Do I need new HDMI Cables for 4K

[Muskokan]

I am currently considering upgrading my projector from 1080p to 4K, not sure about a true 4K or faux 4K but that is question for the future

When I build my theatre I can the HDMI cables through the ceiling and then covered the ceiling in pine, Hindsight tells me I should have made a provision for switching out the cables but that is hindsight and not reality.

The current cables are about 10 years old and give me a great 1080P picture. I have been advised to replace the cables if i want a 4K picture and also told that I do not need to. Others have advised me to just try it and see if it works, though not a lot of interest inn lending me a 4K Projector to do so.

So what is your opinion/advise

Thanks

 

[j_garcia]

Depends on what is currently in there. Since it is 10yrs old, I'd tend to err on the side of caution and replace them since there is a possibility of them not supporting 4K. If you were forward enough looking, they may be fine though. That would require some testing to figure out unless you know exactly what they are.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Welcome.

How long is that HDMI cable?

 

[TLS Guy]

I think all HDMI cables 10 years ago were only HDMI 1.4. You need at least HDMI 2.0 to get the bandwidth for 4K.

HDMI 2.0 specification defined a new, more efficient signaling method, for speeds above 1.4b limits (10.2Gbps), to allow higher bandwidths (up to 18Gbps) over existing High Speed HDMI Wire Cables.

— hdmi.org

When you run the new cables, put in conduit. NEVER run an AV or internet cable that is not in conduit, and that includes speaker wires.

 

[lovinthehd]

HDMI cables aren't designated 1.4/2.0 like hardware (altho some insist selling it with the hardware type designation), there are various hi-speed cables and certifications http://www.hdmi.org/consumer/finding_right_cable.aspx

BlueJeansCable also has some good info too http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/hdmi-cable-information.htm

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

What's the screen size and how far are you sitting from it?

 

[Verdinut]

I think all HDMI cables 10 years ago were only HDMI 1.4. You need at least HDMI 2.0 to get the bandwidth for 4K.

HDMI 2.0 specification defined a new, more efficient signaling method, for speeds above 1.4b limits (10.2Gbps), to allow higher bandwidths (up to 18Gbps) over existing High Speed HDMI Wire Cables.

— hdmi.org

When you run the new cables, put in conduit. NEVER run an AV or internet cable that is not in conduit, and that includes speaker wires.

Mark,

I tend to agree with you. However, could you specify exactly why it is preferable to install all cables in a conduit?

 

[TLS Guy]

Mark,

I tend to agree with you. However, could you specify exactly why it is preferable to install all cables in a conduit?

Because as technology changes you can easily change out cables without opening walls. That made changing from Cat 5 to Cat 6 recently a breeze.