HDMI over Cat5e problems and solutions, read before posting - Page 6

No need, Valens has a chip set that they are trying to establish as a standard (HDBaseT) that transmits HDMI over a single Cat cable up to 100m. Don't know if that will ever happen. Only a few companies seem to have joined the organization, and consumer devices incorporating the technology are still missing. But some companies, including Gefen, use the chipset in some of their HDMI extenders.

Ah, that is the $64,000 question. Unfortunately there is no clear answer. HDMI performance depends on the cable, all the electronics involved, the bit rate, and the environment. Each of our situations is different. What works for someone else may not work for you.

Apparently you did not read the posts above...

Some trends seem clear. Inexpensive unpowered or line powered devices seem to have a dismal record. Powered two cable devices seem to work for some but not for others. And expensive single cable devices seem to work quite well.

The primary purpose of this thread is to identify combinations that are known to work. So, when you find one, please document everything here.

Interesting Article Colm. Thanks fore the link!

Audiodane,

Great compilation! Maybe you may want to re-name the thread as just HDMI over Cat5/Cat6? Just a thought - I still found this thread, but the last part with 'video/fan etc." almost threw me off.

Good thread BTW!!! And, lots of great info from Colm. I'll post once I get and extender (was doing my research and this thread is great for that).

Thanks,
Ray

^^^ Ahhh, thanks for clearing it up - I'm new to this thread. Keep it as is then if people are using those words in the search.

Keep this thread up! I think it'll get a lot more traffic in the future when folks move over to projectors (or want to move their equipment out of the movie room).

Thanks,
Ray

I had this:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...php?t=1307318#

and it didnt work past 720P.

I bought this like most other people:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?p_id=6532

and I'm good to go. I havent tested 1080p/24 yet, everything else is good. it is as advertised HDMI 1.2a and does not support 'deep color'

Hey all,

So I finally tried to jump into this technology as well. I've been watching this thread and technology for months hoping that these solutions would solve my issues as well. Jump to the summary if you just want the raw data. I figured I would give my system details for completeness.I have a basement distribution setup with dual Russound CAV6.6 units, Scientific Atlanta cable boxes (Comcast), Sony Blu-Ray changer and Roku media streamer. Most rooms are wired with a single RG-6 and single Cat 5E (done before I purchased the house or there would have been more). Up to this point I have been using the CAV composite (yuck ) output to distribute to most rooms except the family room where there is component. So I have been watching this technology and also HDMI over single coax as options.I picked my longest run from the basement at ~90FT of CAT5e as my test port. This means to get to this location would be Source HDMI->Balun->Cat5e/6 15ft->Punch down panel->~90Ft Cat5e->Wall plate->2 Ft Cat5e/6->Balun->HDMI->TV. So this is a fairly tough run for many of the devices that list 100-150Ft for 1080P. Especially due to loss with the punch down/wall plate connections. Due to this I decided to go with HDBaseT solution since it is digital and good for 100M (330 Ft). I looked around and picked the Conversions Technology CTHMDI-100E since others had luck with the CT60 series analog unit.

SUMMARY
Unit: Conversions Technologies CTHDMI-100E (HDBaseT based)
Runs: ~110Ft Cat5e with punch down panel and wall plate connections at ends
Display Device: Samsung LN46C630

Source: Sony BDP-CX960 Blu-Ray Changer
Results: Success at full 1080P with HDCP

Source: Roku XD|S Media Streamer
Results: Success at full 1080P without HDCP (Roku didn't request it)

Source: Scientific Atlanta 4250HD Cable Box (Comcast)
Results: Failed to negotiate HDCP (CTHDMI displayed HDCP enabled but cable box claimed no HDCP support)

Source: Scientific Atlanta 8300HD DVR Cable Box (Comcast)
Results: Failed to negotiate HDCP (CTHDMI displayed HDCP enabled but cable box claimed no HDCP support)

Both cable boxes work perfectly directly connected to the display. I even went into the diagnostic screen on the SA box and watched the HDCP status screen. When plugged into the CT HDMI100E units it would switch to unknown display type and disable output. Once connected to TV it would immediately switch back to authorized within seconds.

So...in general I was impressed with the ease at which this unit dealt with a tough connection/distance run BUT obviously there is an incompatibility with the HDCP implementation on the SA boxes and this unit. I have put a request into CT support to see what they say but I assume it will be a no go. May try a CT60 unit as a replacement.


--Bill

The question is, is the problem in the extender, the cable boxes, or both? FWIW some source devices don't handle HDCP with repeaters well. And cable boxes in general have a dismal record as far as HDMI goes to start with.

I did try a single cable run as well. I actually hauled the cable box, a single 6Ft Cat6, and both Extender pieces to the TV. Still no such luck. So the cable box had a 3Ft HDMI to extender -> 6 Ft Cat6 -> extender and then 3Ft HDMI with the same results. So that didn't work.

From reading posts online on these SA cable boxes the HDMI seems to be an issue in general for a lot of people. Many have issues if they try to put the HDMI through their AV Receiver to switch as well. I am pretty certain they are slightly "non-compliant" and although they work with the TV directly the don't like the HDCP going through the extender.

Putting another switch in the middle is possible... I can try that.

--Bill

That is the $1000 question. According to many online posts these SA boxes have issues switching through things like receivers as well so I am leaning towards them being the issue. Especially since the extender worked so well with the Sony Blu-Ray and Roku. I can't 100% confirm it but the cable box is my gut feeling.

I have contacted Comcast about any possible firmware upgrades for the cable boxes or a possible swap out with a newer model (if available). I will see what they say.

--Bill

i'm relatively new here, but thought I'd report my success with the Mediabridge - Dual-Cat5e HDMI Extender; got it for $38 on Amazon.

Source: Cox Communications CableTV HD-DVR
Test Setup: HD-DVR -> 6' HDMI cable -> HDMI keystone (monoprice) -> Mediabridge HDMI/Cat5e sender -> 2x 14' of cat5e cable (slightly different lengths due to a crimping failure on one) -> HDMI keystone (monoprice) -> 6' HDMI cable -> Samsung UN55B6000 TV.

Video Resolutions tested: 1080i,720p
Status: success/ok
Audio: success/ok (i saw some reports of audio not working, so i wanted to mention this)

Also tested the following for 1080p:

Source: Samsung BD-P1600 blu-ray player
Test Setup: Blu-Ray player -> 6' HDMI cable -> HDMI keystone (monoprice) -> Mediabridge HDMI/Cat5e sender -> 2x 14' of cat5e cable (slightly different lengths due to a crimping failure on one) -> HDMI keystone (monoprice) -> 6' HDMI cable -> Samsung UN55B6000 TV.

Video Resolutions tested: 1080p
Status: success/ok
Audio: success/ok

I'm in the middle of re-building my theater setup/room and so before I put this stuff inside the wall, i've been testing it. So far, I'm very satisfied with this Mediabridge solution as it solves an issue I was having with HDMI cables getting through a corner of a wall. I actually still need to test it with the receiver which is what will eventually be connected to the TV directly.

I had a cat5e issue where one of the cables wasn't giving me 1Gbps transfer speeds (about 125MBytes/sec if your testing software tells you in bytes instead of bits, but I'm usually happy if I see 110MBytes-120MBytes/sec) when I tested the cable on the computer network. the issue was narrowed down to a bad crimp in one of the RJ-45 connectors. Once i cut that off and crimped on a new connector the issue went away completely. This is why one of my cat5e 14' cables is about 1 inch shorter than the other. The tiny length difference hasn't shown any issues. This is just for testing right now as I had a spool of cat5e laying around. Ultimately, I'll be using cat6 cable as I don't want to cut open the drywall again once i put the cable in the walls.

just wanted to follow up on this with some disappointing news. I finally got around to test the setup with my receiver (Onkyo TX-SR707) with this Mediabridge HDMI extender, a lot of stuff stopped working. I even upgraded to some high quality cat6 of equal length (14ft) and still no go. Here's the specific setup:

Source: Cox DVR, Samsung BD-P1600
Test Setup: Onkyo TX-SR707 -> 6' HDMI cable -> HDMI keystone (monoprice) -> Mediabridge HDMI/Cat5e sender -> 2x 14' of cat6 cable -> Mediabridge HDMI/cat5e receiver -> HDMI keystone (monoprice) -> 3' HDMI cable -> Samsung UN55B6000 TV.

My Cox DVR, BD-P1600 blu-ray player are connected to the TX-SR707. Cox outputs 1080i, but I get nothing on the screen. When I play a blu-ray movie, it only outputs 480/p. When I play a DVD in the blu-ray player, it works fine (480p). Using passthru video on the TX-SR707, but even when I tried to set the output manually, doesn't work.

When I take the TX-SR707 out of the picture, i get 1080/p out of the blu-ray no problem. Anyone think it's worth trying cat6a STP instead? Or is there just something between the Mediabridge extender and the TX-SR707 that just doesn't want to work regardless of cable quality?

I would lean towards something between the Mediabridge and the TX-SR707. I know there is some sort of HDCP passthrough that needs to be used when switching through a receiver and maybe the Mediabridge doesn't like that bit set and HD is getting rejected.

Only my best guess but it doesn't sound like a distance issue to me.

--Bill

I tend to agree that the problem is probably with the mediabridge... they were kind enough to send me another one to try out, but i'm not 100% hopeful about it. their support by the way has been very friendly and professional; no hassle at all.

Although, doesn't the blu-ray player to TV connection require HDCP too? that worked with the mediabridge w/o the receiver... so, i can't understand why it won't work now with the TX-SR707 in between... it does seem to be a "HD" related thing as 480/p works....

Looks like the Monoprice extenders I am running finally bit the dust. I attribute the failure due to extreme heating of the receiving unit. It is powered, unlike the sending unit, and it was very very hot to the touch. I'll send it back and get another pair. My plan is to either unplug when not in use (it has been plugged in since I posted in this thread originally) or devise a simple fan/heatsink for the device.

I'll post more when I get time to work on it.

Thanks!

-Chris

What would be the best(cheapest) solution to run 1080p and 2.1 audio around 75 feet?

I am using a J-tech hdmi extender using cat7 cable. The cable is 25' long and the two hdmi cables on each end are 3' mediabridge hdmi over ehternet cable. I am connecting a DVDO edge (LG Blueray connected) to a Knoll HDP-1200 projector. When entering into the EDGE settings, it does not allow me to access the deep color output settings. Has anyone used this hdmi extender, and what exactly are the implications of the Edge problems? THANKS FOR ANY HELP.... I originally started with a 50' Monster HDMI cable but had connection problems.

I am actually going to use 50' cat7 sstp cable. My hopes are to create a system which allows quality equal to the use of a short run HDMI cable rated at 10.2 Gps...Is that even possible? The extender uses 2 cat 7 cable and has a 5v power adapter for the receiver. Thanks again

I realize that this info may be found elsewhere in the myriad of threads, but was hoping you guys would allow me this one indiscretion since I need to make a decision soon on additional equipment which I might have to buy.

So finished up my basement remodel and two long HDMI runs that worked fine on testing prior to putting up the drywall aren't working. Luckily I had also run CAT6 to all locations (just in case) as well as conduit. Purchased 2 NXG adapters through Amazon. These are HDMI over a single CAT6 cable.

- Source-end: Comcast cable box, OPPO BDP-83
- CatX Adapter: NXG Technology NX-HDEXT160-1 (Amazon, $84.99)
- CatX Cables: Single cable runs (~50 foot and ~35 foot) of CAT6 (UTP, solid-core, Monoprice)
- Far-end: Panasonic PT-AE4000U projector or (old) Viewsonic N3250W LCD
- Resolution(s) tested: 720p, 1080i, 1080p60, 1080p24
- Status: Perfect video, no dropouts

Note that this also seems to work just fine running through the Monoprice 4X4 True Matrix HDMI 1.3a Powered Switch. No HDCP handshake issues.

I'd just like to add an update about my setup with dual cable passive extenders. They're still working fine. Amazon screwed up twice (the first time in all the orders I've placed with them) and sent Cat5e instead of Cat6 patch cords (molded connectors). Either way, they work fine.

To recount, I have a cheapo iSymphony 26" 720p TV in the kitchen connected via HDMI over the Monoprice extenders from Amazon. The source is a Dish 722k DVR, and the cables are 50' long. I still have no issues whatsoever. I did have an occasional problem when a rechargeable vacuum was plugged or unplugged into the same power strip as the TV, but connecting the TV directly into the outlet (instead of the strip) took care of the problem. If I had it to do again, I'd still go this route, as it was extremely cheap and works perfectly for me.

Thanks for the report on your success. I do have a question about the NX-HDEXT160-1, all the images of it I can find show two units, one input and one output but only the output has hdmi connection showing. Is it just a bad product image? I assume both the input and output units would need a hdmi connection for this to work or am I missing something....

thanks again.

Have any of you guys had any experience with the Snap AV single cat 5e hdmi extender? I have read good things about the product but cannot find a source to purchase one. They do not allow any of their dealers to advertise/sell online. They primarily sell their products to "integrators". I tried to purchase one of their single cat 5e extenders locally but the dealer would not sell to me without providing the installation of the product at an additional fee. Anyone know of any of our members who are Snap AV dealers?

jrolmstd-

Both the input and output units have HDMI, a CAT5/6 connector and power inputs with a wall wart.

The more expensive unit that I tried ($350-400 vs the $85 NXG) had a power input only on the transmitting end. Although it was able to achieve HDCP sync the display colors were completey messed up and rolled from bottom to top. Returned that unit.

Still working fine with the NXG units. I've watched a number of 1080p movies on the projector and haven't noticed a single issue.

I have had excellent results with the Audio Control BVHD-20 with 3D, 1080p/60, audio back channel, etc. The units come with Cat6 terminators.

Just another follow-up to my mediabridge problems. Mediabridge was kind enough to send me a 2nd unit, but unfortunately, it showed the same exact problems, so I don't think i have a defective one; it's a design issue I think.

I took my mediabridge to a friends house who has a Sony receiver and tried it with his Sony receiver and had the exact same issue. When he tried using it between his blu-ray player and HDTV, it worked fine but with the receiver in between it didn't work at all. He's an EE and told me he suspects there's some circuitry in the sender unit that is drawing power from the 5VDC line in the HDMI and that some how the receiver isn't providing enough voltage or power for the sender unit to work properly.

Taking his suspicion as a hint, further google searches seem to reveal that a lot of these "passive" HDMI over cat5/6 extenders seem to have a lot of trouble with receivers (several brands, but Onkyo seem to get the most mention). After reading through several web pages about this issue, i came across this:

http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Go-4222...4977409&sr=8-1

And based on the reviews on Amazon, it seems this little thing solved the problem for several folks who were having problems with HDMI-over-cat5/6 extenders and their receivers. So, I just ordered one and hope that it will resolve my issue too... I'll follow up to confirm.

i wanted to follow up here... i got the RapidRun Voltage inserter linked above, (SKU 42223 from Cables 2 Go in case the link breaks) and sure enough, it fixed my problems with the mediabridge extender!!!!

So, it seems the problem with the Mediabridge extender not working in some situations is due to not getting enough power from the source device the 'sender' unit is connected to. With the voltage inserter, it seems to work perfectly!

Of course, this adds to the cost of making the mediabridge work, but i've seen the mediabridge for $17 onsale, and the voltage inserter was about $20 so for $37 total, it's still not a bad deal. The other advantage of this is that it allows for easier in-wall installation/use. Other "powered HDMI over cat5/6 extenders" require that you run a power adapter to it. Since the "voltage inserter" is plugged in at the receiver end (or whatever source device), you can still use the mediabridge in-wall without having to figure out how to get power to it.

Hopefully this helps anyone who's looking to use the mediabridge extender or has had problems using it in the past. Another possibility is to use a powered HDMI splitter if you're going to be splitting the signal and sending it to multiple displays. I think as long as the powered splitter provides enough power to the Mediabridge "sender" unit, it should allow it to work.