Hello folks,

I just got my basement finished and got the builder to run PVC pipe in the walls of my home theater room so I could then run whatever cable I want to in the future and the cable would be hidden in the PVC.

The problem is that the builder had to run the PVC piping through some structural walls so he could only run 1 inch PVC as opposed to 2 inch PVC that I requested.
This is a problem because I can't run cable with connectors on them in the PVC since the connector is typically the widest piece of the cable. For example, I want to run a "VGA to M1" cable but the VGA and/or M1 connector won't fit in the PVC pipe.

What are my options here? Is it possible to splice a "VGA to M1" cable so I can solder one of the connectors back on after running it in the PVC?

I also want to run component cables in the PVC? Can I splice a component cable or will I damage the shielding and affect the picture?

Am I kinda screwed here? are their special cables out their with narrow connectors on them which could be connected to the standard wider connector?


Thanks in advance for the help.

For video I was able to run HDMI cable through my PVC conduit in my wall. I use an adapter to DVI for my HTPC. Most modern HDTVs will take HDMI, and the connector is much smaller than most other connectors. Monoprice has good prices for these cables, and they work well even in long lengths.

Best of luck,

Thanks for the help j8weeks.

I was considering HDMI. I was reading online that the maximum cable length for HDMI is around 16 feet. Based on your experience, does the monoprice HDMI cable still produce a good picture on runs greater than 16 feet?

Thanks!

From everything I've heard, their cables are good to their longest length- 50 feet. You can also run the 3 coaxes for component video and add the ends on later without too much problem- you jut have to purchase the right equipment to do so. You can also do VGA, but you'll have a lot of soldering to do. The 1" PVC will not handle all of these, so you should decide which you really need.

CJ

Impact acoustics has a set of "rapidrun" cables that separate the connectors from the cable.

(I can't link, but google for impact acoustics and look at their rapid run cables.)

You put the "runner" through the PVC, then attach a set of leads.

That would save you some time soldering! They state that the "runner" will run through a 3/4th in. conduit, so 1" shouldn't be a problem.

David

I've got s-video, component, vga and hdmi all running 50' to a Pioneer 50" plasma. Get good quality cables and it'll work fine.

I'm skeptical of the builder's substituting what you requested. But that's too late now, eh?