60' HDMI - Should I Try?

[snmhanson]

I just pulled my tape measure through a run of conduit to see how long of an HDMI cable I would need. I was hoping it would be somewhere between 40-50' but I ended up with 60'. This will be from source components to processor. I will then need to run an additional 25' or so from the processor to the projector but this I assume will be a refreshed and amplified signal. Is 60' a realistic run or should I just save my money?

I should explain that I will have local sources as well for the processor and that these long HDMI runs are so that I can utilize a DVR and maybe a BD player that reside in a seperate room. It's not a huge deal if it won't work. However, at the same time it would be nice to be able to utilize one centrally located DVR rather than have to have a seperate DVR with redundant recordings just so we can have the choice of where to view it.

Also, FWIW, I was looking at Blue Jean Cables - either their closeout on Tartan 22 Gauge or their Belden 24 Gauge. The conduit is 2" with probably five large radius 90 degree turns. It would be a tight pull but I think I could get a couple of cables through there. As an alternative I could also look at the Rapid Run system if there was a benefit to using it, although I would prefer to support BJC.

Any input is appreciated,

Matt

 

[KurtBJC]

If you do try to do this, be very careful about the pull. It's very common for people to pull the ends off of HDMI cables because they use the strain relief area as an anchor point for a pull rope, and the connector/cable interface just cannot handle that kind of end-on strain.

As for it working: chances are it'll work just fine, though unfortunately at these distances there are no guarantees.

Kurt
Blue Jeans Cable

 

[snmhanson]

Thanks for the feedback. I guess I will give it a go then. I think I will probably use the Tartan cables that are on closeout since it is not a sure thing. It will be alot easier to swallow a wasted $60 than a wasted $170 if it doesn't work. The only thing is I am a bit concerned as to how the 22 Gauge will pull through the conduit. And I actually am hoping to pull 2-3 runs through when all is said and done. Oh well, I guess the only way to tell is to give it a try...

Matt

 

[tcarcio]

I would lay the cable out and test it before you install it. That is a long run and you may find you need an extender or amplifier to boost the signal. Good luck...

 

[mtrycrafts]

I just pulled my tape measure through a run of conduit to see how long of an HDMI cable I would need. I was hoping it would be somewhere between 40-50' but I ended up with 60'. This will be from source components to processor. I will then need to run an additional 25' or so from the processor to the projector but this I assume will be a refreshed and amplified signal. Is 60' a realistic run or should I just save my money?

I should explain that I will have local sources as well for the processor and that these long HDMI runs are so that I can utilize a DVR and maybe a BD player that reside in a seperate room. It's not a huge deal if it won't work. However, at the same time it would be nice to be able to utilize one centrally located DVR rather than have to have a seperate DVR with redundant recordings just so we can have the choice of where to view it.

Also, FWIW, I was looking at Blue Jean Cables - either their closeout on Tartan 22 Gauge or their Belden 24 Gauge. The conduit is 2" with probably five large radius 90 degree turns. It would be a tight pull but I think I could get a couple of cables through there. As an alternative I could also look at the Rapid Run system if there was a benefit to using it, although I would prefer to support BJC.

Any input is appreciated,

Matt

I would call the processor maker and ask if the HDMI signal is boosted, or not. I doubt it is but not sure. Still, 60ft is long, then another 25 ft.
There is a new cable write up that Belden developed and passed 1080p/60 through 100ft 23.5ga special weaving technology that Bluejeans seems to be part of..
I would also call the cable makers, I guess you are thinking BlueJeans here, is you could try and return? Perhaps then you could order both and see which works.

 

[lsiberian]

Not sure if the DVR is worthy of HDMI yet? Maybe it would be easier to run component.

 

[KurtBJC]

Thanks for the feedback. I guess I will give it a go then. I think I will probably use the Tartan cables that are on closeout since it is not a sure thing. It will be alot easier to swallow a wasted $60 than a wasted $170 if it doesn't work. The only thing is I am a bit concerned as to how the 22 Gauge will pull through the conduit. And I actually am hoping to pull 2-3 runs through when all is said and done. Oh well, I guess the only way to tell is to give it a try...

I would recommend the Series-1, actually--that's much more likely to work at 60 feet (it's the cable mtrycrafts is referring to). The only thing is that both that and the 22 AWG Tartan are very thick and I do not believe you'll be able to get two or three into a 2-inch conduit. Getting one in, without damage, will be a challenge with the turns.

Another note: it's a very good idea to test the connection "in the open" before putting it in the wall. If it doesn't work, you'll save a lot of grief getting it installed.

Kurt
Blue Jeans Cable

 

[lsiberian]

I would recommend the Series-1, actually--that's much more likely to work at 60 feet (it's the cable mtrycrafts is referring to). The only thing is that both that and the 22 AWG Tartan are very thick and I do not believe you'll be able to get two or three into a 2-inch conduit. Getting one in, without damage, will be a challenge with the turns.

Another note: it's a very good idea to test the connection "in the open" before putting it in the wall. If it doesn't work, you'll save a lot of grief getting it installed.

Kurt
Blue Jeans Cable

Yes this is definitely wise.

 

[PeterWhite]

You'll want to pull all three cables simultaneously. Tape them together well with electrical tape.

 

[KurtBJC]

You'll want to pull all three cables simultaneously. Tape them together well with electrical tape.

If all three can be gotten in together, that'll be the way--but the stiffness is such that I would certainly try to do something other than have to pull three into a 2" conduit.

One note: electrical tape is bad for this because it's stretchy and tends to leave a mess of adhesive goo on the cable when removed. Better to use something which won't stretch so well and will peel cleanly. Gaffer's tape can be good for this.

Kurt
Blue Jeans Cable

 

[mtrycrafts]

If all three can be gotten in together, that'll be the way--but the stiffness is such that I would certainly try to do something other than have to pull three into a 2" conduit.

One note: electrical tape is bad for this because it's stretchy and tends to leave a mess of adhesive goo on the cable when removed. Better to use something which won't stretch so well and will peel cleanly. Gaffer's tape can be good for this.

Kurt
Blue Jeans Cable

I would add a comment to Kurts: Stagger the connectors. I doubt you would get far with all there together.

 

[snmhanson]

Thanks again for the replies. I will look at the Series 1 and maybe give that a try. As far as pulling multiple - or even one - cable through that long of a run, I hope that I can get it through just by carefully pulling on the pullstring at the end, however, I do have another option. I can access the conduit up in the attic at about 1/3 of the way through. I could pull it to that point initially and then pull it the rest of the way after that. I guess I could just cut the conduit up there and install a junction box for access. It's kind of a pain but better than pulling a $150 HDMI cable apart.

I'm not in an extreme hurry to get this done but I will update the thread once I get it done.

Matt

 

[mtrycrafts]

Thanks again for the replies. I will look at the Series 1 and maybe give that a try. As far as pulling multiple - or even one - cable through that long of a run, I hope that I can get it through just by carefully pulling on the pullstring at the end, however, I do have another option. I can access the conduit up in the attic at about 1/3 of the way through. I could pull it to that point initially and then pull it the rest of the way after that. I guess I could just cut the conduit up there and install a junction box for access. It's kind of a pain but better than pulling a $150 HDMI cable apart.

I'm not in an extreme hurry to get this done but I will update the thread once I get it done.

Matt

This plan also sounds good. Just make sure the long cables work before pulling and that you also attach that other length of cable too. Attics can be hot in the summer.
Good luck and yes, let us know.