The HDMI cable helps you connect the devices within your audio and video system. However, you may encounter difficulty because the cable is too short.
So how long can an HDMI cable be? What if you want to extend it? This article will help you solve all the problems related to HDMI cables easily. Let’s scroll down to discover the solutions!
How Long Can An HDMI Cable Be?
The maximum length of HDMI cables is around 25 feet, but the exact configuration depends on your cable type. There are three options as follows:
- Standard HDMI: 20 meters
- Boosted HDMI: 40 meters
- Fiber optic HDMI: 40 meters
Standard HDMI
The standard cable can transmit quality signals efficiently for a max distance of 20 meters. The longer cable will limit the video and audio quality of data transmission.
Boosted HDMI
This kind of cable utilizes a five-volt power supply to support HDMI signals at 40 meters. These cables are often more flexible and thinner, hence the higher price.
Fiber optic HDMI
Fiber optic HDMI cables have the same length limits as the boosted ones. Yet, their optical core is smaller. Besides, they can deliver the highest video quality and are the most expensive.
Does The HDMI Cable Length Affect The Video And Audio Quality?
Yes. It’s because of the erratic signals that arise while audio and video travel across the HDMI connection.
In general, HDMI cables of up to 25 feet in length can easily manage 4K at 30 Hz and 1080p at 60 Hz. But when the cable gets longer, it has trouble.
In other words, the signal weakens or counteracts, making it more difficult for the setup’s receiver to decode the collected data or distinguish between zeros and ones.
If you extend the cable length incorrectly, the consequences will be choppy visuals and flickering displays. Besides, the audio can’t be as crisp as expected.
How To Extend The HDMI Cable Length Correctly?
Instead of extending your HDMI cable to its maximum length, consider using an external device to transfer HDMI signals.
Using Wireless HDMI Transmitters
Wireless HDMI transmitters are a great way to extend the length of an HDMI cable without having to worry about additional wiring. These devices use radio waves to send audio and video signals from the source device (e.g., laptop, Blu-ray player) to the receiving device (e.g., TV).
Wireless HDMI transmitters typically have a range of 30 to 600 feet, making them perfect for connecting devices that are not within the reach of standard HDMI cables. The Teradek Spark 4K Wireless Video Transmission System is one of the most popular options, offering reliable transmission up to 500 feet away with less than 1 ms of delay.
Many wireless HDMI transmitters are easy to set up and come with their own antennas. All you need to do is connect the transmitter to the source device and plug in the power supply. Then, attach the receiver into your TV or other display and make sure it’s powered on. Once both devices are connected, your audio/video signal should be ready to go.
HDMI Signal Equalizer
The signal equalizer, or in-line repeater, gives you a straightforward solution to minimize signal degradation over a long distance. Moreover, it can fix digital inaccuracies and provide equalization to compensate for the transmission loss.
If you want to use the equalizer to extend your HDMI cable, please follow these steps:
- Turn off the output and input devices.
- Connect an end of the cable to the input source (maybe your computer).
- Attach the other end to the source of the equalizer.
- Use another HDMI cable to connect to the display of the equalizer.
- Attach the other end of that HDMI cable to the display device (maybe your TV).
- Turn on the devices.
Over Cat Extender
If you need to prolong your HDMI cable beyond 150 feet in a restaurant, workplace, hotel, or any other area, consider an HDMI Over Cat extension kit. The kit includes a receiver with an output connection for the system’s display end and a transmitter that captures the signal from the input source.
This transmitter can convert HDMI signals to deliver high-definition audio and video data over Cat 5 to Cat 7. People mostly use this kit for internet connection.
This whole process is pretty complicated for those who don’t have much mechanical knowledge. So please check this video to learn more:
HDBaseT Extender
This extender is perfect for working with high-definition video and audio signals. You can also use it for extra signals over a long-distance cable.
The kit has two components: A receiver and A transmitter. Here is how to use it:
- Turn off your output and input devices.
- Plug the HDMI cable into the output port of the input device.
- The other end of the cable must go into the input port of your HDBaseT transmitter.
- Use another HDMI cable and connect it to the input port of the TV.
- Plug the other end of the connector into the output port of your HDBaseT receiver.
- Insert a Cat cable into the RJ45 ports of your HDBaseT receiver and transmitter.
- Power the receiver and transmitter using a power adapter.
- Turn on your devices.
FAQs
1. What is an HDMI cable?
An HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable is a digital cable that carries both audio and video signals; it is used to connect devices, such as TVs, DVD players, receivers, gaming consoles, and computers, in order to deliver high-definition images and sound.
2. HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC?
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) allows sound from a TV to be sent back to an AV Receiver or Soundbar, while HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) offers enhanced audio performance and additional features, such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, and lossless audio formats. Both types of cables are compatible with most modern TVs, receivers, and soundbars.
3. Can an HDMI ARC be used as a normal HDMI?
Yes, an HDMI ARC cable can be used like a normal HDMI cable. HDMI ARC is an updated version of the HDMI cable and offers improved audio and video performance. It is designed to transmit audio signals back to an AV Receiver or Soundbar, allowing for better sound quality than when using a regular HDMI cable.
Conclusion
HDMI cables can be from 20 to 40 meters. The length of the cable will affect the audio and video signal transmission. If you want to extend the cable, use a third-party tool. Be careful while handling its length to optimize your system. Thank you for reading!
