[slane85]

I've bought 3x15m hdmi cables for a new build. They're shielded but is there any need to wrap in tin foil to increase the shielding - will this improve the signal?

[neilball]

Rather than worrying about tin foil (which will not work effectively in any case as it will be too easily damaged when pulling in and will not be earthed either) I would simply make sure you are using good quality cables that are rated as high speed HDMI or 10.2GB/S (3.4GB/channel). Also test them before installation. 15m runs do push the cables to the limit if you want 1080P and deep colour etc, poor quality cables may work or may either give you no picture or unwanted artefacts (sparklies on the screen, image flashing and other problems) if the signal integrity is too low.

[slane85]

Originally Posted by neilball

Rather than worrying about tin foil (which will not work effectively in any case as it will be too easily damaged when pulling in and will not be earthed either) I would simply make sure you are using good quality cables that are rated as high speed HDMI or 10.2GB/S (3.4GB/channel). Also test them before installation. 15m runs do push the cables to the limit if you want 1080P and deep colour etc, poor quality cables may work or may either give you no picture or unwanted artefacts (sparklies on the screen, image flashing and other problems) if the signal integrity is too low.

Thanks neilball. Got these, not sure but they seem mid-range price. Ex-Pro Premium 15m Gold HDMI to HDMI Lead Cable. HD: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo What's your opinion?
I realise I'm not going to get 1080p (they're going to 32'' and 26'' antway), what I'm after is something that's better than RF.

[llama]

they should work for 1080p if they are 1.3 certified @ 15m

[JH4]

15M is near the top end for getting reliable HD signals, but an in-line HDMI extender fitted at the far end of the run will ensure a good strong signal transfer.
Works for me..

[Joe Fernand]

Hello all

Currently even an Amplified 15m HDMI cable can only be rated as CAT1 'standard speed' - ignore the '1.3' rating; that has nothing to do with what the cable will carry.

HDMI :: Consumers :: Buying Guide

Forget about tin foil wraps and instead where possible install the cables in a decent sized conduit to protect the cable and allow a simple replacement if you run into problems - drilling holes into, cutting through and ripping the connectors off of are fairly common 'physical' problems with long HDMI cables..

A couple of lengths of CAT5e or CAT6 alongside each HDMI cable is a good fall back position.

As JH4 suggests if you do run into problems an HDMI extender on the far end of any 'working' cable can often cure sparkles, HDCP and EDID issues (Media Factory - Octava HDE-UK, HDMI cable extender).

Joe