Run HDTV over Cat5e?

Do a search for AVAtrix.

Ok, what about a 4x2 matrix switch, HDTV (component video) balun and a stereo balun. It will be more pieces but it is cheaper. Passive devices seem to never be as good as active ones. YMMV

http://www.cinemaronline.com/hdtv_switches.html
http://www.svideo.com/1080i.html
http://www.svideo.com/hifibalun.html

Oh, if you want to go HDMI or DVI you are really not going to like the options. $500/ location plus the cost of a matrix switch. At least with the HDMI you only should need 1 cat 5 cable since it can transmit audio. If you go with any of the others you need a second cat5 and baluns for the audio (stereo only).

http://www.svideo.com/ext-hdtv-cat5.html

Hi

Take a look here, you can do component at a more reasonable price but they offer HDMI options also.


Tom

http://www.avovercat5.com/product.htm

CELabs CAT5 RX/TX

http://www.celabs.net/Upload/ce0010_cat5_spec_sheet.pdf

Can do HDTV, audio (left/right or digital), and IR over a set of 2 CAT5 cables.

Here is a thread about it:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=720744

If the options are there, I'd always choose wired over wireless.

I had the older verison. It was Ok but was a bit of a pain when it cam to adding new content. It would have to rescan the entire share before anything new was available. Video quality was good without any major problems. I eventually got rid of it and purchased another DVD changer because it wasn't as efficient to rip DVDs to hard drives when you start adding in all the extras and multidisc sets.

Niles makes a little converter box (component and digi coax). Our rep dropped one off in our store the other day. I dont think they are on the website yet but here is the model C5-HDDA

we have the CVWP for component over cat5.

thenerds,net has the Gefen HDMI over CAT5: Search on HDMI Extender.

HDMI over CAT5 for about $350. Still pricey, but better than $500, I think

A cheaper option may be a Cat-5 to RCA/coax balun, then use the existing coax cables with the one off the balun to provide a component connection that's quite inexpensive.

Those AVoverCat5 products seem to call for 1 shielded cat5 and one unshielded cat5 wire (for HDMI at least). I don't think I've seen shielded cat5 wire. Because of the twisted strand construction, most cat5 is unshielded. Not sure if that will really cause a difference in quality, or if it is just the company covering their @$$es.

It's definitely possible that STP is required instead of UTP, depending on the susceptibility of the signal to interference. It's generally about 10-20% more expensive.

I did a search and found that shielded CAt5e cable is readily available as Tim mentioned. I guess you really do learn something everyday!

Why not just use a component distribution amp and component baluns?

check smarthome dot com for parts. I have done it and it works fine. I upgraded to the B&K HD6 though so I could switch sources.

I wouldn't necessarily put in STP even now. Maybe if I could get it very similarly priced. It's less flexible and the benefit isn't as great unless you're doing some pretty crazy stuff with it. Okay, so maybe I'll put it in my next house..

Anyway, I don't see why you couldn't solder/terminate a VGA plug on either end of two CAT-5 cables.

Skip STP if you can. The stuff is a pain to work with and correctly terminate.

Most standard VGA cables are 2 pair and 3 mini coax so just splicing the ends onto a couple of cat 5 cables doesn't really work that well.

I'm in the midst of wrapping up a similar project, based on component distribution.

I went with the Neothings Borrego 8 x 8 (originally had purchased the 8 x 4 but returned it for the 8 x 8) for switching, and used the Intelix series of baluns on each end for distribution over Cat5.

You'd need, at least, a 8 x 4 switch and those start ~$1k (though many folks here swear by the deals they find on used switches on ebay and the like) and baluns run you ~$75 - 100 on each end. You'll also need a way to control your components (in my case I went with IR distribution as well). Prices vary depending on what solution you choose.

Having just (well, almost) completed a similar setup, you'd be looking at ~$1500ish for a setup using new components.

I'll be posting a more detailed thread when my system is all buttoned-up, but I put it through its paces this weekend (the dreaded "moment of truth") and it was gorgeous to behold...

I considered the AVATrix (a bit cost prohibitive for me) and would highly recommend the folks there, as they're some of the most helpful, polite people you'll find and folks with the AVATrix installed seem very pleased.

For me, the Neothings Borrego is a dream and Bill is also as kind a person as you'll deal with when looking into switches.

I ended up with the Intelix baluns based on price and the fact they sell a wallplate version of their component balun.j

I chose a Xantech IR block, with Buffalo IR receivers and transmitters.

Best of luck.

I don't think I've seen any (reasonably priced) HDCP compliant distribution systems.

Heck, just the cost of cabling could cost almost as much as a matrix switch...

That said, this is AVS and someone is certain to correct me if I've missed something.

(FWIW, I think component will be around for quite some time...)

Why don't you run XBOX 360's as a media extender. You can get HDTV, movies, pictures, home videos, radio + gaming (if so inclined) all over a single CAT5 cable. I have the same challenge as you -- and a limited budget. I'm looking for people to poke holes in my solution -- but it seems to be the most bang for the buck.

Ssseth,

Component would obviously be HDCP compliant since it's an analog format, but HDMI would depend on the equipment. So you could theoretically run HDMI throughout the house and wait for the equipment to be compliant later. Or, as sticky suggests, just use component if your displays, etc, are compatible.

I'm not following HDCP assiduously, but IIRC, component cannot be HDCP compliant as the HDCP "handshaking" occurs over either DVI or HDMI...

(Again...it's AVS - someone will correct me if I'm wrong)

Cheers.

I should have been much more clear.. It's not possible for component to pass HDCP handshaking since it's analog. Therefore all source and display devices ignore HDCP over component connections (and all other analog connections for that matter since there is no other option).

What I meant in my previous statement is that it's HDCP compliant because it's not HDCP non-compliant.

I'm with you (and expected that's what you meant), I just didn't want the OP settling on component thinking his new 1080p HD thingamajiggy was HDCP compliant.

(though I still think component will be around for a *long* time...)