New 30-foot HDMI cable very sensitive with soundbar connection…

1407 Views 26 Replies 4 Participants Last post by DVD Freaky, Jun 4, 2021

DVD Freaky

Discussion Starter · May 29, 2021 (Edited)

I recently got a 30-foot HDMI cable from Monoprice, Certified Premium. It’s going out from my soundbar to projector. There’s actually only 12-14 feet needed, but the cables from MP are wound and coiled so tightly, that my original 15-footer would pull at my equipment and hardly reach it, very taut. Got a 30-foot cable because I might also use the projector in my much larger bedroom at some point. Also just got a switcher for the soundbar, so I can use multiple sources.

When I simply lifted the soundbar up to connect the switcher, the new 30-foot HDMI cable popped out. I didn’t even notice at first. Then, later, after re-connecting it…I was getting sound but no picture on my projector. It was flashing “no signal”. Although the cable was already connected, I then merely pushed it towards the input again and voila…the picture came back. But there really wasn’t much give to the cable. Wasn’t like it was sticking out or anything…I just had to push it “harder” towards the input for it to work, though it was already connected. There is plenty of cable between the projector and soundbar, so nothing is “pulling” on the cable.

All this concerns me. I have read that thicker HDMI cables are more prone to disconnect but I didn’t expect such sensitivity with this connection. Monoprice Certified Premium cables have always been great for me, so I hesitate to blame the cable. Could the HDMI Out port on the new soundbar already be loose? It doesn’t have any screws to tighten alongside the port, unfortunately. The previous 15-foot MP cable never popped out, though it was more of a taut connection. It was connected to a different soundbar too.

Are 30-foot HDMI cables really thicker than 15-foot ones? Enough to make a difference in being connected solidly?

This is my 2nd JBL Deep Bass Soundbar and this one is also acting a bit odd with Dolby Digital. I force DD from the PS4 but when the movie is paused or rewound, the soundbar displays PCM. First JBL soundbar didn’t do that. Very odd. Also an HDMI issue??

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Otto Pylot

· #2 · May 29, 2021

DVD Freaky said:
I recently got a 30-foot HDMI cable from Monoprice, Certified Premium. It’s going out from my soundbar to projector. There’s actually only 12-14 feet needed, but the cables from MP are wound and coiled so tightly, that my original 15-footer would pull at my equipment and hardly reach it, very taut. Got a 30-foot cable because I might also use the projector in my much larger bedroom at some point. Also just got a switcher for the soundbar, so I can use multiple sources.

When I simply lifted the soundbar up to connect the switcher, the new 30-foot HDMI cable popped out. I didn’t even notice at first. Then, later, after re-connecting it…I was getting sound but no picture on my projector. It was flashing “no signal”. Although the cable was already connected, I then merely pushed it towards the input again and voila…the picture came back. But there really wasn’t much give to the cable. Wasn’t like it was sticking out or anything…I just had to push it “harder” towards the input for it to work, though it was already connected. There is plenty of cable between the projector and soundbar, so nothing is “pulling” on the cable.

All this concerns me. I have read that thicker HDMI cables are more prone to disconnect but I didn’t expect such sensitivity with this connection. Monoprice Certified Premium cables have always been great for me, so I hesitate to blame the cable. Could the HDMI Out port on the new soundbar already be loose? It doesn’t have any screws to tighten alongside the port, unfortunately. The previous 15-foot MP cable never popped out, though it was more of a taut connection. It was connected to a different soundbar too.

Are 30-foot HDMI cables really thicker than 15-foot ones? Enough to make a difference in being connected solidly?

This is my 2nd JBL Deep Bass Soundbar and this one is also acting a bit odd with Dolby Digital. I force DD from the PS4 but when the movie is paused or rewound, the soundbar displays PCM. First JBL soundbar didn’t do that. Very odd. Also an HDMI issue??

Monoprice is just a reseller of cables. They don't actually mfr the cables so quality will vary from cable to cable unless you purchase from a known mfr like BJC, MediaBridge, etc. 25' is usually the maximum length for a Premium High Speed HDMI cable (certified with the QR label for authenticity) but there are a few that push it to 30'. The cable thickness is due to the fact that the passive cable wire gauge needs to be a bit thicker the longer the cable is to pass the certification process. As you have seen, the downside of a certified passive cable is loss of bend radius (flexibility) which can put undue strain on the HDMI ports. That being said, if you were careful, and I'm sure you were, when moving the soundbar, then the cable should not have popped out of the port. Certified cables should fit nice and snug in the port unless there is an issue with the port itself. As a side note, if you connect/disconnect an HDMI cable make sure the connected devices are powered off because it's possible to damage an HDMI port.

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DVD Freaky

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 30, 2021 (Edited)

Otto Pylot said:
Monoprice is just a reseller of cables. They don't actually mfr the cables so quality will vary from cable to cable unless you purchase from a known mfr like BJC, MediaBridge, etc. 25' is usually the maximum length for a Premium High Speed HDMI cable (certified with the QR label for authenticity) but there are a few that push it to 30'. The cable thickness is due to the fact that the passive cable wire gauge needs to be a bit thicker the longer the cable is to pass the certification process. As you have seen, the downside of a certified passive cable is loss of bend radius (flexibility) which can put undue strain on the HDMI ports. That being said, if you were careful, and I'm sure you were, when moving the soundbar, then the cable should not have popped out of the port. Certified cables should fit nice and snug in the port unless there is an issue with the port itself. As a side note, if you connect/disconnect an HDMI cable make sure the connected devices are powered off because it's possible to damage an HDMI port.

Thanks. Yes, I wasn’t rough with the cabling process…I was really surprised that it popped out like that. I’m sure that if I just leave the soundbar alone and don’t move it around anymore that the cable will remain intact. I’m going to test it out the next 2 weeks though, while the soundbar is still in the warranty period. I’ve never experienced getting sound and no picture and it didn’t occur to me for awhile that the cable needed to be re-set, since I had already reconnected it. It seems to have to sit “just right” in order for it to work. I’m not used to that with HDMI cables…as I’ve always found them to be pretty forgiving. I usually just connect it and forget it. But I’ve also never owned a thick 30-foot cable before. I didn’t anticipate it might pop out so easily or shift around to the point of needing to be tightened in.

Otto Pylot

· #4 · May 30, 2021

DVD Freaky said:
Thanks. Yes, I wasn’t rough with the cabling process…I was really surprised that it popped out like that. I’m sure that if I just leave the soundbar alone and don’t move it around anymore that the cable will remain intact. I’m going to test it out the next 2 weeks though, while the soundbar is still in the warranty period. I’ve never experienced getting sound and no picture and it didn’t occur to me for awhile that the cable needed to be re-set, since I had already reconnected it. It seems to have to sit “just right” in order for it to work. I’m not used to that with HDMI cables…as I’ve always found them to be pretty forgiving. I usually just connect it and forget it. But I’ve also never owned a thick 30-foot cable before. I didn’t anticipate it might pop out so easily or shift around to the point of needing to be tightened in.

Yeah, that is kinda unusual for a cable to do that but it does happen. I have seen HDMI ports that were either a tad bit too tight to get the cable in without a little bit of a hassle or loose enough that the cable could wiggle a bit from side to side. Either case is rare in my experience but it can happen, especially with thick cables.

You could also consider an active cable if all you want to push is the HDMI 2.0 options. They are considerably thinner with an excellent bend radius. The cables are directional so that you need to make sure they are connected as marked (Source or Sink) because they draw a bit of power from the HDMI ports due to the chipsets in the connector ends. There are active cables for the HDMI 2.1 option sets but there are still some issues with them.

Active cables come in two varieties. Copper wiring or hybrid fiber (which can be expensive).

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DVD Freaky

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 30, 2021

Otto Pylot said:
Yeah, that is kinda unusual for a cable to do that but it does happen. I have seen HDMI ports that were either a tad bit too tight to get the cable in without a little bit of a hassle or loose enough that the cable could wiggle a bit from side to side. Either case is rare in my experience but it can happen, especially with thick cables.

You could also consider an active cable if all you want to push is the HDMI 2.0 options. They are considerably thinner with an excellent bend radius. The cables are directional so that you need to make sure they are connected as marked (Source or Sink) because they draw a bit of power from the HDMI ports due to the chipsets in the connector ends. There are active cables for the HDMI 2.1 option sets but there are still some issues with them.

Active cables come in two varieties. Copper wiring or hybrid fiber (which can be expensive).

Thanks, appreciate the info. I will also consider getting an HDMI Port Saver (right angle joint), which would allow me to connect the cable straight down, rather than into the back of the soundbar. Currently, it’s a little hard to access the ports without lifting the entire soundbar and rotating it up, since the port area is kind of recessed. The Port Savers are really cheap…like $1.50 on Monoprice. I believe they pass through whatever cable is connected to it, so my Certified Premium cable would still have its value.

Otto Pylot

· #6 · May 31, 2021

DVD Freaky said:
Thanks, appreciate the info. I will also consider getting an HDMI Port Saver (right angle joint), which would allow me to connect the cable straight down, rather than into the back of the soundbar. Currently, it’s a little hard to access the ports without lifting the entire soundbar and rotating it up, since the port area is kind of recessed. The Port Savers are really cheap…like $1.50 on Monoprice. I believe they pass through whatever cable is connected to it, so my Certified Premium cable would still have its value.

The right angle adapter should work with a passive cable but if it doesn't, don't be surprised because 4k HDR can be finicky with its connections and "breaks" in the HDMI chain, which an adapter would be, MIGHT cause issues.

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DVD Freaky

Discussion Starter · #7 · May 31, 2021

Otto Pylot said:
The right angle adapter should work with a passive cable but if it doesn't, don't be surprised because 4k HDR can be finicky with its connections and "breaks" in the HDMI chain, which an adapter would be, MIGHT cause issues.

Thanks. Fortunately, my projector is not 4K…just 1080p. I’m feeding it the regular Fire Stick and PS4. So hopefully, using an HDMI Port Saver will not introduce any issues.

I know you may ask why I got a Certified Premium cable if I’m not using 4K. I guess it’s in case I do get 4K projector equipment in the future (though I’m extremely happy with the Epson so far). I do have a 4K TV but this is my first foray into the world of projectors.

Otto Pylot

· #8 · May 31, 2021

DVD Freaky said:
Thanks. Fortunately, my projector is not 4K…just 1080p. I’m feeding it the regular Fire Stick and PS4. So hopefully, using an HDMI Port Saver will not introduce any issues.

I know you may ask why I got a Certified Premium cable if I’m not using 4K. I guess it’s in case I do get 4K projector equipment in the future (though I’m extremely happy with the Epson so far). I do have a 4K TV but this is my first foray into the world of projectors.

There's nothing wrong with purchasing a certified, Premium High Speed HDMI cable. There a lots of mfrs who offer them so the prices are competitive as compared to a few years ago when they were first introduced. Certification is basically for consumer confidence because it gives the consumer piece of mind that the cable was tested by a standardized program designed by HDMI.org and certified by HDMI LA for the HDMI 2.0 options.

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DVD Freaky

Discussion Starter · #9 · May 31, 2021

Otto Pylot said:
There's nothing wrong with purchasing a certified, Premium High Speed HDMI cable. There a lots of mfrs who offer them so the prices are competitive as compared to a few years ago when they were first introduced. Certification is basically for consumer confidence because it gives the consumer piece of mind that the cable was tested by a standardized program designed by HDMI.org and certified by HDMI LA for the HDMI 2.0 options.

That’s good to know. I’m hoping my issues with this cable disconnecting are just down to its weight and not a symptom of a loose port.

Tanquen

· #10 · Jun 1, 2021

DVD Freaky said:
That’s good to know. I’m hoping my issues with this cable disconnecting are just down to its weight and not a symptom of a loose port.

I can recommend the Cable Maters 32' fiber active cable. Despite what other imply there are no issues with them. Unlike other brands that labeled their cables as HDMI 2.1 8k blah blah blah these actually work. They don't over heat, no extra external power needed and have been working fine for a few of us and no know issues that I've heard of thus far. I am paranoid about the fiber bend radius but they work well and are very light weight compared to my old thick heavy 25' Monoprice cables.

Not cheap but if the active hardware in the ends hold up you should not need another HDMI cable for many years.

www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: Cable Matters Certified 8K @60Hz Fiber Optic HDMI Cable 32.8 ft / 10m, Active Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable – Supporting [email protected] [email protected] HDR - Designed for Xbox, Compatible with PS5, Apple TV : Electronics

Amazon.com: Cable Matters Certified 8K @60Hz Fiber Optic HDMI Cable 32.8 ft / 10m, Active Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable – Supporting [email protected] [email protected] HDR - Designed for Xbox, Compatible with PS5, Apple TV : Electronics

www.amazon.com

Running 4k HDR is no more an issue than any other HDMI signal. It all comes down to the cable and if it's signal is clean enough for a little more data or bandwidth. I have some pigtails on my cables to make the connections easier and have pair that did not work with the HDMI 2.1 bandwidth but found another set that works well. Adding an angle connector should not be an issue as long as it and the cable you are adding it on to are well made.

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DVD Freaky

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jun 1, 2021

Tanquen said:
I can recommend the Cable Maters 32' fiber active cable. Despite what other imply there are no issues with them. Unlike other brands that labeled their cables as HDMI 2.1 8k blah blah blah these actually work. They don't over heat, no extra external power needed and have been working fine for a few of us and no know issues that I've heard of thus far. I am paranoid about the fiber bend radius but they work well and are very light weight compared to my old thick heavy 25' Monoprice cables.

Not cheap but if the active hardware in the ends hold up you should not need another HDMI cable for many years.

Amazon.com: Cable Matters Certified 8K @60Hz Fiber Optic HDMI Cable 32.8 ft / 10m, Active Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable – Supporting [email protected] [email protected] HDR - Designed for Xbox, Compatible with PS5, Apple TV : Electronics

Amazon.com: Cable Matters Certified 8K @60Hz Fiber Optic HDMI Cable 32.8 ft / 10m, Active Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable – Supporting [email protected] [email protected] HDR - Designed for Xbox, Compatible with PS5, Apple TV : Electronics

www.amazon.com

Running 4k HDR is no more an issue than any other HDMI signal. It all comes down to the cable and if it's signal is clean enough for a little more data or bandwidth. I have some pigtails on my cables to make the connections easier and have pair that did not work with the HDMI 2.1 bandwidth but found another set that works well. Adding an angle connector should not be an issue as long as it and the cable you are adding it on to are well made.

Thanks for the suggestions. I’m actually running 1080p right now, so perhaps the Certified Premium cable to go out from the soundbar was a bit of overkill, but I might upgrade to 4K projector in the future.

There’s a right angle adapter made by Tripplite that’s available near me, and Monoprice offers one also. I assume those would hopefully do the trick. I’ll see if the cable falling out issue continues. Hopefully the port on the new soundbar wouldn’t have become loose after just a couple of days.

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Otto Pylot

· #12 · Jun 1, 2021

DVD Freaky said:
Thanks for the suggestions. I’m actually running 1080p right now, so perhaps the Certified Premium cable to go out from the soundbar was a bit of overkill, but I might upgrade to 4K projector in the future.

There’s a right angle adapter made by Tripplite that’s available near me, and Monoprice offers one also. I assume those would hopefully do the trick. I’ll see if the cable falling out issue continues. Hopefully the port on the new soundbar wouldn’t have become loose after just a couple of days.

Whatever you get, passive or active cables, with or without an angle adapter, lay it out on the floor first and test it thoroughly before final installation. HD (1080) or even 4k should not be an issue with any cable but keep in mind that active cables do require a power draw from the HDMI port and introducing an adapter MIGHT cause intermittent issues when pushing the higher video standards because the HDMI cable doesn't have a direct connection to the HDMI port.

As far as running Premium High Speed cables, there's nothing wrong with that and you may find that they will continue to work well when you move up from HD to 4k HDR. If they work then you're all set. You won't see any difference in pq with whatever cable type you use.

Tanquen

· #13 · Jun 1, 2021

DVD Freaky said:
Thanks for the suggestions. I’m actually running 1080p right now, so perhaps the Certified Premium cable to go out from the soundbar was a bit of overkill, but I might upgrade to 4K projector in the future.

There’s a right angle adapter made by Tripplite that’s available near me, and Monoprice offers one also. I assume those would hopefully do the trick. I’ll see if the cable falling out issue continues. Hopefully the port on the new soundbar wouldn’t have become loose after just a couple of days.

Its easier to stick with the cable you already have and it should be fine. It's not over kill. If the cable you need is like $20 then yeah, don't need to spend $100 on one with features you cant use. If you had known ahead of time maybe it would have been worth your time to get the active one that just works and is lighter and will also work when it's time to upgrade.

DVD Freaky

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jun 2, 2021

Otto Pylot said:
Whatever you get, passive or active cables, with or without an angle adapter, lay it out on the floor first and test it thoroughly before final installation. HD (1080) or even 4k should not be an issue with any cable but keep in mind that active cables do require a power draw from the HDMI port and introducing an adapter MIGHT cause intermittent issues when pushing the higher video standards because the HDMI cable doesn't have a direct connection to the HDMI port.

As far as running Premium High Speed cables, there's nothing wrong with that and you may find that they will continue to work well when you move up from HD to 4k HDR. If they work then you're all set. You won't see any difference in pq with whatever cable type you use.

These Monoprice cables are looped and wound so tightly that the “actual” useable length seems to be shorter in practice, because it pulls so much in tight loops. That’s why the 15-footer was just barely enough for 12-feet needed and was so tight that I opted for a longer one. I’m sure there’s a way to get the cable sorted out to where it doesn’t lay out in tight loops. For now, I’m using the passive cables but active might be an option for the future.

Tanquen said:
Its easier to stick with the cable you already have and it should be fine. It's not over kill. If the cable you need is like $20 then yeah, don't need to spend $100 on one with features you cant use. If you had known ahead of time maybe it would have been worth your time to get the active one that just works and is lighter and will also work when it's time to upgrade.

Agreed…I’d rather not splurge on more cables right now. I highly doubt the soundbar port or the Certified Premium Cable was already damaged but I’ve never experienced an HDMI cable disconnecting so easily like that before. In my past experience, once you plug it in, it stays in. It never even crossed my mind that it might pop out when moving the soundbar to hook up the other input. Then again, this is my first time owning a thick 30-foot cable. I’m going to try not to touch the soundbar again, in case the cable comes out again. The other alternative is to trade the soundbar in for another but I doubt that would solve anything.

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Otto Pylot

· #15 · Jun 2, 2021

DVD Freaky said:
These Monoprice cables are looped and wound so tightly that the “actual” useable length seems to be shorter in practice, because it pulls so much in tight loops. That’s why the 15-footer was just barely enough for 12-feet needed and was so tight that I opted for a longer one. I’m sure there’s a way to get the cable sorted out to where it doesn’t lay out in tight loops. For now, I’m using the passive cables but active might be an option for the future.

Agreed…I’d rather not splurge on more cables right now. I highly doubt the soundbar port or the Certified Premium Cable was already damaged but I’ve never experienced an HDMI cable disconnecting so easily like that before. In my past experience, once you plug it in, it stays in. It never even crossed my mind that it might pop out when moving the soundbar to hook up the other input. Then again, this is my first time owning a thick 30-foot cable. I’m going to try not to touch the soundbar again, in case the cable comes out again. The other alternative is to trade the soundbar in for another but I doubt that would solve anything.

What I've done in the past with long cables is lay them out on the floor as straight as is possible and then put a book or something similar at each end to hold the cable in place. It's not ideal but it does help a bit.

Yes, if the cable you have now is working, other than coming loose at the soundbar then, I'd go ahead and use it until you really need to upgrade your cable.

Does the cable feel snug in the soundbar before you push the soundbar back in place? If it does, then possibly the cable became dislodged due to the stiffness when pushed back into place and it's not a "faulty" HDMI port or HDMI cable connector. How much space is behind the soundbar when it's pushed back into its final space?

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DVD Freaky

Discussion Starter · #16 · Jun 2, 2021

Otto Pylot said:
What I've done in the past with long cables is lay them out on the floor as straight as is possible and then put a book or something similar at each end to hold the cable in place. It's not ideal but it does help a bit.

Yes, if the cable you have now is working, other than coming loose at the soundbar then, I'd go ahead and use it until you really need to upgrade your cable.

Does the cable feel snug in the soundbar before you push the soundbar back in place? If it does, then possibly the cable became dislodged due to the stiffness when pushed back into place and it's not a "faulty" HDMI port or HDMI cable connector. How much space is behind the soundbar when it's pushed back into its final space?

I have kind of a sloppy DIY layout on the floor right now, until I get home theater shelving or stands. The soundbar is not in an enclosed space…it’s actually sitting on top of an old PS4 box…lol. The issue is not that I don’t have access to the rear of the soundbar…it’s that the HDMI port area is kind of recessed from the rest of the back, so I have to rotate the soundbar 90 degrees up, to get a clear look at the port area. That’s why I was considering the port saver, but now that I think about it…because the port area is not only recessed but has an overhang overhead, the cable might not even have enough room to insert. The overhang may leave it no room. Kind of an annoying layout on this soundbar.

The cable did feel snug before setting the soundbar back down but again, I would have had to rotate it back down after that, so the cable possibly could have slipped a bit. Again though, when I pushed the cable towards the port to fix it, I didn’t feel much give. It wasn’t halfway out or anything. I was getting sound from the PS4 but no picture before pushing it further. The projector was displaying “no signal”. Never have experienced getting half the info out of a cable before…sound but no picture.

Anyway, I haven’t touched the soundbar since and it seems to be working ok with the cable, so when I have to move the bar again in the future, I’ll have to just make double sure it’s connected firmly when back in place after adjustments.

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Otto Pylot

· #17 · Jun 2, 2021

Yep. If it remains stable then don't mess with it

. Did you ever setup the sound bar out of the enclosure so that you don't have to move it and test for awhile?

DVD Freaky

Discussion Starter · #18 · Jun 3, 2021

Otto Pylot said:
Yep. If it remains stable then don't mess with it . Did you ever setup the sound bar out of the enclosure so that you don't have to move it and test for awhile?

Not exactly sure what you mean by your question. There’s nothing enclosing the soundbar…it’s out in the open. I am not moving it anymore as of now, until I have to. I have to rotate the rear of it up to access the ports because the HDMI area is recessed and I don’t want to get down behind it and lower my head uncomfortably. I would almost need a flashlight back there if I got behind it, since the overhang darkens the port area and I’d just be aimlessly trying to line up the cable to the plug by trial and error.

Otto Pylot

· #19 · Jun 3, 2021

DVD Freaky said:
Not exactly sure what you mean by your question. There’s nothing enclosing the soundbar…it’s out in the open. I am not moving it anymore as of now, until I have to. I have to rotate the rear of it up to access the ports because the HDMI area is recessed and I don’t want to get down behind it and lower my head uncomfortably. I would almost need a flashlight back there if I got behind it, since the overhang darkens the port area and I’d just be aimlessly trying to line up the cable to the plug by trial and error.

My mistake. I thought it was in a tight enclosure. There may be a way to secure the HDMI cable to the port so that it stays secure if the soundbar is moved. But, if it's working fine as you said then let it be.

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DVD Freaky

Discussion Starter · #20 · Jun 3, 2021

Otto Pylot said:
My mistake. I thought it was in a tight enclosure. There may be a way to secure the HDMI cable to the port so that it stays secure if the soundbar is moved. But, if it's working fine as you said then let it be.

No worries…I’ve thrown a lot of info at you in my posts. Thanks for your feedback. I am trying not to even get within a foot of the soundbar…lol. I’m just paranoid about the cable coming out. So far…so good. If I have to move the soundbar even slightly and issues surface again with disconnects, I’ll take some photos and upload them here. Not sure if they would tell us anything but it might give a better picture of the setup, and how the cable looks as connected. I’m going to be a bit smarter and not tilt the soundbar up, which might twist the cable. Keeping it level with the cable from now on makes sense. I guess I thought I was being careful but I’m learning to be even more careful, especially with these thick cables that seem to have a mind of their own!

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