Enter to Win: Super High Resolution DVI or HDMI cables and T-Shirts from DVIGear

[Tom Andry]

DVIGear wants your opinion about DVI and HDMI cables

…and we’re willing to give you the shirt off our backs for it !​

​

​

We’re giving away one of our Super High Resolution DVI or HDMI cables, in any length up to 10 meters /33 ft. (up to $200 MSRP value) to five (5) randomly selected winners that respond to the questions below. In addition, ten (10) randomly selected winners will receive an attractive DVIGear T-Shirt in the size of their choice. Each cable or T-Shirt will be delivered to the respective winners at absolutely no charge.

To enter, post your specific responses to the questions below:

1) When designing or installing a Home Theater system, are DVI and/or HDMI cable runs always included in your plans?

2) For DVI and/or HDMI cable runs, what is the:

a) Typical cable length you use
b) Maximum cable length you have used successfully
c) Maximum cable length you really need​

3) Do you need to pull DVI / HDMI cable through conduit? If Yes, is this a frequent requirement?

4) In your opinion, what percentage of the total system price should be set aside for all audio and video cabling?

Extra BONUS for Audioholics Readers!!!
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READ MORE about DVIGear’s Super High Resolution Cables

Note this contest ends on November 30th, 2005. Winners will be drawn shortly thereafter

Have fun and good luck!

 

[Mr. Lamb Fries]

Answer to questions:

1. I am looking to get a Tv in the next few months, so HDMI cables are in the plans.
2. a.Once I get the tv, I will have to measure to see what length I will need
b.This will be the first time I have used this type of cable
c.I am not sure if I am going to get a rear or front projection tv. If I get a rear projection the cable length will be 7-10 feet. If I get a projector I will need approximately 20-25 feet for the cable.
3.For the Install I might need to pull them through conduit
4.Since I am piecing together my home theater one item at a time, I purchase cables as needed. I have not worked out a specific percentage to set aside for cables. I have heard about 15-20% is a good guideline.

 

[supervij]

1) I too plan on purchasing a new TV soon, so HDMI cables will definitely be taken into account.

2a) It's usually only one or two meters, depending on what I find at the store.
2b) A two-meter component cable set is the most I've used.
2c) The maximum length I would need would be two meters.

3) No, I won't need to pull any cable through conduit.

4) I've actually heard that the figure is closer to 10%. That seems reasonable to me. My speakers/sub/receiver came to $2370 CND, and my cable cost (incl. speaker wire) came to $285, which is about 12%.

 

[Bryce_H]

1) I have just finished my dedicated HT in the basement and the future was definately in the plans (and construction). I currently do not need DVI/HDMI, but put in 2 1/2 inch conduit to be able to add it once I purchase a new projector.

2) For DVI and/or HDMI cable runs, what is the:
a) Length would be about 8 meters (current component cable length)
b) Haven't used any yet
c) 8 meters (see a)
3) Yes I will, but I would imagine it being a one time situation. Once it is run, it will stay there

4) I have generally stuck with around 10% (this is price of current use cabling - i.e. I ran extra cable for future requirements and did not figure this into the percentage)

 

[jaxvon]

1. I haven't designed a theater yet (no budget), but if I were in the market, I would definitely use HDMI for my projector run.

2.
a. As I said, I don't have a need for it yet, but it would be determined by the room size. Probably somewhere around 10m.
b. N/A
c. I could forsee needing a 50ft cable in a giant theater room (one can dream, can't he?).

3. If I were designing a room, everything would be in conduit. EVERYTHING. So yes, I would need to pull my video cable through conduit. The termination size wouldn't really be an issue, because I would run at least a 2" conduit to my projector, if not larger.

4. Ooh, that's a toughie. In my personal case, it was around 7%. I'd say that's pretty reasonable. Obviously it would be more if I were dropping a few hundred on a long video run in addition to other cabling. I'd say max 10%. If you can't get what you need at this point, you're spending too much money somewhere.

 

[jcPanny]

Cable questions

1. Yes, I plan to use HDMI when I add a front projector to my HT

2. a) I will probably need a 15-20 ft. cable
b) N/A
c) 20 feet.

3. No conduit will be involved in my installation

4. I would approximate cable costs in the 5-10% range.

 

[Tomorrow]

1. HDMI is definitely in the plans.

2.a. 8'
b. 12'
c. 8'

3. No conduit here.

4. I believe 10% is a useful starting point.

 

[korgoth]

i dont have any hdmi or dvi cables in my system, but eventually i will try and use all hdmi.

id only use lengths of 3-6 feet, but longer once i get a projector.

i would spend a couple hundred bucks on all my cables, but no more than that.

maybe 5% on cables..

 

[Packk01]

Dvi/hdmi

1) When designing or installing a Home Theater system, are DVI and/or HDMI cable runs always included in your plans?

Yes, both my TV and receiver utilize either HDMI and/or DVI

2) For DVI and/or HDMI cable runs, what is the:

a) Typical cable length you use

2 Meters

b) Maximum cable length you have used successfully

3 Meters

c) Maximum cable length you really need

2 Meters

3) Do you need to pull DVI / HDMI cable through conduit? If Yes, is this a frequent requirement?

No. N/A

4) In your opinion, what percentage of the total system price should be set aside for all audio and video cabling?

3-4%

 

[genesis471]

1. They are currently in my plans and in use as well. HDMI seems to be a great way to transfer video/audio


2a. 3m
2b. 3m
2c. 3m

3. Yes I would like to pull through conduit, but current provisions don't allow me to do that (ie size of the connectors).

4. Depends of course on the components, but at least $500

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

1) When designing or installing a Home Theater system, are DVI and/or HDMI cable runs always included in your plans?

They haven't been to this point, but when I upgrade my 36" CRT to a 42" plasma, it will be very soon. With a new plasma, I will be running a new dvd player directly to the plasma via HDMI since my receiver (Denon 3805) has no HDMI/DVI inputs.

2) For DVI and/or HDMI cable runs, what is the:
a) Typical cable length you use
b) Maximum cable length you have used successfully
c) Maximum cable length you really need

I'll answer with component (which will be replaced by HDMI soon).
a) 6 feet
b) 12 feet
c) 6 feet

3) Do you need to pull DVI / HDMI cable through conduit? If Yes, is this a frequent requirement?

No

4) In your opinion, what percentage of the total system price should be set aside for all audio and video cabling?

I wouldn't go by percentages. Some guys spend $1000 on an entire system. In that case, it could be 25%. Some guys drop $10,000 and may spend 5% on their cabling.

 

[BMXTRIX]

1) When designing or installing a Home Theater system, are DVI and/or HDMI cable runs always included in your plans?

2) For DVI and/or HDMI cable runs, what is the:

a) Typical cable length you use
b) Maximum cable length you have used successfully
c) Maximum cable length you really need​

3) Do you need to pull DVI / HDMI cable through conduit? If Yes, is this a frequent requirement?

4) In your opinion, what percentage of the total system price should be set aside for all audio and video cabling?

1. At this point HDMI is always included. I don't use DVI currently as HDMI seems to be usurping it as the video format, especially with future versions looking like they will include more audio functionality. My standard run would be 1-HDMI 1-Componet 1-Composite and often 1 control cable. Throw in RGBHV if a PC will ever be added.

2. Probably average cable length is 15 feet. I have used a 35 foot cable successfully though. While I think 50 feet really is needed to be easily workable, I think about 200 feet needs to be realistically achievable for HD distribution through a home. I can't stomach the idea that HD disc players will come along and then people will be forced to have half a dozen players in their upscale home to accomodate the lack of distance allowed for distribution.

3. Yes! As a rule HDMI is now run because old installs with 3/4" conduit can't accept the current size that HDMI cables are manufactured. Something as nice as a HDMI cable with zero edges would be amazing to see. The head is about 1/2", but with the plastic around the head, it goes up to just over 3/4" which makes it impossible to pull through standard 3/4" conduit which I have pulled, and recommend others pull to projector and plasma locations. Of course, I've been asking for a retro fittable HDMI cable since it came out. Someone who can manufacture a good idea. Even a proprietary smaller end that uses a 'small HDMI' to 'standard HDMI' converter. If the 30 or 40 foot cable ships with the converter, then who cares that it isn't industry standard 'small' size. Make the standard!

4. I'm not a huge fan of high priced cabling. Custom length cable and labor associated to make those cables I agree with. High prices with not a lot of added benefit doesn't make sense. So, perhaps 5% of a mid-line system. The average person looking for a EDTV plasma and simple surround setup... Not a lot really is necessary until you get into whole house stuff.

 

[Reorx]

1) When designing or installing a Home Theater system, are DVI and/or HDMI cable runs always included in your plans?
2) For DVI and/or HDMI cable runs, what is the:
a) Typical cable length you use
b) Maximum cable length you have used successfully
c) Maximum cable length you really need
3) Do you need to pull DVI / HDMI cable through conduit? If Yes, is this a frequent requirement?
4) In your opinion, what percentage of the total system price should be set aside for all audio and video cabling?

1. In my Home Theater I use VGA, DVI, s-video, and RCA. Using a projector and laptops from work. Future installations...once I get my own projector will probably be HDMI. Though...my receiver doesnt support it, so I'll have to get a seperate box that'll convert to HDMI from VGA/DVI/Component.
2a/b. 12ft
2c. 20ft if I want to hide the cable.
3. Nope. Not in my house.
4. Like others have said..10% is a good starting point.

Reorx

 

[xradman]

1) Not specifically HDMI, but VGA in the past and will def include HDMI in the future
2a) 25-30 ft
2b) 12 ft
2c) 50 ft
3) Yes
4) ~5-10%

 

[BobBart]

1. I am looking to upgrade to a plasma or lcd tv so yes I would need hdmi.
2.Usually need 35', have used 50' but only component.
3.No conduit for me, run under floor thru basement.
4.About 10%.

 

[Audiosouse]

1) Yes
2) a) 10 ft
b) N/A
c) 3ft
3) No
4) 5% max.

 

[talannar]

1)I've never had HDMI/DVI before, component is the best I've done, but I am planning HDMI for my projector.

2) I've never had to use it, but the length I use would depend on where I stick my DVD player: 5 feet (if near the projector) or 35 feet if I put the DVD player in the front.

3) Yes, I would have to use conduit...but only to keep the cats from clawing the cables, so frequently would be a yes also.

4) I wouldn't put a percentage on the cabling. There is too large a difference in the cost of total systems due to the amount and price of the components. I'd say between $400 and $600.

 

[Nozferatu]

My quick reply.

1) When designing or installing a Home Theater system, are DVI and/or HDMI cable runs always included in your plans?

Yes

2) For DVI and/or HDMI cable runs, what is the:

a) Typical cable length you use - 4-6ft
b) Maximum cable length you have used successfully 10ft
c) Maximum cable length you really need 4-6ft

3) Do you need to pull DVI / HDMI cable through conduit? If Yes, is this a frequent requirement? No

4) In your opinion, what percentage of the total system price should be set aside for all audio and video cabling? 2-5%

 

[djoxygen]

1) Definitely planning HDMI/DVI cabling in the imminent redesign of my home theater room.

2a) Haven't done it yet, so no "typical" length

2b) In my office I have a DVI run of about 15 feet. A 10' passive extender cable from Dr. Bott and the cable that came with the 17" Apple LCD. I have had no video issues with this length.

2c) In that case I do *need* that length to get the noisy CPU into the closet. In the home theater I plan to keep all components as close together as possible. Hopefully max run will be under 2 meters.

3) I don't believe this will be necessary

4) 10% is a good target in my opinion.

 

[jmhm2003]

1) When designing or installing a Home Theater system, are DVI and/or HDMI cable runs always included in your plans?

yes

2) For DVI and/or HDMI cable runs, what is the:
a) Typical cable length you use
6' or less
b) Maximum cable length you have used successfully
10'
c) Maximum cable length you really need
50'
3) Do you need to pull DVI / HDMI cable through conduit? If Yes, is this a frequent requirement?
No

4) In your opinion, what percentage of the total system price should be set aside for all audio and video cabling?
10% max