Will a 50 foot HDMI cable suffer any signal loss?

[endoftheline2]

I want to connect my PC [running win xp, or win7 @ 1920*1200] to my HDTV via HDMI over a distance that will require a 50ft cable to travel. I have found a few HDMI cables that are 50ft, but I see some question about if a 1080P signal can travel that far with no issues. Basically I will be playing 1080p and 720p .AVI & .MKV video files on my PC in windows media player and VLC media player, and then I plan to connect my HDTV to one of my DVI ports on my PC's GTX 260, with a DVI-HDMI adaptor, and then hopefully use a 50 HDMI cable to get it to the HDTV.

I'm looking for information as to how well a 50ft HDMI cable will work in this situation. I have found this one:

http/www.amazon.com/GOLD-PREMIUM-HDMI-CABLE-HDTV/dp/B000XQ0FDI/ref=pd_cp_e_2?pf_rd_p=413863501&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0015LTBYE&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1X0EDADAEJ6HX3HCN2EA

also this one with a "signal booster"

http/www.amazon.com/HDMI-Cable-Signal-Booster-Combo/dp/B000TACOFA

Looking for info about how well these 50 foot cables might work, and if a signal booster would help?

 

[gimpy1]

I have no experience with an HDMI run that long.

Another option, in case you try it and it doesn't work, is an HDMI extender, like this.
It will convert your HDMI cable into two cat 5e/6 cables and then back to HDMI. AFAIK these extenders can go about 250 meters. (The particular one I linked to was just an example; I am not endorsing that particular brand)

 

[AKM880]

50-55ft is usually where the HD signal starts to degrade, you might want to get a HDMI signal extender/booster just to be safe.

 

[rexter]

Will a 50 foot HDMI cable suffer any signal loss?

To answer this question, yes.

Any extension will suffer signal lost but some are not as significant and acceptable to what is required. Some equipment have built-in regulator as it regulate (maintain) the signal cracteristic close to spicified level.

A very high quality cables; @ 50 feet lenght will not require a booster. Booster is like multiplier so ANY signal (dirty or clean) is boosted to X amount to the level it is set. Converters are different as it converts the signal to be sent. However, resolution will be lost during conversion as well, especially if not properly implemented.

How much are you willing to give to get the resolution you need? cost is your enemy.

One thing you should try is to make your own HDMI cable using shielded CAT 6 cable. The twisted wires reduce interference plus the shield, so if you can get a HDMI male connectors or get a very short and cheap HDMI cable and cut the end to extend it. If this test does not work, at least you can still use the cable, just lose the head.

If you don't want the hassle then (as suggested before) you might look for something like these: http/www.atlona.com/Atlona-1080p-HDMI-Extender-over-Single-Cat5-up-to-200ft-NEW-p-17468.html
http/www.atlona.com/Atlona-Powerless-HDMI-Extender-over-Cat5-Cat6-up-to-100ft-p-17729.html
http/www.atlona.com/ATLONA-HDMI-over-cat5-EXTENDER-UP-TO-150FT-at-1080p-SALE-p-17406.html

I have no affiliation with this company or any links I posted.

I suggest using a shielded CAT 6 cable instead of CAT 5 or CAT 5e and you don’t need to get higher than FT4 unless you really want to.

 

[JillianJ]

Did you have any luck with that 50 ft hdmi cable? I'm looking at http/www.cabletrain.com/50-ft-hdmi-cable-22-gauge.html

Im torn between that or trying an hdmi over cat 6.

 

[wildwell]

Did OP wind up using an HDMI repeater? Does anyone have any experience w/ HDMI repeaters, or with running HDMI over long distances?

I'm looking to run from a mini HDMI source to a standard HDMI input over a distance of 40 meters.

We're currently running HDV video signal over that distance (via FW400) with a passive repeater after 20 meters, and a powered repeater after another 20 meters.

 

[jcoultas98]

40 meters is a significant distance, you'll need a powered repeater with a high grade cable.

 

[joesden]

If you are looking for 1080p video resolution at 50ft I would recommend checking KVMSwitchTech. They offer a wide range of high end HDMI Extender and HDMI Cable extender solutions. I have used quiet a few of their HDMI products and they seem to work great.
http/www.kvmswitchtech.com/cat5-hdmi-extender-c11633.htm

 

[endoftheline2]

for any interested, I did get this to work perfectly, with this 50ft cable from monoprice:
http/www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024005&p_id=2110&seq=1&format=2

 

[jnewegger23]

Reviving a necropost I guess...anyhow, I was looking up something else and fell on here. I'd like to put my 2 cents in. I've had this 50ft cable:

Nippon Labs Delux 50 ft. HDMI TO HDMI Cable A/V Gold Plated HDMI Cable

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812816006

which connects my gaming rig to my 46in HDTV across the living room and had this running since May of 2011 with no problems! I love it. No signal boost or extenders or anything. It was just plug and play. Great signal both audio and video. Couldn't be happier! Hope this helps someone!

 

[Ashutosh V Singh]

For me when I send 1080p over 50ft it is not working well. There is flicker from apple TV, another media player intermittently goes blank and back again. Lowering to 1080i works. I did buy cheap cable from ebay. Now I have to do some research to see what is the max distance I can go. Somebody should do the bandwidth analysis and the ack analysis to see what is a good distance after which it degrades.

 

[jnewegger23]

For me when I send 1080p over 50ft it is not working well. There is flicker from apple TV, another media player intermittently goes blank and back again. Lowering to 1080i works. I did buy cheap cable from ebay. Now I have to do some research to see what is the max distance I can go. Somebody should do the bandwidth analysis and the ack analysis to see what is a good distance after which it degrades.

You have to consider the weakness of comparing an appletv device to a full system gaming rig. This may be more the signal source vs the cable's ability to transmit at that length with your given signal source if that makes sense. A gaming rig with a discreet graphics card powered by a 1200W PSU is a huge difference. Others may want to think about that when going for longer cables like I did. So you could get the same cable and maybe your device isn't pushing a signal strong enough through that distance so results will then vary.
Not to say you didn't actually get a lesser cable but I just thought of all of this after reading your post.

 

[Ashutosh V Singh]

Yes you are correct, these are low ampere devices, so are most devices, so people have to be aware when pushing long distance. Also you are correct, I did buy a cheap cable on ebay knowing fully that I may have problems, I will be trying 25ft cable next to see if that works.

 

[grubbyfsu1000]

Yes you are correct, these are low ampere devices, so are most devices, so people have to be aware when pushing long distance. Also you are correct, I did buy a cheap cable on ebay knowing fully that I may have problems, I will be trying 25ft cable next to see if that works.

I have 5 HDMI to Cat6 extenders for my matrix. I run all SIIG and Atlona products. They are very reliable, and have been using them for 5 plus years. http/www.siig.com/av-products/extenders/hdmi/hdmi-extender-over-single-cat5-6-with-3dtv-support.html
Newegg.com has them for $180.00. I make all my own Cat6 cables to a custom length and test out the ends. No problems with my longest distance of 95ft. The quality of the cable matters, once you choose that, you'll still need an extender for 25 ft. This repeater can be purchased on ebay for $38 shipped to your house. http/www.siig.com/av-products/extenders/hdmi/hdmi-repeater.html

 

[sweentho000]

Yes for the most part, from what I know that signal strengh can weaked due to a long cable. I know for a fact that you are on the right track because wired connection provide far greater connection realiablity, and reduced latency, or ( lag/strength). In your case I would use a signal booster such as the one you proposed only because from what I know is that the gold content in a cable increases conductivity thus connection is increased. But I am not sure how much gold if any that your cable has.If I was you I would use the cable booster, only because I don't really know reliability of long length cables,but I do know that cabled connections are much more reliable than wireless ones.Plus by having a cable booster,you should be able to achieve your goal. Hope this helps, thanks for providing some information. I hope it works out for you.

 

[Atlantamark]

HDMI 50ft Cable will work with an (amplifier)
YES I Asked this question myself forever, without getting a strait answer...from any Tech
ITS EASY.... very easy....
the cheapest way to get one.... is to buy a Splitter/Amplifier , yes even though you don't "need" to split it into two , its cheaper to buy. (because more people demand this application) WAY-cheaper,
don't spend more than $15 dollars... I've found them as low as $10 a piece on Ebay..... the cool thing is that not only does is solve your problem, you can even send the signal somewhere else! a second TV.
I have even put an extra 10-20 feet with a $1 coupler and it still works great!

There isn't a particular brand or model (they are ALL CALLED....1 In 2 out HDMI Splitter 1x2 Amplifier Repeaters) even if it doesn't always say its an amplifier It is!! (i have no idea why they don't write that all the time).
They are ALL made in China.... there is no brand name.... find the cheapest one on Ebay and buy it.
I've been buying and using these devices for years.... i've bought 8 of them .. I use them for Karaoke in bars ..... sometimes the TV is on the other side of the bar..... so I needed a long cable ....thats how I discovered this solution...
I have no idea why Tech's don't know things like this..... but my best advice, for future advice, on a practical application is ask any mobile DJ .....

Here is one for $12 but if you want look for cheaper ones...you will notice that the picture of them is EXACTLY THE SAME EVERY TIME..lol you're welcome!!! Go Ravens!

http/www.ebay.com/itm/1-In-2-out-HDMI-Splitter-1x2-Amplifier-Repeater-Duplicator-Full-US-Power-Supply-/261740126722?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item3cf0ed6202

Also: Pay No attn to "gold plating" it's a marketing price scam....buy the cheapest hdmi cable you can , they are ALL the same.

 

[Oneu HK]

Yes,a 50 foot HDMI cable suffers signal loss generally speaking,but I wonder if AudioQuest Diamond HDMI cable solves such problem,just like reduce the loss percentage by 90%,better than the normal ones on ebay?The price is incredibly unbelievable at $13,499.75.I was lost as well.If you'd like to have the product worthy,I think shorter one also does its job just by bothering you a little more because you can place your computer near the TV.Attached is for your reference.
http/www.amazon.com/dp/B00V63JYAW

 

[BTCTS]

The simple answer is no, no and NO. I don't care in Noel Lee himself rides into your living room on his Segue with gold plated HDMI cables dipped in Unicorn tears and hooks them up himself. HDMI signals begin to degrade at 40'-45' and after 60' are usually useless.

The options (as expressed above) are to either use a CATx or HDBaseT or Fiber based extension kit based on the desired distance you need to transmit the video signal.

I've found many of the Chinese and other "monoprice" product to be unreliable for most commercial applications but they might suffice for a residential/home install. I do like the products from PureLink,

http/main.purelinkav.com/main/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=108

and Atlona,

https/www.firefold.com/atlona-at-hdrx-ir-hdbaset-receiver?gclid=CPKfx5KI6MgCFdKGfgodVzYDuQ

for simple extension. In case you do want to keep it simple and just use "one cable" there is an option from PureLink, it's not cheap but it can extend your signal up to 100 METERS.

http/main.purelinkav.com/main/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=179

Hope this helps!

 

[prtaylorwichita]

Many of you missed a key step here. He is taking a DVI output and converting to HDMI. DVI, in my experience, degrades or suffers from internal reflectance issues after about 25 FT on some cables as little as 15 ft and interference can reduce lengths even more.

Upgrade your video card, most nVidia cards and for that matter AMD cards have HDMI out native. If you were starting with HDMI signal out you would get better quality video with audio. For longer than 50 ft runs a signal regenerator or using an HDMI to Cat5e/6 converter would be wise. I agree with BTCTS, that quality matters in the cables you choose, if you buy cheep you often get what you pay for. That said if it works you are out little. However with today's small form factor computers you might do well to get one and place it next to the TV in the first place as it sounds like you plan to use it frequently in this way. Also gives you benefit of NetFlix, Hulu, gaming etc.

All cables suffer loss over distance it's a mathematical formula but it matters little whether it's HD or analog. Analog is more forgiving but you need at least two cables to transmit video and audio where HDMI encapsulates all on a single feed. Analog degrades by getting fuzzier and fuzzier; think of tuning in a station in the old days, the further from the source the snowier the picture and more static sound in the audio until all you see is snow and all you hear is static. Digital is about threshold. The picture is great as you reach the limits you get pixelation then nothing. Your TV will say signal loss or no signal insert the proper term for your brand.