cable. Some say damn the issues, it's a prewire and you only get one chance to do it right. Run the 15m HDMI. Owner of the house is a local big shot, knows everyone in the area, etc. and wants a theater to be proud of. What are your guys thoughts and opinions on what to do?

Local big shot? If hes willing to pay for it, and he should be, especially if he wants a "show-off" theater, the run it.

Run an empty conduit with a pull string.

I say do both! Run the cable AND the conduit. First, the issues will be worked out. Second, what would you be adding to the cost? $500? Not a big deal in the whole scheme of things. Third, if you ever tried to fish a pre-molded cable through conduit you will appreciate having it already there.

When we wire for projectors we try to run as much cable as possible when the walls are open (i.e. mini RGB, Cat5s, VGA, HDMI, & sometimes DVI), and still put in a piece of 1 1/2" to 2" conduit just in case.

Depending on the projector, such as a runco which uses an outboard processor, you really have no choice but to run it. Like everyone said, if he wants a show off theater, run it and a conduit for future apps.

Thanks for the responses. You guys are echoing my thoughts.

Run It!
#1; As stated the problems will be solved.
#2: You can always use a repeater if needed.
#3: CAT5 for HDMI is a reality and will ship around summer from several mfgrs.
(2 ea CAT5)
#4: IT IS THE STANDARD FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS.

dont forget 1394.

ElFredster is right. Use 1-1/2 - 2" Carlon ENT and forget the pull string unless you can't assemble the tube correctly. It's the closest you can get to "future proofing"

Options = Sucesses you haven't enjoyed yet.

Nickster

The Carlon already has a pull string (more like rope) in it. Ready to go!

The Carlon is a great option but once you've pulled cable thru it, it is difficult to run additional. In other words, over build now rather than pulling bits and pieces thru the Carlon (smurf tube) a little at a time. It will make you want to use the F word.

I agree with every one on piping it in.
We always run the 2" tube. And when ever we do the final pull we pull in a replacement pull line. So there is always a pull line in there.

I'm using the Gefen HDMI->2xCAT5 converter with 40' of unshielded CAT5. 1080p60 works perfectly between the scaler and projector. Gefen recommends shielded CAT5 for 1 of the 2 cables.