All the new, digital image and audio processing today is fabulous for our movie and music experience, but it does require a little extra know-how. Cables and wires can be a confusing lot, especially if you’re new to the modern home theater world that requires multiple cables for the same purpose, or one cable for multiple purposes.
HDMI is a term you’ve probably encountered. It is the standard “holy grail” of video and audio high quality data transfer. But did you know that HDMI can be transmitted over Cat5 cables? Some home theater setups will necessitate this feature, and it is ideal in many cases.
First, some definitions. A Cat5 cable is also known as a UTP cable, which stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair. Basically, this cable creates a differential signal through balanced to unbalanced transformers, or Baluns. A huge benefit to this setup is eliminating ground loops, because a Balun transformer isolates the conduction path from the home theater equipment hooked up at the other end. A transformer also allows for extended length, sometimes allowing for HDMI signals to be transmitted 150 feet or more without loss in quality.
So, why is this system a good solution? First, Cat5 cables are small, smaller than coaxial, which makes them easier to run through the house or commercial building. Also, they tend to be cheaper, which can amount to hundreds of dollars of savings if you’re installing a large project. Terminating a Cat5 is comparatively simple as well. Overall, this solution is easier, cheaper and can run longer distances than many other possible solutions.
You might be asking why every home theater solution isn’t taking advantage of the great benefits of video over Cat5 cables. It’s not the best solution in all cases. The transformer is key to achieving a high-quality signal, and the best transformers (which produce the best picture in the end) often cost upwards of $500. And despite the great distance that a balun system is able to achieve, there is some quality degradation as distance increases. Many manufacturers will advertise that this solution can produce 1080i-grade images at 200 feet, but 1080p can only be achieved at 150 feet or less.
The actual Cat5 cables are sensitive to environmental factors. They cannot be too close to fluorescent lights or to high voltage lines, should not be passively split or run through a hub, and a single Cat5 cable can only carry either data or AV, not both. And finally, a Cat5 solution requires two separate runs of cable, one shielded and one unshielded, so it is not ideal for many retrofit situations.
If your are considering a project that requires a long distance, say 100 feet or more, the balun Cat5 solution is usually the best and cheapest option. There are both benefits and drawbacks to this AV system, so be sure to assess your home theater needs and limiting factors before you start wiring.
Lauren Dugan is a contributing author to the HD Envy blog. HD Envy is a leader in LCD TV Frame production. Whether you need a classy piece for your home theater or custom designs for your commercial establishment, the Flat Panel TV Picture Frame offerings at HD Envy will satisfy your needs. You can work with the TV framing experts to create the perfect mount for your wall, a TV Picture Frame that is uniquely you. And each flat panel TV picture frame is created with easy-to-install brackets to ensure you get your TV up and running as quickly as possible. The modern home theater will become truly innovative with the addition of a flat panel TV picture frame from HD Envy.
