[petemcn]

I've read a lot of questions around here about which cabling to go with (5/5e/6). It sounds like often the answers depend on the distance for the run. I also have read a lot about HDMI over Cat5 but it sounds like most people still use Cat5e for this purpose.


Is there a general rule of thumb for how far you can pass HDMI over two cables for each type?


For example:

0-20' (5/5e/6)

21-50' (5e/6)

>50' (6)


Please note this is a question and I'm not suggesting the above table is correct.


Thank you.

 

[nded]

If you are using the "balun" type devices, the distance and cable combination will depend on the specific make/model device you purchase. Baluns have to deal with "CATx Skew" and different models compensate for it better than others. For some devices, CAT6 will actually deliver a worse image than CAT5e cables. If you are using "HDMI over Ethernet" technology, it doesn't really matter which cable you use, and you can go at least 100M (330 feet) with a single cable, and upwards of 1000' using cascaded LAN switches.

 

[petemcn]

I was referring to a balun. So what you are saying is different baluns will be rated for different distances with the same cable. That is interesting. I thought if one balun could do 50 feet with cat5 then all could.


Thanks for the information.

 

[flatpanel]

You also have to worry about interference. I had a 66' run of unshielded cat 5 and flipping a light switch would cause the video

to blink. The installer ran it along side romex through the studs, so

also be aware of where you run this cable.

 

[biggskip]

Is there any reason why one has to use a Balun? Why couldn't somebody use something like this .


I'm planning on setting up something like this and for a short distance (5-6m) it would seem to me to make the most sense.

 

[Colm]

The reason you need a balun is the characteristic impedance of the two cables is different. This will result in reflections where they connect effectively reducing signal strength among other things if you don't match them with a balun.


All the products on the page you referenced have baluns.

 

[crutschow]



Quote:
Originally Posted by biggskip /forum/post/16919427


Is there any reason why one has to use a Balun? Why couldn't somebody use something like this .


I'm planning on setting up something like this and for a short distance (5-6m) it would seem to me to make the most sense.

For 5-6m why not just use HDMI cable?

 

[biggskip]



Quote:
Originally Posted by crutschow /forum/post/16928090


For 5-6m why not just use HDMI cable?

You're right, I should and probably will. I had an "expert" from my local Home Theatre store come over give me a quote for some custom installation. He recommended the use of bayluns. Now that I have done some research on the forum I can see that there's no reason not to use just a longer distance HDMI cable.