Hello everyone. I've read a lot here while researching, great info so far.
I moved into a new home in MA. and need to locate the AV equipment 40 feet away in the basement. I've read a bunch a threads on HDMI extenders and all the problems that arise so I'm not sure what to purchase.

Equipment includes:
Samsung Plasma
Denon avr
cable box dvr
Sony PS3
Harmony One remote

I'm looking for advice on what to purchase for a reliable set up...price isn't a huge factor but I'd like to keep it reasonable. The more I research the more confused I am.....

I was looking at the XantechDL 95k repeater kit.

What's the best solution for HDMI extension????

Is the HDBaseT balun an "all in one" set up to handle the IR signal and HDMI?


Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!
Sean

If you are an end user, you may do this yourself.
I would suggest hiring a pro, or at least consulting with one.
For HDMI extenders, I would recommend the Zektor Solocat.  It has serial/Ir passthru.  However, I do not know if he will sell to you without a resellers permit. 

Call him or email.  He responds to all calls/emails.

Jeff Haynes
VP Sales and Marketing
Zektor Inc

858-748-8250 office
[email protected]

Ummm...even hinting that Zektor would is kind of weird. Here's a hint to the OP; they won't. Why not just post Jeff's cell phone while you're at it lol

You don't need a pro for that. Use a Xantech DL85K for the IR. Here [Link: amazon.com]. It's cheaper and the only difference from the 95 is the IR operating distance of the DinkyLink sensor.

As far as the HDBaseT lite extender: Yes. It will carry 1920x1080 HDMI video, RS232 and IR 2-way up to 70m on a single piece of Cat5.

Atlona has some coming in December, or you can always try Monoprice.com. All HDbaseT extenders use a chipset from Valens.

I'd recommend only using a single extender from the AVR to the TV, none between the source devices and the AVR, make sure you know how to terminate a piece of CAT5 into the 8P8C connector using the TIA/EIA 568B wiring standard.

Thanks for all the info so far.

@Lowhz,

1. Regarding the DL85k and 95, is there a difference between the two if the ir sensor is placed behind the grill of a in wall speaker?

2. I'm not in a rush....Is the Atlona extender that's coming in December something you would recommend using?

3. I plan to use HDMI cables between source devices and the AVR, then run one extender from the AVR to the TV.

4. I need to learn how to terminate a piece of CAT5 into the 8P8C connector using the TIA/EIA 568B wiring standard. Is there a link someone could direct me to for this?

Thanks again!
Sean

1. The difference between the DL85 and DL95 is it's effective operating distance. They used to be for CRT, CFL and Plasma interference but now all Xantech receivers are plasma-proof and they have different levels of noise shaping and DSP for IR distance.

2. I'd use Atlona, Wyrestorm, Gefen, etc. I don't have an opinion in this case.

3. Ok

4. Wikipedia - Ethernet

I had to replace a old [email protected]#$ dual cat5e balun for an old customer of mine when I worked for another business that is not in business anymore.  I called Jeff, he charged the client directly, and that was that.  I had the Solocat Balun the next day.  He did me a favor, but I am sure that he has something in place to charge clients sales tax.

Instead of the "Custom Installers Lounge", maybe we could rename this forum to the "DIY Help Center"?

if money is no object why don't you hire someone to program an RTI system or URC system with a processor and put those 9 remotes in a drawer and use just one. that way your not playing the hit and miss game with the IR.

My sentiments as well. Send me your visa number and ill give you all the help you can handle.

Yup.....

Samsung Plasma, Denon AVR, Cable Box DVR, Sony PS3, HDMI distribution, control over HD-BaseT and a game system located 40 feet (as the crow flys?) away and one level below...this one has fun written all over it! It's all yours, you can troubleshoot from Detroit.

Why would I do it remotely?  I've already got the credit card number, I hear you can pay for plane rides with those things too! 

I like a good plane ride.

If you are looking for a reliable solution for long range HDMI Extension I would recommend (Part # HDMIEXT3D-100M ). You can extend up to 300ft and this product supports 1080p video resolution.

If you're going to spam the board with your garbage you should probably do it for a SKU that is current. From his website:


To the OP, we've used those at least a dozen times...they all failed within 3 months. Ha!