Tuesday, 11 June 2013
Success With An HDMI Booster
Booster boxes do work well. I have known clients go from getting no signal at all from their TV to getting a full HD signal when using a Booster on a 20m long HDMI cable.
Saturday, 8 June 2013
HDMI Over Ethernet
Another useful device is the HDMI over Ethernet extender. This device converts an HDMI cable into Cat5 or Cat6 allowing you to use longer cable runs. Network cables are capable of carrying the signal over longer lengths than HDMI. The downside is the need to use two Ethernet cables. You can get resolutions up to 1080i over 50m using at Cat6 cable. The resolution is reduced as the length increases. Using Cat5e cable will also reduce the resolution. Try cables2u if you are looking for a long HDMI solution.
You use two adapters, one at each end, you the plug each adaptor into your HD device such as a TV and Cable box, then you link the two adapters together using two Ethernet cables.
Image showing HDMI over Ethernet adapters.
You use two adapters, one at each end, you the plug each adaptor into your HD device such as a TV and Cable box, then you link the two adapters together using two Ethernet cables.
Image showing HDMI over Ethernet adapters.
Tuesday, 4 June 2013
Questions Welcome
If you have a question, please leave a post and I will do my best to answer.
Cables2u offer a range of HDMI cables at keen prices.
Cables2u offer a range of HDMI cables at keen prices.
What To Spend
You can spend an eye watering amount on a long HDMI cable. The most expensive I've seen was a 10m lead for sale at £250. I'm sure it would not take much searching to eclipse that figure. My advice would be to try a mid priced cable and see how you get on, as mentioned in a previous post; you can always add a booster if you are having problems. Bandridge have a good priced 10m cable which can be purchased for around £70.
The image below shows the Bandridge BVL1210.
This is a version 1.4 High Speed With Ethernet BVL1210 cable found. This lead is fully 3D compatible. It has braided shielding, hard gold plated plugs and is made with 100% copper. These leads actually have a certificate style hologram on the packaging to confirm 3d capability at a given length.
Bandridge are a European company based in Holland. They launched in 1990 and have a great reputation for providing quality cable solutions. They also own the high end Profigold brand which is distributed world wide.
The image below shows the Bandridge BVL1210.
This is a version 1.4 High Speed With Ethernet BVL1210 cable found. This lead is fully 3D compatible. It has braided shielding, hard gold plated plugs and is made with 100% copper. These leads actually have a certificate style hologram on the packaging to confirm 3d capability at a given length.
Bandridge are a European company based in Holland. They launched in 1990 and have a great reputation for providing quality cable solutions. They also own the high end Profigold brand which is distributed world wide.
Sunday, 2 June 2013
How Long Can A HDMI Cable Be Before It Loses Quality?
A very common question I'm asked is how long can a HDMI cable be. Many people want to move their television to another part of the room, or they may want to run a signal to another TV in another room and are unsure about using a long cable.
A HDMI cable uses power from the sending device to power the cable. Most issues come from the loss of this power. I've experienced issues issues where a 20m cable has worked perfectly on one device but causes picture break up on another.
There is no simple answer to the question of length, it all depends on a number of factors including, the devices you are using, the quality of cable, level of shielding on the cable and other cables or electrical devices in the area that can cause interference.
Longer cable problems may manifest in a few ways, the most common would be picture break up, this is where the screen goes blank or flickers momentarily. Another common problem would be sparkles, this is where you get the odd white pixel appearing on the screen. A totally dead screen could also signal an issue with the cable length.
How To Avoid Issues With Cable Length.
If you are suffering issues when using a long HDMI cable; there are a few things that may help. The first thing you should try is a HDMI booster this a small electronic box with a socket on each side, it amplifies the voltage from the cable and repeats the signal, they are very effective are combating signal loss or picture drop out.
The image below shows a booster.
Another point to consider is buying a cable with ferrite suppressors, these are coils which are usually located a few inches from the end of the cable. They have a minimal effect on reducing interference but they have no effect on signal strength which is the cause of most signal drop out issues.
The image below shows a cable with ferrite suppressors.
It's also worth mentioning HDMI cables with built in repeaters. These are longer cables, usually 20m, 30m and 40m that have a booster box built in. They can be quite expensive and my own preference would always be to try a standard cable first and add a booster if needed.
The image below shows a HDMI cable with built in booster.
A HDMI cable uses power from the sending device to power the cable. Most issues come from the loss of this power. I've experienced issues issues where a 20m cable has worked perfectly on one device but causes picture break up on another.
There is no simple answer to the question of length, it all depends on a number of factors including, the devices you are using, the quality of cable, level of shielding on the cable and other cables or electrical devices in the area that can cause interference.
Longer cable problems may manifest in a few ways, the most common would be picture break up, this is where the screen goes blank or flickers momentarily. Another common problem would be sparkles, this is where you get the odd white pixel appearing on the screen. A totally dead screen could also signal an issue with the cable length.
How To Avoid Issues With Cable Length.
If you are suffering issues when using a long HDMI cable; there are a few things that may help. The first thing you should try is a HDMI booster this a small electronic box with a socket on each side, it amplifies the voltage from the cable and repeats the signal, they are very effective are combating signal loss or picture drop out.
The image below shows a booster.
Another point to consider is buying a cable with ferrite suppressors, these are coils which are usually located a few inches from the end of the cable. They have a minimal effect on reducing interference but they have no effect on signal strength which is the cause of most signal drop out issues.
The image below shows a cable with ferrite suppressors.
It's also worth mentioning HDMI cables with built in repeaters. These are longer cables, usually 20m, 30m and 40m that have a booster box built in. They can be quite expensive and my own preference would always be to try a standard cable first and add a booster if needed.
The image below shows a HDMI cable with built in booster.
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