Long Run High Bandwidth HDMI Copper

[Finkdigital]

I have an approximate 50-ft run and I'd like to use an HDMI solution capable of 48gbps to future proof. I would use active optical cable but here's the catch- The cable is going to move back and forth often because the TV is on the rails. I'll do a thread on the rail device I built when it's done in a few weeks, but the reason I put the TV on rails is so that I can slide it forward and get more immersion without a massive size screen.

So the question is, is there a solution that can send 48 gbps over a 50-ft span that is either copper or allows the last 15 ft to be copper? My fear with active optical is that the optical cable will break when it slides back and forth. Copper should last a lot longer and if it's a 15-ft regular HDMI cable, the replacement will be cheaper even if it does break after being moved around a lot.

I do also have cat7 running between the two locations but It looks like all HDBT solutions are lower bandwidth. I can't figure out if there's a way to connect optical to some kind of box that can then convert to regular copper HDMI? Or some boxes that can allow a long run with a regular HDMI connect for the last 15 feet? Or maybe some kind of signal booster box?

Would appreciate any advice you folks can give.

 

[TLS Guy]

I have an approximate 50-ft run and I'd like to use an HDMI solution capable of 48gbps to future proof. I would use active optical cable but here's the catch- The cable is going to move back and forth often because the TV is on the rails. I'll do a thread on the rail device I built when it's done in a few weeks, but the reason I put the TV on rails is so that I can slide it forward and get more immersion without a massive size screen.

So the question is, is there a solution that can send 48 gbps over a 50-ft span that is either copper or allows the last 15 ft to be copper? My fear with active optical is that the optical cable will break when it slides back and forth. Copper should last a lot longer and if it's a 15-ft regular HDMI cable, the replacement will be cheaper even if it does break after being moved around a lot.

I do also have cat7 running between the two locations but It looks like all HDBT solutions are lower bandwidth. I can't figure out if there's a way to connect optical to some kind of box that can then convert to regular copper HDMI? Or some boxes that can allow a long run with a regular HDMI connect for the last 15 feet? Or maybe some kind of signal booster box?

Would appreciate any advice you folks can give.

You can't use a 50' copper HDMI cable. So take your poison and go active. I suspect an optical cable may be more resistant to being moved. Whatever you do make sure the cable is in conduit so it can be replaced and changed easily. HDMI cables often have to be replaced, they all have a habit of failing from time to time. Also technology changes and you find your old cables are out of date.

 

[-Jim-]

There are 4K wireless kits available. Have you looked into one of those?

 

[everettT]

Depending on the cost of the cable, you might wanna look at HDMI extenders over cat6.

 

[Finkdigital]

There are 4K wireless kits available. Have you looked into one of those?

I have not seen any that can send 40 gbps with all of the newest standards. Are there any that you recommend?

 

[Finkdigital]

Depending on the cost of the cable, you might wanna look at HDMI extenders over cat6.

Yes, I found one that can do 40 gbps with the newest standards and that might end up being the best choice. It's not the highest bandwidth for full uncompressed video, but likely best option unless someone has another recommendation.

 

[-Jim-]

I'm not an expert on these devices, but I don't expect many would exceed 4K requirements these days. I have never come across media that is beyond 4K so I see little need to chase specifications beyond those levels. I'm not saying those devices don't exist, it's just I haven't seen a need for them so I haven't chased them down. I see wireless as a convenience, and not the ultimate way to send data at all times. Hard Wiring is still my preference but sometime the physical situation makes it impractical.

In your case if your current needs are for 4K, by the time your equipment can send and display 8K, a more up to date wireless solution should be available. As per @TLS Guy , if you decide to go to cabling of any kind, put it in conduit if you are going to live in that place long term.

Just trying to be helpful.

 

[TLS Guy]

I'm not an expert on these devices, but I don't expect many would exceed 4K requirements these days. I have never come across media that is beyond 4K so I see little need to chase specifications beyond those levels. I'm not saying those devices don't exist, it's just I haven't seen a need for them so I haven't chased them down. I see wireless as a convenience, and not the ultimate way to send data at all times. Hard Wiring is still my preference but sometime the physical situation makes it impractical.

In your case if your current needs are for 4K, by the time your equipment can send and display 8K, a more up to date wireless solution should be available. As per @TLS Guy , if you decide to go to cabling of any kind, put it in conduit if you are going to live in that place long term.

Just trying to be helpful.

I wonder how good those devices really are, especially if there is no line of sight. If this is an expensive installation he is doing, then cable is his best bet. I also suspect that an optical cable will take bending better than a copper one would. Copper cables subjected to shear actually don't hold up very well.

 

[Finkdigital]

I wonder how good those devices really are, especially if there is no line of sight. If this is an expensive installation he is doing, then cable is his best bet. I also suspect that an optical cable will take bending better than a copper one would. Copper cables subjected to shear actually don't hold up very well.

From my research so far, it seems like wireless solutions have inconsistent results, especially for high bandwidth content. I'm starting to think that HD base T is the best solution as it'll allow a cheap copper cable to be used at for the last 15 ft, and if it dies from movement, easier to replace.

 

[TLS Guy]

From my research so far, it seems like wireless solutions have inconsistent results, especially for high bandwidth content. I'm starting to think that HD base T is the best solution as it'll allow a cheap copper cable to be used at for the last 15 ft, and if it dies from movement, easier to replace.

The problem is that for 4K HDMI a copper cable is actually only good for about 12 feet. Also making connections is problematic due to reflections. I think you are over playing the issues with fiber. My strong recommendation is to use a hybrid fiber cable and a voltage inserter. I honestly think that is your best and most reliable option.

 

[Finkdigital]

Also making connections is problematic due to reflections.

Interesting - what are "reflections" in this context?

 

[TLS Guy]

Interesting - what are "reflections" in this context?

HDMI transmission are super high frequency. You need to keep connections to the absolute minimum. This is because information "packets" can bounce back with cancellations and drop outs.

So going from A to B with the minimum of fuss is the way to go. In this regard optical fiber is king.

 

[Finkdigital]

So going from A to B with the minimum of fuss is the way to go. In this regard optical fiber is king.

That makes complete sense. I think that because running the fiber through the conduit for me a second time will be a pain in the butt (because the conduit entry is tucked behind a fabric wall), it would make sense to try the HD Base T route. That means I can run the ethernet all the to the TV and if the ethernet cable breaks at the movement point (inside the cable carrier), that's a cheap and easy replacement. It's not a cheap initial solution but if it works, it should save money and trouble later.

This is the device that seems to be on point for the solution: Orei bk-exb330eau-k

I'll report back with pics of the final install. I think that sliding the TV into the room and then against the wall and out of the way could help save us all some money on a screen (therefore getting the features we can't afford if it were a larger screen).

 

[TLS Guy]

That makes complete sense. I think that because running the fiber through the conduit for me a second time will be a pain in the butt (because the conduit entry is tucked behind a fabric wall), it would make sense to try the HD Base T route. That means I can run the ethernet all the to the TV and if the ethernet cable breaks at the movement point (inside the cable carrier), that's a cheap and easy replacement. It's not a cheap initial solution but if it works, it should save money and trouble later.

This is the device that seems to be on point for the solution: Orei bk-exb330eau-k

I'll report back with pics of the final install. I think that sliding the TV into the room and then against the wall and out of the way could help save us all some money on a screen (therefore getting the features we can't afford if it were a larger screen).

That is an expensive solution. Let us know how it works out.

I have a 35' HDMI hybrid cable that has worked fine for over five years now.