[quote]RSGZ wrote:
I understand that it’s digital, so it doesn’t (shouldn’t) matter. However over long distances signal degrades varying amounts depending on the type of material used. Fibre optic, for example can be run for something like 1400’, whereas other materials won’t allow for such distances.
This was an interesting bit of research:
They also suggest the signal degrades in three links within this article:
While I’m certain that is won’t matter over a length of 3-5’, when you get into further lengths would this not become a problem? I’ve read some peoples experiences vary when using HDMI over long distances, and many drew the conclusion that it was also part down to the hardware used on both ends.
There is also the idea of “future proofing” for higher quality technologies with cables that allow for higher data rates.[/quote]
Regardless of the signal being analog or digital it is still subject to attenuation, whether it be impedance, inductance, resistance, or capacitance. HDMI cables are still subject to crosstalk, which is where the magnetic field in one wire interferes with the field of another wire. Twisted pair wires reduce/eliminate this, and there are Flat HDMI cables that reduce this even further (and reduce inductance). Flat HDMI cables can be easier to run, especially if you are going between rooms or don’t have the option/inclination to go thru the walls/attic/crawlspace, as they can be simply taped to the wall.
HDMI technology is/was designed to accommodate long copper cables at lengths up to 15 meters (50 feet) without the use of HDMI amplifiers or repeaters. And the HDMI format is continuously being updated, with the latest release being HDMI 1.3, which means sources can improve performance at higher speeds and when using longer cables. Couple this with the fact that most display manufacturers (TVs, Recivers, etc…) are adding cable EQ circuits into their systems. This is a way to counteract the filter effects of a longer cable and help the system to correctly read the digital data. I bring this up because cables that fail those tests on the Gizmodo article probably won’t fail the “real world” test of plugging a component in and displaying on your TV. There is a huge difference between essentially bench marking the cables and their real world application with in your home.
Future proofing will be tough at 50’ lengths to due exponential growth in data rates and degradation on longer runs. Plus updates to the HDMI format (ver. 1.4, 1.5, etc…) won’t be applicable to an already run cable. However I do believe that HDMI cable extenders and signal boosters will become more common place in the future. There is also HDMI Active Cables which use signal conditioning chip technology to enable the highest performance 10.2Gbps multimedia applications. However active cables are a bit on the pricey side.
P.S.
Did anyone else know Jessica Biel is going to play a stripper in a movie called “Powder Blue”, due out on DVD May 5th. Or am I the last guy ti show up to the party?
