Long hdmi cables can you run

An HDMI repeater is used to connect two cables, then amplifies the signal to provide that final "oomph" it needs to transmit clearly. HDMI Equalizers If your run is over 50 feet, you most definitely will require some type of amplifier. These equalizers amplify the signal at the display end to ensure the output signal is as strong as the input signal. If you are planning on incorporating some type of splitter or switch into the mix, you will most definitely benefit from HDBaseT, as repeaters and equalizers typically interfere with splitters and switches, making long runs impossible.

Luckily there are quite a few splitters and switches on the market today that have built-in HDBaseT that allows you to install those more complicated setups. An HDBaseT setup will require both a transmitter and a receiver, with an Ethernet cable in between, so be sure you're purchasing both.

Some HDBaseT units are built into wall plates, allowing you to maintain a professional, finished look to your setup. As you can see, long HDMI runs can be a bit tricky. The longer the cable, the lower the resolution. If you want to get the absolute best resolution, make sure the HDMI cable is no longer than necessary.

What these devices do is, in simple terms, add more power to the cable, to boost the digital signal. The devices strengthen the HDMI digital signals. What you do is plug the signal booster into a power source, and then plug an HDMI into either end.

These signals can boost the usable distance of cables. The effectiveness of the repeaters varies, but it usually falls within 10 to 15 meters.

For example, you can run a meter cable from your computer to repeater, connect another meter cable to that repeater, and finally to a display. This solution works okay for outdoor projectors or digital signage.

That creates a lot of cables. I would only recommend this if you already have Cat cables lying around that are not in use. Regular copper HDMI cables have a number of limitations, such as the distance signals can transfer without losing data.

The technology is quite different. Regular HDMI cables transmit electricity through copper, while optical cables transmit light waves through fibre-glass. You probably already guessed which one can transfer data further.

Most people also report that fibre optic cables, when compared to the usual copper ones, transmit clearer images with more colour, at the same lengths. While there are many pros to using fibre optic HDMI cables, there are also some downsides too.

If the cable is constructed right and the ends are secure, you will get a video and audio signal based on what the source provides and what the outsource plays. As an example, if your receiver is pumping out 4k video from a 4k Blu-ray to a 4k TV, then the video and audio quality should be 4k.

This is what makes the difference not expensive cables. These employees are told to promote the peripherals, as the store is in the business of making money. The fact of the matter is no, they do not make a difference. They do look good, I must say! My short answer, whatever length you need it to be. I know the question is implying how long can a 4k HDMI cable be to transmit that specific signal successfully.

There is mixed information everywhere you look on this subject. What I would recommend however, when transferring a 4k signal, to keep the HDMI cable as short as possible, just to be safe. If you want to be sure you are getting the best possible signal from your 4k devices, you could invest in active HDMI cables.

Active HDMI cables have a processing chip that ensures the signal entering the cable is the same as that leaving the cable. Most manufacturers recommend not going over 20 feet without some powered solution more on that below. So what if you need a longer cable? However, if the quality of the signal is of significant importance, you can consider a powered HDMI kit that extends the signal properly by boosting it or converting it to another format entirely.

The most common methods are converting the signal and boosting it with a balun kit, or going fully wireless and cutting the cable out altogether.

Check out our article that completely covers HDMI balun kits! However, please keep in mind that not all HDMI balun kits are amazing. If you cheap out on the balun kit, you could certainly run into similar issues as using an extremely long HDMI cable. You can also consider using a wireless HDMI kit , which not only extends the range but removes some of the lengthy cabling entirely. There are also some limitations here having to do with refresh rate and lag, which complicate using it for gaming.