Live Feed to HDTV

[BPoese]

We are having a LARGE funeral in a few weeks. We want to run a live feed to the gym. Something we normally do not do. We have a consumer HD camera with a HDMI Output. The question is how to get the signal to the 60 inch HD TV in the gym which is about 120 feet away.

I found two methods. 1) Use HDMI cable with HDMI Amplifiers every 50 feet. This gets a little expensive. 2) The other method is to run an 8-foot HDMI cable to a CAT5 Transmitter which uses 2 CAT5e cables (which can run over 180 ft) to run to the CAT5 Receiver which takes the signal back to a HDMI cable to the HDTV. This method varies in price. Depending on the Transmitter and Receiver the price is anywhere from $69 - $500 for the converters. I am looking at one set for around $100. Would this unit get me a satisfactary HD picture? ( http://www.hdtvhookup.com/hdovcat5cat6.html ) Or do I really need the $500 set for a good picture? Any other suggestions?

Thanks
Bruce

[hoosierdraft]

I currently have one of these in place with no signal issues:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

Just slightly over your $100 target.

[cw4u]

Or, you could just use the Cat5/6 Component balun. I think you'd like that better, because Cat cable is cheap, and you don't have to worry about whether your target is withing 130'. If you need to make it longer or shorter, just make a new cable and terminate the ends.

And, I say component because you'll be able to use more devices with component than with HDMI right now.

[Brad Weber]

Originally Posted by cw4u

Or, you could just use the Cat5/6 Component balun. I think you'd like that better, because Cat cable is cheap, and you don't have to worry about whether your target is withing 130'. If you need to make it longer or shorter, just make a new cable and terminate the ends.


And, I say component because you'll be able to use more devices with component than with HDMI right now.

Wouldn't that require that the camera provide an analog component output? That sort of leads to the question of what the camera does actually output. It may be an HDMI signal but what is actually output, e.g. is it 720p, 1080i, 1080p, etc.? You want to make sure that the camera output, transmission devices and display are all compatible. It is most likely not the situation, but if the camera output 1080p then the interface shown claims only a 98' maximum distance.


How are you addressing audio? HDMI does include audio but the camera probably only provides video, do you need to also address audio?


Another thing, the run distances stated for products like these are typically "up to" some stated maximum distance and that is apparently true for this specific product. That means that there is no guarantee it will work at that distance or even at shorter distances. 130' should not be a problem for a product that claims to support 180' but consider if that 130' is the actual cable length that may be required, if 130' is the direct distance then a few twists and turns and changes in elevation could put the actual cable run length much closer to or even over the maximum distance. Also note that for distances over 100' they recommend using shielded CAT5e or CAT6 and that if you run the cable exposed in any ceiling plenums then you'll need to use plenum rated cable.


This is a completely personal opinion but I am always wary of any products where there is no manufacturer clearly identified and for which no information such as manuals or product data sheets are provided. And I always consider the warranty and return policy, which in this case is apparently as follows:

If the product is found defective on arrival or incorrect item was shipped, buyer understands that the product will be replaced at seller's discretion once the product in question is returned. Any notification of defective or incorrect item shipped must be made to us within 7 days of receipt of your product. Any returning package without a previous contact with us will be refused. Buyer is responsible for return shipping costs and insurance. All shipping and handling fee will not be returned in any case.

As far as I can tell, that 7 day period is the warranty period, at least I could not find any mention of any other warranty.

[cw4u]

Yes, it would. But, most consumer HD cameras that I've worked with output mini-HDMI, Component, and Composite. So, a component balun should be fine, unless his doesn't output component.

[BPoese]

I bought the cable (or something that is very similar to what "hoosierdraft" recommended). I tried it out last night and I got a great picture on the HDTV. The only "problem" was the audio feedback from the camera. I had the camera and HDTV in the same room to try out the cable before I actually ran the cable through the walls and ceilings. When I actually use this setup the way I need to, the camera will be in a different room than the HDTV so I think I will not have to worry about audio feedback.

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions from everyone!
Bruce