HDMI and Power Cables

[kentrc]

I understand that running power cables and audio cables parallel with each other (for instance in a bundle of cables zip-tied together) is a bad idea, but what about HDMI cables. Do the same problems exist when you run power cables and HDMI cables together?

 

[mike c]

if I had to guess, no. both HDMI and optical cables are unaffected. i think.

 

[Addy]

why wouldn't hdmi be affect, its an electric single just like RCA and component cables. optical on the other hand sends light pules, millions per second, light is unaffected by electrical interference

 

[MDS]

Digital signals can be affected by EMI/RFI but over the short distances of a typical HT setup, it's more or less a non-issue.

Without going into a long treatise on data communications, there are many different protocols and data formats but everything is dependent on distinguishing a one from a zero. Anything that interferes with the waveform can make it difficult to distinguish a one from a zero. It has to cause a rather substantial degradation to mess things up though.

 

[nanotheater]

You can do whatever you want to- but the standard is 6" apart and cross at right angles. That said- you can safely ignore this advice- probably- until you notice fuzziness or other interference. Let's hope you (or your wife) don't notice it right before the big game or couples movie night.