HD Video Transmission Capabilities Made Possible With HDMI Extenders and Wireless USB Extenders

Having all required equipment in the vicinity of the desired site is difficult to manage, especially when the output (display) unit needs to be placed at a distance from the console. Extenders serve this purpose effectively by providing links between the main operating system and the remotely located display unit. Any extender would fulfill your purpose but if smart solutions are desired then the only contenders that are able to deliver the desired results are HDMI extenders and Wireless USB extenders. These are extremely useful for transmitting high definition video signals without the risk of the quality of the signals being degraded in the process. Lets take a look at the technical configuration and performance capabilities of these "smart" extenders.
HDMI (High Definition Media Interface) Extenders:
HDMI extenders find application where video signal clarity holds the highest significance when transmitting data over long distances. The configuration may involve either a single device or a pair of devices usually powered by 5V DC from the source of HDMI or with an external source. Using long cables can be a problem as it leads to instability of the HDCP which in turn is indicated by blinking on the screen. The reason for this is due to weakening of the DCC signals that are required by the HDCP. The HDCP requirements for HDMI extenders with respect to the use of a single Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable can only be met if the DCC signals of HDCP are multiplexed with the video signals of TMDS.
Most vendors offer repeaters and amplifiers to link multiple HDMI cables together. However, active HDMI cables make use of technical facilities located within the cable to boost the signal strength due to which it becomes possible to HDMI cables to possess lengths of 98 feet (30 meters). For even lengthier variants, the configurations of the HDMI cables need to possess dual Cat 5 or Cat 6 cables for extending the length to 820 feet (250 meters) and for extending the length to 300 meters, the system has to be based on optic fiber transmission. The benefits of using optic fiber in HDMI cables include protection from radio signal interference, signal noise avoidance, and prevention of electromagnetic interference. This proves to be major leverage in situations where sensitive and confidential video data is to be transmitted over distances without losing the signal quality.
There is a difference between HDMI cables and HDMI extenders. While cables can solve the purpose of connecting HDMI devices with their respective output units, extenders are used to link units over distances without compromising the quality and strength of the signal. It is this characteristic of HDMI extenders that makes it a "smart" and preferable choice for transmission of high definition video.
Being a condensed interface for transmitting uncompressed data from HDMI compliant sources, it is capable of maintaining the crispness and clarity associated with HD audio-visuals. Most users are not able to differentiate between video streamed directly and that which is streamed with the help of extenders. Due to such characteristics, HDMI extenders are highly cost effective, have extremely high efficiency levels and have high durability.
Wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus) Extenders:
USB extenders usually make use of Cat 5, Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables for aiding smooth and undistorted transmission of video signals. The components are less bulky and are fairly easy to work with. However, the wireless USB extenders do not have the requirement of cables as the only components involved in the process are a receiver and an emitter. The entire process of data transmission takes place without the use of wires over established networks.
The major advantage of using USB based wireless transmission is the complete elimination of active power sources as the USB ports on the systems serve as power outlets so the adapters do not have any requirement of separate or additional power connections. The benefits of using this extender is the complete elimination and cessation of dependency on cables and convenient arrangement of equipment as well as connected units in a given space. These facilities also make work highly flexible with the layout of a place being changed as per the need without being concerned excessively on management of cables. Other key benefits include the ability to operate in places having high interference and absence of active network hot spots, to provide transmission links in situations where the internal network environment fails to bridge the gap between the computer / device and the router, and the capability of sustaining high performance when working in environments serving as hubs.
Certain wireless USB extenders maintain compliance with 802.11 protocols with most of them possessing backward compatibility. Further advancements led to the development of protocol 802.11a that runs at a frequency of 5 GHz for which the access port needs to have the same operating frequency. The latest generation of this protocol is 802.11ac and all equipment following this protocol are backward compliant with 802.11n, 802.11g, and / or 802.11b equipment.
However, older versions would not be able to relay the signal of newer generations due to safety issues raised by the implemented encryption algorithms. Moreover, the wireless routers themselves cannot assure the security of the established network. The same needs to be equipped on the extenders and repeaters in order to ensure the safety of the connected systems in the respective wireless network. Such features make video transmission highly convenient, safe, cost effective, hassle free and flexible in a stiff environment, especially when HD videos are involved.

Comparison Shopping For HDMI Cables

Most of us are aware that an HDMI cable connects high definition components and devices, whether your TV is connected to a BluRay player or an HD cable receiver. However, the picture on your HD equipment will still look like standard definition and resolution without an HDMI connecting cable. Typically, the cables used to connect audio and video equipment are the least expensive part of the HD equation while the picture definition and resolution will only be as good as the cables that are used.
First and foremost, start by determining the amount of HDMI cable (or length) that is needed to facilitate your system and components. One thing to be aware of is the fact that the longer the cable, the higher the price you'll pay. For instance, an extra foot or two in length could add as much as $20 to the total price of that cable. Therefore, it is important to accurately measure the distance between the HDMI ports on your HD TV and the ports on your other HD devices and equipment.
Secondly, does your HDMI cable have gold-tipped ends? Gold is viewed as the best metal for conducting electronic signals. Don't worry about a drastic increase in the price because there really isn't enough actual gold in the cable ends to drive the price up that much. Interestingly enough, there are many individuals who feel that cables with gold ends are simply a waste. But that mentality is most likely attributed to the fact that most consumers today do not have the budget to spend on high-end equipment and components.
They also feel that whether the ends are made from gold or some other metal, it doesn't make any significant difference in how well they work and the quality of signal that is delivered. Moving on, the third step is to look at how the cable is insulated. Cheaper cabling tends to use only a rubber exterior coating whereas the high-end HDMI cable will have an additional protective layer over the rubber and therefore, protects the cable from any damage.
Although this is not a requirement, purchasing a HDMI cable is highly recommended because even though it costs you more up front, what it saves you in the long run far outweighs that initial expense. Finally, be sure that your cable is rated as full, 1080 HD-supported. Most on the market cables are. However, there is that rare occurrence of occasionally finding one that is 720 HD.

Mini HDMI to HDMI: Insider's Guide

There are four types of HDMI connectors. Type A and B are specified with the HDMI 1.0 definition. Type C refers to HDMI 1.3 specifications and Type D refers to HDMI 1.4 specifications.
A Mini HDMI connector or Type C, refers to the HDMI 1.3 specifications and configuration of 19 pins and 13.9 mm X 4.45 mm male plug connector. It's like Type A connector, but its compacted into a smaller plug. The Type C Mini connector can be connected to a Type A connector using a Type A-to-Type C cable or Mini HDMI to HDMI cable.
Mini HDMI to HDMI connectors are the new high definition standard for connecting portable devices. It allows you to connect your high definition portable device to your standard HDMI equipped connectors found on most televisions and receivers today. The cables allow uncompressed high definition video and digital audio
Please note that this type of connector is intended only for PORTABLE High Definition devices such as camcorders or cameras. If you are only looking to connect your cable/satellite box, dvd/Blu-ray players, game consoles, and/or receivers you will need a Type A HDMI connector.
Don't get the Mini HDMI confused with Micro HDMI. Micro HDMI (Type D) has the 19 pins and is small like a micro USB plug, but this type of connector is intended only for smart phones or other mobile devices.
Popular High Definition camcorder and camera manufactures that are compatible with Mini HDMI to HDMI cables:
- Flip Video
- Kodak
- Sony
- Canon
- Sanyo
- JVC
- Samsung
- Panasonic
- JVC
- HP
- Aiptek
- Toshiba
- DXG
The types of Mini HDMI to HDMI connectors are based on the material, thickness (gauge AWG) and length of the cable. All are made of industry standard plastic and rubber casing, but the connector plugs are commonly found with copper or gold plating. Gold performs better than copper because it conducts electricity more efficiently. Therefore the data that's transmitted has less of a chance to loss any signals although to compare the two the difference in numbers is so small.
Another factor is the cable thickness or gauge. The thicker the cable, or smaller the gauge number (AWG) the lower the electrical resistance and higher current capacity.
Prices vary based on retail store, OEM, or genuine comparable products. There are many, Mini HDMI to HDMI connectors that can be found online with up to 60% savings.

How to Transmit HDMI Signals Over Long Cable

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an interface standard used for audio and visual equipment, such as high-definition television and home theater systems. HDMI cables are wonderful all-in-one cables that provide high-definition video and sound in a single cable. However, because of their composition they are typically only able to carry signals to about 50 feet (about 15 meters) before they need help to travel farther.
If you'd like to transmit the HDMI signal to 30M, 60M or longer distance, it is not so easy because the frequency of the individual sine waves is such high frequency. As frequencies of the signal increase, the quality of the HD signals degrades. So here we'd present you a solution that can significantly improve HDMI transmission: HDMI Extender.
There are many HDMI extenders on the market. Theoretically extenders that are based on dual Cat5/Cat6 cable can extend HD signals to 250 meters (820 ft), while extenders based on optical fiber can extend HD signals to 300 meters (980 ft). As there later one is more expensive than the former one, it is not widely applied to our home theater systems. So "HDMI extender over cat5/6 cable" is highly recommended. However, not all the HDMI extenders can transmit as long distance as you want. Generally most of the HDMI extenders on the market can only transmit signals up to 60 meters. But fortunately there are some extenders over cat5/6 cable that can transmit to 100 meters or longer. The HDMI extender from VVdeals is the one designed for you. By converting the HDMI signal to TCP/IP protocol, this "HDMI extender over cat5/6 cable" can transmit up to 100 meters when the sender and receiver are directly connected. With the help of routers or networking switches, this Extender will extend the HDMI signal to a longer distance for you. For example, if you add one more network switch, the transmission distance will be extended to 200 meters. It is also a HDMI splitter that you can connect one sender with several receivers, such as 4 receivers. Then this HDMI extender over cat5/6 cable will work as a 1x4 HDMI splitter. If you hook up to 8 receivers, it will be a 1x8 HDMI splitter. Therefore you would have found that this extender is really very powerful and practical as it can work as a HDMI splitter over cat5/6 cable. Mini In size, it is portable and elegant. It provides you a perfect solution for your home entertainment system and your engineering project.
With technology develops HD connections such as HDMI has been the de facto standard in HDTV connections. Transmitting HDMI signals over long cables is a challenge and often causes pixelization and signal drop out. This HDMI Extender can be placed at the display end of the cable to completely compensate for signal degradation caused by a long HDMI cable and help you get the best entertainment.

HDMI Cables - Is It Worth Paying For High Priced Cables?

The sales of HDMI cables have reached record highs in recent years; this is solely down to the increasing popularity of High Definition devices such as flat screen televisions, Blu Ray players, games consoles and High Definition satellite TV. A huge contention surrounding HDMI cables is the cost, with cables available from under £5 many people ask the question; is it worth spending upwards of £50 on a HDMI cable? After all the signal is meant to be digital and made from 1 and 0's. This question has caused many a discussion in the technical press with some of the biggest selling audio visual magazines saying yes it is worth spending more and other areas of the AV media saying save your money and buys a cheap cable.
In my opinion, there are a couple of factors you should consider. The most important of which is length. HDMI cables, like all cables suffer from Electrical Magnetic Interference (EMI). This means the lead acts like an aerial and picks up interference from other cables or electrical devices in the near vicinity. This interference may manifest as ghosting or sparkles on the screen, it may even cause the picture to judder. You can reduce the effects of EMI by choosing cables that offer shielding. Shielding often comes in the form of aluminium foil wrapped around the inner cables. Another method of reducing EMI is by the use of Ferrite Suppressors, these are round coils placed on either end of the cable.
Another option that can increase quality is the use of a gold HDMI cable. Gold plated contacts are very efficient at conducting the electrical signal, they also benefit from gold's ability at preventing oxidization. Even moisture in the air we breathe can cause oxidization and lead to signal loss. Gold HDMI cables are not expensive; many of the sub £5 cables now come with gold plated plugs.
If you are using a lead under 2 meters long you should not have any problems. Indeed a sub £5 under 2 meters long should work fine in most applications. However if you intend using a longer run, you should consider spending a bit more. The more expensive branded cables tend to be made from 100 % copper which offers less resistance for the signal. They have far superior shielding than cheaper cables; many manufacturers have individual shielding for each of the internal cables and an outer shielding. The cable plugs are also often shielded. If using a very long cable, over 10 meters, you can also consider the use of a HDMI repeater box. These act like amplifiers and rebuild the signal to ensure it reaches the long distance.
In conclusion, if you are using a cable less than 2 meters long, opt for a gold plated cable and you can't go far wrong. However if you need a longer cable, upwards of 10 meters or longer; then it's worth spending a little bit more.