How to Extend an HDMI Cable — Tried & Tested Methods + Tips

You need a longer cable to connect your TV to the other devices in your home theater. There are many ways to extend an HDMI cable but some may hinder proper transmission of audio and video signals. Our experts did the testing to provide you with methods on how to extend an HDMI cable. 

About HDMI Cables

HDMI cables are a type of wires that transfer video and audio signals from one end towards another. It is able to transfer a video signal without lowering its quality. A short HDMI cable usually comes with a newly purchased TV. 

The length of cables affects the transmission of the video and audio signal. The longest industry-standard cable that can deliver reliable data is 50 feet. However, it’s rare to see this as most cables sold on the market are just 25 feet or lower. 

These cables are one of the most common ways to transfer data from one gadget, like a computer, laptop, cable box, or player to a digital display like HDTV or a projector.

How to Extend an HDMI Cable

There are a lot of methods that can be done in extending HDMI cables. HDMI extenders and kits are usually used to do the job. The audio and video signal depends on the amount of power your source electronics can produce. 

Here, our electronic engineers summarized the safe and reliable methods you can use. 

Method #1: Balun Kit

Baluns are electronic items that are used to convert signals that are differentiated to single-ended, and vice versa. A balun kit is also called an HDMI extender and is the most common way to extend the length of this cable.

It works by having your HDMI source plugged into a base device. This base station will convert the signal transmitted by the HDMI cable and convert it into something that can be carried by an ethernet cable. 

The signal carried by the ethernet cable is then converted back into a signal that can run to an HDMI cable at the receiver station. 

However, before choosing this method, there are a few considerations that you have to think about first. You’d have to identify the receiver and base stations first before adjusting anything as both of these devices need a power source. 

Aside from that, you’d also have to use CAT cables to connect the two devices. The HDMI connections and other cables should be hidden from plain sight to have a better-looking multimedia room.

An HDMI inline extender can also be used for HDMI extension. This is a good extender that supports the transmission of audio and video signal across long distances. It can support a 4k resolution signal for 50 feet without any signal degradation. 

Another one that you can use is the short-range HDMI extender. This can support signal transfer in its full strength but can only do so for 1080 resolutions or less.  This extender can use a CAT cable to extend the HDMI cables. 

You just have to plug the CAT cable in the base station on one end, and the receiver on the other end. Different types of CAT cables can be used depending on your purpose, either to improve or degrade audio and video signals. 

Method #2: Coaxial Cable Adapter

The use of a coaxial cable adapter to extend the HDMI cables for your home theater is also possible. These cables boost and transfer signals for up to 300 feet. 

Coaxial cables are made of two layers of copper core that are surrounded by shields and insulators. You would need at least two to four coaxial cables when extending your HDMI. 

The adapter used in this method is a powered one so you need a power source for this. The use of coaxial cable and adapters is good for lengths up to 300 feet. However, for longer ones, a more compatible method is fiber optics.

Method #3: HDMI Repeater

Repeaters can also be used for the HDMI cables in your home theater. These HDMI connectors are also called signal boosters as they amplify the quality of the signal going through the cables.  

There are different types of repeaters that you can choose from depending on the quality of signals that is going to traverse in the cable.

Aside from performing as an HDMI extender, it also functions as an equalizer to ensure that the video quality is transferred at its optimal rate. A single repeater can work for cables up to 130 feet. 

Multiple repeaters can be used to increase the length of the cable, without compromising the HDMI signal.

Method #4: Wireless HDMI Kit

Sometimes, the above-mentioned methods cannot be done so you have to resort to going cable-free. This method is considered the best for some people as wires lying on the floor can become an eyesore. 

Instead of having long HDMI cables, you just need to attach a transmitter and a receiver at each end to connect your TV from your computer, player, or console. 

There are many advantages to choosing wireless HDMI solutions over the above mentioned methods. The first and the most important is the escape from cable clutter. 

Since your home theater will no longer have thick wires lying around, it will have a cleaner look. A cleaner look in a multimedia room is especially important when accepting guests and even in business meetings. 

Connection is also very good in wireless HDMI connection. It is actually considered as a high definition multimedia interface as it can accommodate up to 1080p, or sometimes with good 4K HDMI cables, it can even to 4k quality signals. 

Wireless HDMI is also very easy to install. You just have to connect a transmitter to your computer or any other media devices, then connect the receiver to the other device, then you are good to go. 

The wireless HDMI kit can even work even if there is a distance between your TVs and media devices of up to 150 feet. Lastly, it does not need an internet connection to work. 

However, this wireless HDMI method also has some disadvantages. The connection quality can degrade if the distance between your devices is hindered by brick walls. Other things that can hinder the quality of connection include metal, brick, or stone. 

Advantages of an Extended HDMI Cable

Having an extended HDMI cable means that you can transfer your data from your media source to your TV at longer distances. This is especially important when you are working in your home theater and you need to use the extended display of your computer. 

You can stay further away from your TV to be able to concentrate more but still be able to control what is being projected on the TV. This is also advantageous when connecting your computer to a projector as you don’t have to stay close to the projector screen [1] anymore. 

A wireless HDMI connection can even provide for a cleaner and more organized home theater. It also removes all the tripping hazards to provide an accident-free environment. 

Tips and Reminders

Having a long HDMI cable comes with a lot of advantages. However, you should also be wary of how long the extension you are going to install. Sometimes, these extensions can degrade the quality of video signals so be careful in choosing which method to use. 

Our safety experts also suggest organizing the wires coming from and into the cable box. This is also necessary to prevent having an accident caused by these tripping hazards. 

FAQ

How long can you extend an HDMI cable?

You can extend your HDMI cable to 300 feet, or even more, depending on what method you use. Using a balun kit or HDMI extender can give you an additional 50 feet. The use of a coaxial cable and adapter can give up to 300 more feet. The use of an HDMI repeater will give about 130 feet more while using 4K HDMI wireless connection can give up to 300 feet. 

Can I join two HDMI cables together?

Yes, two HDMI cables can be connected together using an HDMI repeater. This does not only connect two HDMI wires but also boosts the quality of the data signal coming from the source gadget to the output. HDMI extender coupled with ethernet cables is also a possible way to connect two wires together.

Does the length of an HDMI cable affect quality?

Yes, the length of the HDMI cable affects the quality of the signal traveling through it. If the cable is too long, the quality of the signal lowers. The maximum known HDMI cable length that can provide reliable quality is 50 feet. However, this is not commonly available in the market. 

Conclusion

Extending the HDMI cables can be beneficial for your home theater system. Our sound engineers suggest the following methods on how to extend HDMI cable without sacrificing the quality of signal being transmitted. 

This includes using balun kits, wireless HDMI, repeaters, or coaxial cables over HDMI to achieve the length that you prefer.

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How to Hide Speaker Wires in Your Home Theater — Must-Know Tips & Tricks

A good surround sound system comes with a lot of wires. There are many ways to hide speaker wires, but you should be careful as some might damage the cables or even your house. Hence, our sound engineers did the legwork for you and identified the best ways to hide speaker wire. 

How to Hide Speaker Wires

When planning the room’s layout where you place the sound system, speaker wires are the least considered. However, once everything is in place, installing these cables will be the problem. You will be left with many if you have a fully carpeted room with your cables lying around, creating a tripping hazard for your family. 

There are a lot of ways to hide the wires from plain sight. You can use cable organizers, molding, even conceal them with paint, or just go wireless. The choice depends on the floor, wall, and decor where you’ll conceal these speaker cables. 

Before you start, you need to prepare the following tools: 

• Hammer
• Scissors
• Staple gun
• Stud finder
• Utility knife
• Bubble level
• Screwdriver
• Wire strippers
• Tape measure

Remember to unplug all electronics first to prevent any electrocution hazards. Now, here are the ways suggested by our engineers on how to hide cables in your home theater successfully. 

Using The Objects in Your Space

Using objects in your room is the easiest and cheapest way to hide wires. So, look around first for available objects that you can use to hide cable wirings. 

Room Decor

Most rooms have decors big enough to be used in hiding wires. You can use your plant decors to hide your wires from plain sight. You can use an adhesive backing to secure these cables at the back of the pots.

You can also utilize furniture like cabinets and TV or speaker stands. The regular speaker cable and the surround sound speaker wire can be hooked at the back of this furniture. 

However, these ways will not wholly conceal the wires. There will be parts that are still an eyesore, even a tripping hazard. 

Rugs

Aside from the ones mentioned above, our experts also suggest using throw rugs to cover these annoying wires. This is an aesthetic way to cover them without messing up the design of the room. 

However, as these are small items, they cannot completely cover the entirety of the wires. Also, be careful when vacuuming in order not to damage the cables. You can carefully pull the throw rugs making sure that the wires are not tugged with them. 

On Carpeted Floor

Hide Underneath Carpet

Sometimes, speaker cables need to go across your floor. The best solution is to run these wires under the carpet. It will provide a more extensive cover-up on these wires, but some parts will still be visible. 

If you have a fully carpeted room, you can tuck the wires underneath the carpet and the baseboard. Try to push wires between the carpet and the baseboard using your fingers first to see if it is possible. 

If the mentioned trick is hard, use a slim screwdriver to push the wires in between them. Remember to do this carefully to avoid damaging the speaker wire while pushing. Do this until the wire is no longer visible. 

The area below the carpet, between the tack strip and the wall, provides an excellent place to hide these cables. Hiding the speaker wire this way gives a clean and sleek look to the entire room. 

On Hardwood Floor

Hardwood floors are still the choice of people when designing their homes as it provides a warm ambiance. However, the appearance of these speaker cables lessens the aesthetic effects of the hardwood flooring. 

Hiding speaker wire on flooring like this can be tricky, so you need to use concealers like corner duct raceways or wire tapes. 

Raceway

A cable raceway is a cheap way to hide unsightly wires that run across the floor from your surround speakers. They can also conceal wirings that run from the ceiling speakers towards the floor.

Corner ducts are very useful as they can accommodate almost any type of cable and power cord. Most raceways come in a three-sided design so that you can attach them to the floor corners. The kit also includes tee reducers. 

The two edges come with a pre-applied adhesive backing. The cables are placed inside these two areas, and then the third side is used to cover them. The third one can snap on the cover, so it is straightforward to install. To finish it up, you can also paint over the ducts. 

As raceways have strong adhesives, you may need to use a pry bar in disassembling them. 

Wire Tape

A flat speaker wire tape offers a permanent wire installation that is completely invisible. They also provide a non-invasive viable option as you don’t need to cut a hole inside walls. 

This type of tape looks a lot like packaging tape as it is also rolled. Since the regular speaker wiring and cable are flexible, the tape can cover it even in the corners. If you peel it, the industrial-strength adhesive side can stick to any surface. 

If your surround speakers come in flat wires, then they are either with two or four conductors. Flat wire terminal blocks are also needed for these. One side of the block is attached to the flat copper wiring, while the other goes to the speaker cable. 

Our experts suggest making sure you are installing your wires on a flat surface and carefully measure the cables. After that, carefully attach the tape according to the product’s instructions. To finish the job, you can paint the tape according to the color of your walls. This will also give the illusion of having wireless sound systems.  

On the Wall

Some wires need to run across a wall, especially if your speakers are mounted on the wall. There are several ways to conceal wires to avoid your wall’s unsightly appearance. 

Conceal With Paint

To camouflage wires that run in the walls using paint, you’ll need a staple, staple wires, and zip ties. Identify where the cables will run across the wall by placing the ties on your desired path. Staple these ties in the wall, then attach the cables to these wires.

The ties are stapled to the wall to prevent damage to the speaker cables to prevent impairing sound quality produced by the speakers. Remember to apply a thin layer of a paint seal before putting the paint that will camouflage your wires to the color of the wall. 

This method is a semi-permanent method that is advantageous if you need to transfer the sound system into another room. 

Panel Molding

Another way to hide your speaker cables is by using panel moldings. These are decorative types of moldings that are usually used to trim a raised panel in the wall. They also provide depth and aesthetics into the room. 

Panel molding is also used to emphasize furniture like cabinets, so you can use this to hide your cables. You need the help of another person in installing wires using this molding. Your assistant needs to hold these cables while the molding is attached to the wall. 

Another very similar to this is the chair rail molding. This was initially used to prevent damage to the walls due to consistent bumping from chairs. You can also hide the wires using this type of molding as cables are very flexible and can follow the outline of the mold. 

Using the chair rail molding is an effective way to hide the different wiring from speakers.

Crown Molding

A crown molding is placed at the corners of the room where the ceiling meets the wall and provides an aesthetic effect to the room. There are several types of this, but the most cost-effective is foam crown molding. 

As they come in 6-foot-6 lengths, you may need to cut and combine the moldings. The cables of your speakers can go underneath these moldings to be hidden from plain sight. 

Wire Tape

Wire tapes can also be used for flat wires that run across the walls. They provide a way to effectively attach the cables to the walls and make them look flat. Also, they give a seamless method of hiding them from plain sight. 

Sometimes, the only way to hide your speaker wire is to drill inside walls. For this type of method, you need to ask a professional installer for advice not to cause unnecessary damage to your room. 

When working on a narrow space along the inside of walls, our experts suggest using fish tape to make the process easier. Fish tapes allow you to pull a speaker wire carefully along a narrow space. 

Using fish tape will allow your surround sound cables to traverse across the wall safely.

On Baseboard

There are also instances where cable wiring needs to run across the baseboard. This method provides a way to hide the cable and minimize damage to the walls.

Cable Clips

If you don’t mind seeing the wire running across your baseboard and you just want to organize them, then cable clips will do this for you. 

Cable clips are designed to secure a wire in a fixed location. They can only accommodate one wire at a time, and you may need a lot, especially when dealing with many cables. These clips prevent the wire from becoming a hazard as it is fixed on the baseboard. 

Base Molding

Another very similar to the crown molding is the base moldings. However, instead of placing the molding where the wall and the ceiling meet, this is placed where the walls and the floor meet. 

You need to run the wire on edge when doing this, where the wall and floor meet. Then place the moldings that will cover the wire. It is recommended to start from the first stud to have a more organized process. 

If you have a preinstalled molding, remove it first, run the wire on edge, then reinstall them again following the above-mentioned method.

Other Methods

Light Strips

You can also conceal the wire using LED light strips. These strips usually run along the edge where the walls and ceiling meet so you can connect the two to conceal the wire.

Cable Organizers

Cable organizers are meant just to organize the cables, not hide them. The usual cable organizers involve just rolling them and tying the cables around. This prevents the cables from running across the floors and posing a hazard to the people in the house.

FAQ

How can I hide speaker wires without cutting a wall?

You can hide speaker wires without cutting a wall in several ways. The most common ways include crown and panel moldings, light strips, wire tapes, and duct raceways. 

How do you hide speaker wire in drywall?

To hide speaker wire in drywall [1], you can install crown molding, panel molding, or base molding. Our experts also suggest wire tapes. Cutting through it is not advisable as the damage may become very extensive.

Can you run speaker wire under the carpet?

Yes, you can run speaker wire under a carpet. There is a space in between the baseboard and the carpet when the wire can go. This will provide an almost invisible way to hide the wire and prevent it from becoming a hazard. 

Conclusion

Cable wires can be very unsightly and can pose a hazard. Going wireless is the best option but can be very expensive. Our experts suggest the following tips and tricks on how to hide speaker wire. It includes the use of moldings, wire tapes, duct raceways, and even light strips. They are proven ways of dealing with annoying cable wires in your sound system, as well.

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Westchester, NY

Choosing the right Westchester New York home theater installation services can be quite a challenge if you are new to the area, but it is certainly not impossible. You should definitely call a few companies and ask them to give you a free estimate on the cost of the project, but you also need to know exactly what you want before you even begin.

Finding a professional in the industry that you can trust is the most important thing to consider when choosing a company to help with your home installation services in Westchester, NY. There are so many companies out there, it can be difficult knowing which one is going to do a good job and how much they will charge you. But the important thing is that you choose one that you feel comfortable with. 

Once you have found a few companies that you feel comfortable with and understand completely, make an appointment to have them come to your home and give you a quote. Have them evaluate the project that you have in mind. This will give you a good idea of what is realistic, and what costs can be included in completing the project.

If you are looking to install a new theater system in your home, don’t feel like you are alone. Millions of people all over the world have enjoyed the benefits of a top-quality home theater system. They provide a completely different experience than watching television or movies on the television. 

With superior picture quality, surround sound audio, and a host of other features, there is no better way to enjoy this type of entertainment. However, before you get started you should make sure that you hire an experienced, trustworthy company to provide you services in Westchester for home theater installation needs.

For similar posts, you can also check the home theater installation services in these places:

• Plano
• El Paso
• Richmond
• Columbus
• Colorado Springs

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from The Product Analyst https://theproductanalyst.com/home-theater-installation/westchester-ny/

Orange County

If you’re looking to have a custom home entertainment setup at home, and you’re not necessarily handy with tools and carpentry, then home theater installation is for you. There are a variety of different companies in Orange County that offer this service. Many offer it as a do-it-yourself method of installation, but there are also companies that offer this type of service as well as professional installation.

A professional home theater setup in Orange County will include the use of an installation expert who will go over every little detail, from the screens to the furniture to the accessories. He or she will show you the proper placement of all of the components and show you exactly how each one works. Then, he or she will install the equipment, testing it one item at a time. After he or she is done testing the equipment, he or she will walk you through how the entire setup should look like. 

When choosing a company to carry out Orange County’s home installation services, you want to make sure that the individuals you choose are knowledgeable and experienced. There are many great choices out there today, but some companies will not be as good as others. If you have questions about the home theater installation process, you can ask the company you choose to give you a free estimate. This will allow you to see what their prices actually are so that you can make a decision based on that price.

For other great options, you can also check out the home theater installations services in these areas:

• Atlanta
• Houston
• Memphis 
• Katy
• Denver

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