One common issue with HDMI cables is determining the maximum length that can be used without compromising quality. HDMI is a widely used connection for audio and video devices, compatible with a variety of equipment such as TVs, receivers, soundbars, and streaming devices.
HDMI cables are available in various lengths, ranging from 1.5 meters to 100 meters at Kabum, with prices starting from R$ 7.99 up to R$ 1,300.00.
The performance of HDMI can be affected by factors like resolution, refresh rate, cable materials, and whether the cable is passive or active. AV professionals typically recommend lengths between 7.5 to 15 meters for optimal performance.
At Kabum, a 30-meter HDMI cable costs R$1,130.50, showing that quality matters more than length.
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Sizes and how something works
When purchasing an 18-meter high-quality HDMI cable, users are not necessarily at risk. However, HDMI cables longer than 15 meters are typically more susceptible to signal degradation compared to shorter cables.
Above 15 meters, users may encounter visual abnormalities, audio disruptions, or signal loss. Below that distance, the device typically functions well and is a straightforward solution.
Issues arise when working with cables longer than 7.5 meters (25 feet), as they may encounter obstacles between doors. Therefore, the most important factor to consider for shorter cables is the HDMI version.
The price of HDMI cables varies based on both length and version.
Various kinds
One prevalent issue is signal attenuation, which occurs when an AV signal encounters resistance as it passes through the HDMI cable due to factors like electromagnetic interference and interference from other devices and cables.
Passive HDMI cables, lacking amplifiers or signal boosters, are a common cause of quality issues despite their affordability, making them a popular choice among consumers.
It is clear that their economic design also renders them more vulnerable to signal degradation over long distances.
Active HDMI cables, priced higher than passive ones, feature signal amplifiers and boosters to ensure a reliable connection over distances exceeding 7.5 meters.
Amazon can easily distinguish the price variance when searching for an “active HDMI cable” (no results are found when using this search term on Kabum).
| Size | Price (R$) |
|---|---|
| 1 m | $ 179,14 |
| 2 m | R$ 186,57 |
| 3 m | R$ 208,74 |
| 5 m | R$ 228,70 |
| 7.5 m | R$ 247,43 |
| 9 m | $ 269,50 |
| 15 m | $ 339,77 |
| 23 m | R$ 461,21 |
HDMI faces a challenge with the large amount of data that cables must transmit. Cables with higher bandwidth, such as those labeled HDMI 2.0 and 2.1, are necessary for 4K resolution, increased frame rates, and audio return. Smart TVs use the HDMI ARC port for this purpose.
Larger bandwidth cables are susceptible to deterioration even over short distances. It is important to note that HDMI version 2.1 is backward compatible with earlier versions such as v2.0a, v2.0b, and v1.4.
| HDMI version | v2.1 | v2.0 | v1.4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 8K | 4K | 2K |
| Maximum total bandwidth (Gbit/s) | 48.2 | 18.2 | 10.2 |
| Audio Channels | 32 | 24 | 8 |
| HDR Static | ✔ expressed | ✔ expressed | ❌ |
| HDR Dynamic | ✔ expressed | ❌ | ❌ |
| HDCP | 2.2. | 2.2. | 1.4. |
| Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) | ✔ expressed | ❌ | ❌ |
| Variable refresh rate (VRR) | ✔ expressed | ❌ | ❌ |
| Rapid Media Exchange (QMS) | ✔ expressed | ❌ | ❌ |
| Quick Frame Transport (QFT) | ✔ expressed | ❌ | ❌ |
| Automatic Low Latency Mode (ALLM) | ✔ expressed | ❌ | ❌ |
| Display Flow Compression (DSC) | ✔ expressed | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3D | ✔ expressed | ✔ expressed | ✔ expressed |
Long cables and extenders can be used to extend the reach of electronic devices.
Shorter HDMI cables may not be suitable for all audio and video setups, especially when the components are in one location and the TV is mounted elsewhere.
Some situations might necessitate a lengthy HDMI cable, with some extending up to around 30 meters in certain instances, and potentially even longer in other cases.
There are several methods available to lengthen your HDMI cables for greater distances.
One option is to consider investing in HDMI extenders. These devices, like active HDMI cables, boost the HDMI signal, but they do so using a different type of cable.
One of the typical extender types utilizes Cat5e/6 technology, where a short HDMI cable is connected to one end and a Cat5e or Cat6 cable is used for longer distances. These extensions can cover distances exceeding 90 meters, with the signal being converted back to HDMI prior to reaching the TV.
At Amazon, you can purchase a 120-meter extender for R$ 319.99 or a 60-meter model for R$ 68.99. It’s important to check what items are included in the set when making your search.
Other Options
Fiber optic and coaxial extenders are alternative choices for cables and adapters. Fiber optic is suitable for sending HDMI signals over long distances, reaching several kilometers, whereas coaxial cable is optimal for extending signals up to 300 meters.
At Kabum, HDMI fiber adapter models are priced at R$ 465.00 for 10 meters and R$ 859.90 for 50 meters.
Another option is to purchase HDMI repeaters, devices installed at intervals on a cable to boost the HDMI signal. An amplifier is available on Amazon for R$ 367.88.
Wireless HDMI kits may seem attractive initially, but even the top wireless HDMI transmitters can experience signal degradation similar to a lengthy yet poor-quality passive HDMI cable in certain situations.
Source: BGR.
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