HDMI cable length maximum?

[JohnScelso]

As part of my capture project I'll need a 35' HDMI cable, but I may instead just buy a '50 HDMI Cable. The cable would connect my HDMI splitter to my HDMI capture card.

Any issues with long HDMI cables that I need to consider before buying the cable?

Thanks.

[sanlyn]

As I've read in the link provided and elsewhere, the average 28 AWG bought in big-box stores will perform successfully under Category 2 ("high speed") to about 10 feet, and under Category 1 to about 12 or 15 feet. Better cables (heavier AWG) should work up to about 20 or 30 feet. BJC makes a heavy duty HDMI cable tested successfully at 25 feet for Category 2 and 45 feet for category 1, although they've used it with no problems with 1080p signals for up to 125 feet. Unless you can get some info about the AWG and guaranteed performance of average HDMI cables, I suggest you give them a try. They make good stuff and refund with no argument if you're not satisfied. http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/hdmi-cables/hdmi-cable.htm

Others who are of the school that all HDMI cables are alike might suggest something different. You pays your money, you takes your chances. You can always get el cheapo stuff and apply an HDMI booster, which will cost about the same thing.

[usually_quiet]

Many of us swear by Monoprice. They sell a selection of HDMI products that are suitable for long cable runs. Their best standard speed HDMI cables for longer runs use 22 gauge wires. They also sell high-performance HDMI cables for longer cable runs that include built-in equalizers, such as RedMere.. Note that cables with equalizers are directional, with a source end and a destination end.

[Noahtuck]

I bought a 25' HDMI cable for my daughter to use on her 42" 1080p LCD.
It runs from her triple core PC's video card to her TV and it looks as good as my more expensive 6' HDMI cables on my 46" 1080p LED
from my BluRay, Xbox 360, etc.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882241031

You do not need to spend a large fortune for an HDMI cable from brick and mortar stores.
She has been using it now for 3 months and has not had any issues and I see no problems.

But that is the longest HDMI cable I have ever used.

[jagabo]

You should be able to find HDMI cables that work at 50 feet and don't cost an arm and a leg. I would look for cables with lots of 5 star reviews at amazon.com. For example:

http://www.amazon.com/Mediabridge-High-Speed-Cable-Ethernet/dp/B008DW9H56/

>10,000 reviews, almost all 5 star.

[JohnScelso]

Many thanks to all. This is good input.

[redwudz]

I have a 50' Monoprice HDMI cable that has worked perfectly for four years. It goes from my PCs, though a switch and through a splitter to my video projector. No problems at all.

[JohnScelso]

Just to close the loop. I bought a Mediabridge 35' cable.

So far it has worked without issue in all instances in which I have tried it:
1.) Using my PC as source, sending screen output to the TV 35' away, and
2.) using my cable box as source, through a splitter, to my PC capture card 35' away. ( 720p and 1080i signals)

No issues.

I think 35' is well within the range of today's HDMI cables. Again, thanks to all for your helpful recommendations.

[jagabo]

Glad to hear it worked out. And thanks for reporting on your results. It should help others in the future.