HDMI Cable Length

[blazzer_19]

Hello all,

Looking for some advise here. I have an HD PVR satellite receiver. I have 2 tv's I am running off it. One is a 55" Sony Grand Wega rear projection LCD and the other is a 40" 1080P Sony Bravia. Now the Bravia is going to be a far distance from the receiver. I have measured the distance and I have purchased a 75 ft (22m) HDMI cable to connect it. So I will have a short cable going from the receiver to an HDMI distribution amp then one cable to my 55" Wega (6 ft) and the 75 ft cable to my Bravia. Also going with the HDMI cable is a 75 ft optical audio for my surround receiver as it will not accept HDMI. I am kind of an amateur with this stuff so I hope this isn't too confusing. My questions are will I have video quality loss over 75 ft? If so what will happen and is there anything I can do other than using smaller cables with amps along the way? will I have a problem with my audio (optical) and video (HDMI) working together over that distance? One last thing. I have been researching Distribution amps a little and found a couple of intrest. one that costs $59 and the other is $249. The only difference I can see in the specs are the $59 one says 1.45Mhz and the $249 says 1.64 Ghz. Is this difference worth the money and will it actually be better or is it another gimmic so to speak? Please someone help me!!!!!!

Darryl Boyd

[Richard]

Somebody actually sold you a 75 foot HDMI cable without discussing anything? Bad form...

Even with a repeater two 50 foot cables can be pushing it. Is 1080p of any concern?

OPPO HM-31 HDMI Switch
http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/reviews/200 ... switch.php

Is 1080p of any concern? More HDMI info
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/ ... m?hdmidept

[eliwhitney]

Hi & welcome blazzer_19 -

All is possible, given enough effort, monies & some 'luck.'

BUT - you are well beyond any practical HDMI cable lengths usually suggested ! Periodic amps along the route aren't the "ideal solution," either.

Herein, there have been 'posts' of some peoples attending demonstrations of HDMI actually functioning properly @ these sorts of distances - but, with very carefully constructed, 22 gauge cables &, in particular, specific care taken in the quality / integrity of those terminations ! See, in-point-of-fact, Richard's fine reference directly above ... bluejeanscables.

One alternative is always to use very heavy gauge (3) Component (RCA terminals) Cables for the Video instead. Fiber optic cables now transmit essentially all our current video, telephone, computer, etc., "digital bits" from coast-to-coast, so, that's "doable" for your audio stream.

But, practically, how are the "channels" every going to be selected for the set at that 75' distance?
Sounds like a lot of 'running back & forth' between the Receiver & display ?

Is this JUST to avoid the obvious solution to having a separate, new satellite service installed at that remote set ?

[akirby]

Sounds like you need a separate receiver for that 40" tv. Probably cost a lot less and work a lot better in the long run.

[stevekaden]

System control can be done by any RF remote - with IR drops, or an IR repeater.

[Shorebird]

Here is a good explanation of cable length concerns from a cable manufacturer.
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/hdm ... /index.htm
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/ ... m?hdmidept

[blazzer_19]

I want to thank all who responded. The links provided were very informative. If anyone does come up with any other info I would still be very happy to hear it. Thanks again.

Darryl

[tomasulo]

Rather than risking your picture quality and signal, I would go for another Receiver. Don't bother with another PVR, if you don't need it for the second TV, just get a regular HD Receiver. If your dish has a duel LNB, you should be able to run two signals in for two TVs. I know here in Canada, all you have to do is call your satellite provider and tell them you want to upgrade. Most times, they will sell you another receiver for the same price they sell them to new customers, which is almost half the price. I just got a Sony 40" Bravia and upgraded to a Bell 6100 HD Receiver. I called them and said I wanted to buy a new receiver, but it was too expensive at $299, so to keep my business they said they would sell it to me for the new customer price of $149. Also, they sent out an installer to replace my dish free of charge, to upgrade it for HD programming, as it needed two eyes with duel LNB. Anyway, long story short, depending on what you are spending on the HDMI cable, your provider may set you up with another receiver considerable cheaper, by asking, or threatening to leave and subscribe with another TV provider. This way you would have equal signals to both TVs. Just a thought, worth a try to call or email your satellite company.

[blazzer_19]

Hello all,

Well I finally got around to testing the 75' HDMI cable. I hooked it up from a sony BDP-300 blu-ray player to my 40" Sony Bravia. I had no signal at all. It went straight from the player to the T.V. I am moving to a new house and finishing the basement and I was going to run the 2 t.v.'s off the one receiver (HD PVR). Will a booster solve this problem. I know I could just buy another receiver but I already have 2 one being the dual tunner pvr. I was hoping to take advantage of that. Let me know.

Darryl

[eliwhitney]

hi blazzer_19 -

Nope - although "done" in expo shows, etc., as demonstrations - not for you & I or with any "booster (?)" --- amplifier.

By two services, do you mean two 5 LNB dishes on the roof, specifically ? That's what it's going to require - whether or not you have a "PVR" inside on each one is up to you & the rules of your satellite company.
eli