Loss of video qaulity with long cable runs?

Ax-man · #1 12-19-2005, 03:32 PM

Any of you folks know how much (if any) video quality I'll lose by using a cable run of 35 ft from my equipment out to the HDTV? The run will be component, composite and HDMI cables coming from a Denon 2910 and STB.

I'm hearing conflicting reports regarding this and I'm at the point where *if* I need to move the proposed equipment rack location to make shorter runs, now is the time to do this.

jaxvon · #2 12-19-2005, 05:08 PM

As long as you're using high-quality RG6 cabling for the coax runs you'll be fine. The low-loss HDMI cable will cost a bundle though (but you'll still be fine). Why do you need three types of video cabling though?

Ax-man · #3 12-19-2005, 05:18 PM

I am running extra cabling for future expansion if needed. I was thinking of using the component for the 2910 and the HDMI for the set top box. I'm actually running 7 different runs of Tributaries RG6 into wall plates along with the HDMI cable which I already have. The idea was to have wall plates on the TV end and wall plates on the equipment end with the 7 runs of cable to give me flexibility.

Edit: Jaxvon, here is the HDMI cable I've purchased ... PCCables.com.

Is this the same as 'low-loss'? And if not, what is 'low-loss' HDMI cable?

Thanks for the quick reply, this little project is going to drive me nuts until completion I do believe!

BMXTRIX · #4 12-19-2005, 06:28 PM

Multiple RG-6 runs can carry 1600x1200 resolution up to about 300 feet or so without image degradation. HDTV is not an issue.

Likewise, 35 feet is not that far. Consider, your average projector install is about 25-30 feet from where the equipment is often located in a home.

Really, just use some decent cabling and you are good to go.

I personally use mini-RG-59 cabling and have no issues whatsoever with my runs which are in the 40-50 foot range with HDTV, DVD, etc. Much longer runs are used with security cameras, but I use RG-6 quad shield for those runs and don't really care as much about final image quality.

I don't have a clue what a low-loss HDMI cable is - sounds like a marketing term. You just need a HDMI cable that carries the digital signal the distance you need it to.