I don't think they are that cheap. The Gefen I saw was about 600 bucks.

the good news is (regarding the 1/2 conduit) is

1. eventually hdmi will have a smaller connector (that will be backwards capable)

2. you can try pulling a rapid run cable (that has hdmi disconnect pig tails)
though is probably barely smaller then hdmi

3. i recently spoke to a rep (from i forgot which company ofcourse) and he told me that they are working on, and coming out with a field termination hdmi cable . . so you can put your own ends on . . i guess when we see it we can beleive it . .

4. you always have the option of using 1 or 2 cat5 to run hdmi via baluns . .

B17,
Where are you located?

I agree with tweeterguy.
Also, this option will work through your conduit.
[Link: etherealhometheater.com]
but.
If the existing cables are coax then you may want to look at this option.
Ethereal part number ETH-HDM-COAX.

Brent, why is this not listed on your site? I have the sheets Matt sent me but was looking to post a link for this situation.

Either way, Brent is the guy who can help. His info can be found in post 3 of this thread. Send him a PM and you will be in good shape.

i second the advice to use the ethereal, however...


for $99.00 you can get this and use two cat5s.

also of interest:

ITC/AudioQuest Introduces Field Termination of HDMI Cable(15/10/2008)

Kevin, I saw that AQ field terminated hdmi cable at cedia, cool concept, at that time it wasn't available (I don't think it is now either) and definitely not something your typical DIYer would want to get involved with. Heck, I know a couple installers who would botch it up :-) With all of the other finickyness of hdmi it seems this may lend itself to more problems, time will tell. I don't think we'll be pulling the cable in anticipation of using it but it may come in handy for the "oops I chopped that cable as well" dilemma.

Sorry, when anything is less than a grand I consider it several hundred :-)

The one I was referring to was the Ethereal but since it wasn't on their site anymore (I swear it used to be) I couldn't come up with an actual number.

That must have been one of those union electricians who cut that wire. Not only did he not see the point of having it, he was bitter that he wasn't hired to run it! Heh...usually those guys cut your wires INSIDE the walls right before the drywall goes up.

like i said, $99. that's for the no brand, the xantech is $229, and even the gefen is less than $600 now...

The HDM-Coax is not on the current Ethereal site (yes I know the current site sux).
HDMI installations will get easier this year with several new items and options.
1. HDMI over a single Cat/6 cable (first quarter)
2. HDMI D/A can & will work (we have it fully tested and ready for production)
3. HDMI over coax with 5 coax cables will support 1.3 10.2 gig up to around 300'
4. HDMI Matrix, this is really exciting and should be available second quarter.

New Ethereal web site AND catalog with much more real info (cable specs, white papers and a wide assortment of setup guides.

from the sound of it, it will be easily terminated in the field with 2 cat5s. not for the DIYer, but what about custom AV is for the DIYer? i'm not about to pull anything but rapidrun for a digital connection. but this might prove very useful for certain individuals who had their HDMI cut by monkeys.