Not sure if this is the place to ask, but I am installing an in-ceiling projector at work and will need to install a 20 to 30 foot VGA cable from the ceiling to the boardroom table.

My IT guy seems to think that a 30 foot VGA cable will be too long and won't work with the projector/laptop?

I know there are issues with HDMI cables at long lengths but don't know much about VGA cables. Is this the case?

Thanks!

I use a 35' VGA cable + a 10' extension VGA cable from one of my HTPC's to our livingroom projector without issue. 1280x720 is fine.

I used inexpensive monoprice cables.

Jonathan

I'm using a 25 foot VGA cable from my DVD player to a projector with no issues. I don't know about from a laptop - is the VGA signal any weaker on a laptop?
I've got the adapter that does component over VGA on the DVD player and the 25' VGA cable through the ceiling. It's a pain to fish through the ceiling with those big ends but once it's in, it works fine.

Get a good quality one that uses coax for the video signals and I'd say you should be alright. Be sure to try it out before actually pulling it through the ceiling though. Keep in mind that you may want to use HDMI in the future, so plan ahead for pulling something different/ something else.

-M

No problems here, either using a 35-foot VGA cable.

Since this is a work environment, I have to assume you are running in a drop-ceiling. Which means that by code, you're supposed to use plenum-rated cables. At least, that's how it is in the US. I would imagine that Canada has similar codes, but it would be a good idea to check.

If it is the same in Canada and you DON'T use plenum cables, then if the installation were ever inspected, someone could be in trouble. And 100' VGA cables are not uncommon as long as they are good quality.

There are many sources for them, but here is one....

http://www.av-cables.net/VGA-component-video/vga-cables-plenum.html

Since this is a work environment, I have to assume you are running in a drop-ceiling. Which means that by code, you're supposed to use plenum-rated cables. At least, that's how it is in the US. I would imagine that Canada has similar codes, but it would be a good idea to check.

If it is the same in Canada and you DON'T use plenum cables, then if the installation were ever inspected, someone could be in trouble. And 100' VGA cables are not uncommon as long as they are good quality.

There are many sources for them, but here is one....

http://www.av-cables.net/VGA-component-video/vga-cables-plenum.html

Thanks, I'll check ...

Are there specs on HDMI and S-Video cables as well?

The website I sent you has them listed as well. They also have baluns or repeaters for the HDMI if run over long distances. Again, if in the ceiling, probably need to be plenum.

I use a 35 and it works great

As Sheridan pointed out, anything in-wall must be plenum rated cable.

Here in Canada, it's a bit more complex as some things are covered by the Electrical Safety Authority, which is National, however, each province has it's own code, which in Ontario is the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. To make things a bit more complex, there is a crossover with the Building Code, which is municipal.

In General, our codes are similar to those in the US.

Here's link with more info about in-wall wiring and cable ratings.

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/inwallrating.htm

Jonathan