Long HDMI Cable Runs for 4K/HDR Signals (>20 ft)

[Todd Anderson]

I just replaced my trusty RS45 JVC projector with a new RS520... which has rendered my current 50 ft HDMI active cable (which uses Redmere) useless.

I did a ton of reading on the subject and found that info on the net is somewhat hard to follow, largely because new technologies are constantly popping up, and coming along quickly.

The short end is that you can't push 4K/HDR over a quality cable that's much longer than 25 feet, which is problematic for folks, such as myself, that need significantly more length. It looks like monoprice is offering a new 4K cable with Redmyre-esque technology in it... but user reviews confirming its 4K/HDR compatibility aren't good.

There's a very cheap monoprice signal repeater option called "Blackbird" that appears to work...and there's a very expensive non-booster powered devices called the GA1 made by Metra (which has been confirmed to work for cable runs up to 50').

After lots of back and forth (and a few purchases that I'm opting to return), I'm going to try my luck with a RUIPRO fiberoptic cable available on amazon. It's not as expensive as the Metra option, but doesn't introduce a break in the line that the Blackbird product does...

I should be be receiving it in a few days and will report back.

Until then, curious to hear what kinds of solutions members have dug up!

 

[phillihp23]

Interested in what you find out? Will be monitoring. The whole HDMI spec. thing seems to be very complicated or overly complicated by industry. I get very frustrated when ever I go looking for HDMI cables.

 

[Todd Anderson]

If you have a run of less than 20 ft, you're probably going to be fine (until HDMI 2.1 rolls out... then you'll need a new high speed cable).

The long run options are all over the map, with some cables simply failing to live up to their stated spec. I'm hoping I found the right solution... :-/

 

[Sonnie]

I have the JVC 620 being delivered tomorrow. I ordered the same RUIPRO 33ft fiber optic HDMI cable. I also have the Monoprice Certified Premium 20ft and 15ft cables along with the Blackbird and the J-Tech Digital Repeater. Like you, I read and researched it to death... and recommendations as well as what seems to work (outside of fiber optic) are absolutely all over the place. I can't help but to believe if you want to be certain it's going to work over 20-25ft, stick with the fiber optic.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I received the 15 meter RUIPRO cable today... it weighs roughly 20% of the 35 ft passive cable I'm about to return, is infinitely more flexible, and is roughly 50% size (compared to the same cable) when coiled.

I haven't had a chance install it... but initial impressions are SUPER positive.

 

[Sonnie]

I got mine in too... zipped right on thru the conduit like there was no tomorrow... easy threading. Actually ran two cables, one regular for the music navigation that isn't 4K and the RUIPRO.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I have to say, this fiber optic cable pretty much embarrasses the bulky rigid mess offered by the passive cable I'm returning. I still haven't had a chance to integrate - hopefully in the next few days. Busy writing ;-)

 

[Sonnie]

Yeah... you should have seen what I pulled out of my pipes... it looks like plank next to a splinter. I can take those big pipes out now and put smaller ones in there.

 

[phillihp23]

Not familiar with this fiber optic cable.
..does it have normal HDMI ends on it?

 

[Sonnie]

Yes... it is regular HDMI connectors... just fiber optic in between instead of copper.

 

[phillihp23]

Yes... it is regular HDMI connectors... just fiber optic in between instead of copper.

Do these cables also run high speed Ethernet? What other features do they have? What's the advantage or disadvantage over a standard Hdmi? Interested as a possible upgrade for the 35 ft HDMI I currently run from my avr to my projector.

 

[Sonnie]

No Ethernet, although they may make some that do... but the one we purchased does not.

The advantage is they work over long distances (over 20ft) for 4K HDR, whereas other cables struggle depending on what is connected. It's really hit and miss if you are not using fiber optic.

For regular HD (not 4K), there really isn't an advantage in spending this much money for a cable, just a good HDMI cable will work fine.

 

[mechman]

Todd did you ever get that Ruipro run? I bought a 40' Ruipro for my theater and I'm now contemplating whether I should take the ceiling down to run it or just get some raceway strips to use.

 

[NBPK402]

Todd did you ever get that Ruipro run? I bought a 40' Ruipro for my theater and I'm now contemplating whether I should take the ceiling down to run it or just get some raceway strips to use.

I am running the 100' RUIPRO. Works great.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Todd did you ever get that Ruipro run? I bought a 40' Ruipro for my theater and I'm now contemplating whether I should take the ceiling down to run it or just get some raceway strips to use.

Yes, it works just fine. I did have one crap out on me... but they replaced it, no questions asked.