HDMI over 2xCat5 - Rx unit self powered ?

roydonaldson · 27-10-2009, 11:44 AM

Hi there,

Looking for a HDMI over 2 x Cat5 solution, but I'd prefer it if the remote (Rx) unit is self-powered i.e. does not need to be plugged in.

I've seen lot's of baluns, but not many like the above and would just like a few suggestions on reasonable ones like this ?

The Cat5 cable run is approx. 20m.

Thanks,
Roy.

vex · 27-10-2009, 12:13 PM

The intellix ones are quite good, but it depends if you want 1080P or not. 720P / 1080i ones are remote powered.

All of these baluns would be a suck-it and see because no-one can give you a 100% yes answer becuase every case / install is different.

The alternative is convert it to component, then you can get away with a un-powered receiver.

HTH

V.

roscopip · 27-10-2009, 3:14 PM

As Vex said it is really a suck it and see process with Baluns but I have had good experiences with extron hdmi tx/rx equipment before and in a few cases have not needed far end power. But what's problem with powering the units if you have screen power?

These units have 232 and ir on them as well and I believe they're bringing out a hdmi twisted pair amplifier for them soon, which will be nice if you have multiple locations and don't want boxes everywhere

Extron DVI & HDMI Extenders - HDMI 201

R

roydonaldson · 27-10-2009, 3:30 PM

I only have a spur up to the back of the TV and not actual sockets, so with these being on wall-wort type power adaptors, it would be a pain to fit a socket and then plug it in to it.

I'm only after 1080i/720p for Sky+HD at present, so balums that would do this would just be fine.

Roy.

roscopip · 27-10-2009, 3:39 PM

The Extron stuff runs power packs with an IEC socket on so you would just need a Y-shape IEC from Maplin or similar if they did need them. They do both 1080i up to 60m and 1080p up to 30m.

R

Axel Segebrecht · 27-10-2009, 3:59 PM

Just installed the new CE Labs HSW44 from Asheridge last week and it works shockingly without flaws, even over the worst piece of crap Cat5e I've had the pleasure to terminate!

Baluns don't need to be powered, the switcher itself is tiny and RS232 works just fine. Also, it has IR passthrough.

Price is good too :-)

charris cy · 28-10-2009, 2:47 PM

We had good results with the Audioquest HDMI baluns. Only one of them has to be powered.

roydonaldson · 28-10-2009, 5:19 PM

I've taken a complete punt and bought these:

NEW HDMI/DVI Cat 5e/6 Cable Extender,Balun 1080p 100ft on eBay (end time 06-Nov-09 16:35:25 GMT)

if they don't work, then they're cheap enough they can go in the bin and then I get something better quality.

Roy.

charris cy · 28-10-2009, 10:17 PM

It might work but at that price it can not be a "real" HDMI balun.

Most of the cheaper HDMI baluns on the makret actually take the data down to component and then reconvert it back to HDMI.

So although they might work, they cheat and they do not really send HDMI. You might just as well send component and it will be the same thing - not that there is much difference between HDMI and component anyway.

roscopip · 28-10-2009, 10:29 PM

Its true.

roydonaldson · 29-10-2009, 2:34 PM

Hmmm, but then again, all I want to get is 720p/1080i Sky to my bedroom TV. The only option I have today is over the RF2 out, which is not ideal. 1080i component will definately be better.

One problem I have with this, is that there are a bewildering array of these balums, ranging in price from 30 to 140 quid. But, there is virtually no way to distinguish between them ?

Roy.

wywywywy · 04-11-2009, 4:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charris cy

It might work but at that price it can not be a "real" HDMI balun.

Most of the cheaper HDMI baluns on the makret actually take the data down to component and then reconvert it back to HDMI.

So although they might work, they cheat and they do not really send HDMI. You might just as well send component and it will be the same thing - not that there is much difference between HDMI and component anyway.

How can that be? Surely it is a lot more expensive to make a DAC and a ADC than to just make HDMI repeaters!!

Roy - the HDMI extenders on Scan.co.uk has good reviews. Very cheap too.

roydonaldson · 09-11-2009, 9:13 PM

Ok, extenders have arrived and.......they've crap.

Won't extend my Sky box three feet to the Matrix switch, but will extend the BluRay player. Hmmm, in the bin.

Right, HDMI extenders, what ones are good and a reasonable price ?

Thanks,
Roy.

charris cy · 09-11-2009, 9:21 PM

Two that for surely are good are the Audioquest one and the Ethereal one. Ethereal is available in the UK through Asheridge.

hornydragon · 09-11-2009, 11:29 PM

Roy why dont you have a word with Joe F hes fairly local to you and I am sure will offer plenty of advice/support

roydonaldson · 10-11-2009, 11:39 AM

I've emailed them.

The problem is that the scan ones are about £30/40 and seem to work and yet the Octava ones are £130/140 and seem to work.

I can't really understand where the additional £100 is coming from they seem really expensive compared to where a lot of the other HDMI Cat5 products are now.

It's just to get it 30/40feet from my living room to a secondary display in my bedroom. I've already got RF on coax and RF/IR running, so it's just to make it better.

Roy.

alpashm · 11-11-2009, 9:52 AM

if you dont need the sound, i got a pair of atlona dvi over 1 cat5e powerless and they work really well.

albriscoe · 13-11-2009, 11:12 AM

I`ve got some baluns from Keene electronics 40 quid a pair sending 1080p over Cat5 approx 12 metres without power.

Absolute flawless performance as well

Keene Electronics

MDP · 15-12-2009, 8:02 PM

I've had some of them from Keene, work very well over about 20m. The only trouble, only noticed today, that when you flick the light switch on, it interferes with the signal. I think my electrician has wired the lights too close to the CAT 5.

Joe Fernand · 16-12-2009, 5:43 PM

Hello all

wywywywy - it is true that many designs convert to analogue - you give away a bit of image quality but don't have so many HDCP and EDID tech support calls and in terms of the manufacturer you likely don't bother paying any Licence Fees to HDMI.org!!!

roydonaldson - the Octava units tend to work all of the time, no clicks, pops, glitches or dropouts. The biggest hassle I have with them is keeping up with demand!

Keep in mind too were offering HDMI + Optical + an IR return channel.

Joe

wywywywy · 16-12-2009, 10:00 PM

To be honest I have not seen one. I guess it converts to componenet or RGB signal then? Can you show me one please I am quite interested if price is good!