Need a little video distribution help please

[wafflebird]

OK my friend and his brother are opening up a new retail business, and I am helping with the equipment install (nothing fancy) of the video and audio. The set up will be 5 LCD monitors on the floor in different locations. What we need to do is run a hi-def signal into a video distribution component that will then take that one source and output up to 5 of the same signal. We have decided that component cables (or even co-ax as long as it is high-def) will be best as the runs will be some distance (less than 100 feet for the longest) and the whole HDMI over cat 5 can get really pricey.

My concern is signal degradation over 5 outputs and length. Given this scenario what do you suggest for us to do?

I sincerely appreciate you input as it would be a tremendous help.

 

[MDS]

Here is one example of a distribution amplifier that looks like it would be suitable: http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=3940

Gefen makes switches, splitters, and distribution amps for practically every scenario imaginable.

 

[wafflebird]

Thanks MDS one more question?

They also have a 1:8 HDMI not that we are strongly considering it but I do wonder how may feet it could shoot HDMI signals? Any idea. I know I have read that 50' with a great HDMI cable gets kind of risky and shakey, would this (the 1:8 HDMI) boost the distance?

I really want to thank you for your help as well.

 

[MDS]

I don't really know but I think it would be risky to use the HDMI version if the displays are far away from the distribution amp. The manual doesn't mention any length limitations but I would be leery of the requirement that all displays have the same native resolution - that could limit your choices for the displays. The component video version doesn't mention the same requirement.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I use a old Extron matrix switcher for my HD distribution in my home. It is 8x8 matrix, which means that I'm able to connect up to 8 component HD sources and can send them, as I choose, to any or all of 8 separate displays throughout my home. I am using mini-high resolution cabling from Extron to do this and the matrix switcher has 5 separate video inputs of which 3 are being used for Y/P-B/P-R and the fourth is being used for digital audio - the fifth is empty.

The switcher ran me 250 bucks on eBay... but was a far older model than this one that is currently up there:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Extron-Crosspoint-8x8-RGBHV-switcher_W0QQitemZ180129422292QQihZ008QQcategoryZ73390QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem