More HDMI length and splitting questions

[craigzilla]

OK, you guys have been great in the past helping me out, so I did a quick perusal and couldn't quite find the answers I'm looking for.

Essentially, I am looking at monoprice and thinking of buying a 1 HDMI in and 4 HDMI out splitter, then running HDMI cables to 4 TV's throughout the house so we can watch shows on DVR anywhere. It seems like the few hundred dollars to do that is cheaper long term than getting another cable box ($25/month from Cox?).

So I'm wondering, if I hook up a 50 ft, 2x40ft, and 30 ft HDMI cables (was going to get the Redmere ones), what are your thoughts on degradation over those lengths? All except one TV run 1080p (it is an old first generation Sony with the separate digital tuner box - so I will also need to convert from HDMI to DVI for the input).

Anyone have any thoughts on this? What about HDMI to Cat 6? Is that cheaper and still as effective? I have a guy coming this week to run cable, so I need to order it asap.

Thanks!

[lpnaz480]

i believe cat6 is pretty future proof. shouldnt have issues, but im no pro

[jautor]

Originally Posted by craigzilla

So I'm wondering, if I hook up a 50 ft, 2x40ft, and 30 ft HDMI cables (was going to get the Redmere ones), what are your thoughts on degradation over those lengths?

The Redmere cables are tuned for their specific lengths, so they'll work fine. Note that Redmere cables are directional - they have a specific "input" and "output" end - make sure you install them the right way, otherwise they'll be useless.

All except one TV run 1080p (it is an old first generation Sony with the separate digital tuner box - so I will also need to convert from HDMI to DVI for the input).

This is where you're going to have problems. The HDMI source (BD player) is going to output the common denominator among all attached displays. So when you split the output and send to four displays, every display will get only the best of the worst. Assuming the old Sony is a 720p/1080i model, and who knows what it will report for audio (likely 2-channel), you may not be happy with the results.

Anyone have any thoughts on this? What about HDMI to Cat 6? Is that cheaper and still as effective? I have a guy coming this week to run cable, so I need to order it asap.

If you're running cables and don't have cat5e/cat6 to those rooms, run one, better two or three to each location above and beyond the HDMI cables. Future-proof while you have the guy there...


Jeff