[smakovits]

It is time for me to start running my low voltage, but before that I need to figure out how much I should order. I have done the measurements, and it appears that 30 ft. cables to the projector (HDMI, Component) would be enough, but then I am second guessing myself thinking I should order 35 ft. cables. I would hate to be short so it makes me think it is better to be long, but having 5 extra feet, maybe up to ten if my calculations are off could that cause issues?


Would having the spare cable coiled in the ceiling be a problem? I would keep it away from all power sources to avoid interference, so the question really comes down to would 5 feet more cable make any difference when looking at HDMI and component video wiring when it comes to looking at lengths of cable between 30 and 35 feet?


Thanks, I figure to get this figured out this weekend so maybe next weekend on the long weekend I can maybe get some of it ran.

 

[aymanme]

It is not much of a problem to have a few extra feet. I assume you are buying the cables already terminated. Some cables such as HDMI are too difficult to do in the field so they are either purchased custom as close as possible, or a little extra is left. Putting it in a coil is not a great idea. Also avoid putting it in close proximity to power lines. The 5' is not going to make much difference.

 

[smakovits]

so the question I have then is, if I go with the 35 ft, and it is a bit long, what is the best way to deal with excess? Just kind of run a little extra? meaning instead of a coil, I run a few feet past where it is going to and then bring it back and out to either the projector or the receiver, depending on which end I have the excess.


Does that make sense what I am explaining to try and deal with the extra cable?

 

[aymanme]

Yes, just go out a meter or so and come back with your extra cable. Coils can act like antennas. In theory the cables should have adequate shielding, but there is no reason to tempt fate. For instance, in my home I have an antenna that I lay sideways (in other words, it is not using the reflector at all) and pulls in plenty of very strong signals just sitting on the floor of a one story house, on the side of a hill. So it is hard to anticipate how strong any stray interference might be.

 

[smakovits]

and then keeping with the idea of ordering cables, the whole debate between tin plated vs silver plated has got me wondering. It appears from what I have read to date, that tin vs silver plating on the copper doesnt make a ton of difference. Various articles or discussions really have not really told me anything that could really justify the double in price. Also, I notice that once you get beyond a certain distance, like 25 ft, the 1.3a certification is out the window. Does this mean that it wont do all the fun stuff like deep color and what have you that the future holds, or does it just mean they didnt put the 1.3a certification on the longer cables, but it does not mean that it wont be capable.


Just trying to get all my ducks in a row to enssure that I am making the right decisions.


and lastly 22 AWG vs 24 AWG, Professional vs Premium