|
||||||||
Worth chasing another HDMI cable into the wall? |
![]() |
|
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|
#1 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,168
|
Worth chasing another HDMI cable into the wall?
A friend of mine is having building work done in her living room. She's going to have a TV up on the wall above the fireplace and her Sky box and DVD player on a unit to the side. She's going to have cables chased into the wall:-
- HDMI for Sky signal - SCART for DVD input - coaxial to TV (for when Sky goes down, so she can still watch Freeview) She's seen some new DVD players coming out that have no SCART connectivity and is wondering whether it's worth having a second HDMI cable run as well, before the plasterer comes, to be able to connect such a DVD box in case that's all that's available in the future, when her current DVD box eventually dies. Does this seem like a wise move? Is SCART on its way out, with HDMI the successor? Thanks for all advice. |
|
|
|
|
Please sign in or register to remove this advertisement.
|
|
|
#2 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,537
|
Quote:
Is SCART on its way out, with HDMI the successor?
And as BluRay players don't support scart, yes, it would make total sense to have at least one other HDMI cable run through the wall. Not only are machines with scart output becoming rarer, but TVs with scart input also. I have a Sky box, a Blu Ray player and a DVD recorder connected to my TV. I haven't used a scart cable in years... |
|
|
|
|
|
#3 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 447
|
Yes to both questions but if it were me I would have trunking to allow easy replacement or addition of cables, including the TV power. For convenience it needs to be sufficiently large to allow HDMI and coax plugs to go through (probably not feasible with SCART).
You may be warned of interference problems running cables together (especially HDMI) but at least with trunking you can try different cables.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#4 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Standish, near Wigan
Posts: 525
|
I would also suggest at least one network cable for that Smart TV upgrade - cable is better than wireless.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,168
|
Thanks for both answers. Based on that info, she's going to have a second HDMI cable run.
Good spot about the TV's power lead - but it turns out that she's already made provision for that separately, running power to a socket on the wall behind where the TV will be. ETA: Sorry, thanks for all three answers! I was just thinking about a network cable, too. I did a quick Google and Internet-connected TV seems to have had something of a mixed reception. I started discussing it with my friend and it turns out that her router is right across the other side of the room, so direct cabling sounds a bit impractical. Unless - is there such a thing as a wireless receiver that could sit with the Sky and DVD boxes, and that be connected to the TV, acting like a kind of repeater? |
|
|
|
|
|
#6 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Reading
Posts: 27,926
|
Having only the one HDMI lead might not be a problem. You can always stick a switch on the end to select between sources if necessary. And of course if you use a surround sound system of any reasonable quality it will have multiple HDMI ins for the external kit and only a single HDMI needed to the telly.
Speaking of which... If there is no surround system at the moment it might be worth checking if the TV supports Audio Return Channel over HDMI. If it does then run a cable to that socket. That way you are set up for any future addition of a surround system. Just get one that also supports ARC and you don't get the "DOH!!!" moment as you realise there is no way to get sound out of the telly into the surround system for those occasions when the built in Freeview is in use for example. Particularly so if all the cables are buried in the wall
|
|
|
|
|
|
#7 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Reading
Posts: 27,926
|
Quote:
I was just thinking about a network cable, too. I did a quick Google and Internet-connected TV seems to have had something of a mixed reception.
I started discussing it with my friend and it turns out that her router is right across the other side of the room, so direct cabling sounds a bit impractical. Unless - is there such a thing as a wireless receiver that could sit with the Sky and DVD boxes, and that be connected to the TV, acting like a kind of repeater? Homeplugs/Powerline adapters plug into the mains and use the mains wiring to communicate between each other. Or you can get simple WiFi adapters that plug on to the end of the cable to give wireless access to the router. |
|
|
|
|
|
#8 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: colchester
Posts: 15,352
|
Quote:
I was just thinking about a network cable, too. I did a quick Google and Internet-connected TV seems to have had something of a mixed reception.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#9 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Sussex
Posts: 12,173
|
Just remember that whatever you install now will likely change in the not so distant future. I'd seriously consider trying to use trunking if all possible, maybe chase in most of it but leave access top and bottom where the TV would hide the top access and something else could hide the bottom access. Then leave a pull cord string in there and leave a nice large trunking for future use!
|
|
|
|
|
|
#10 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: South Wales/Gran Canaria
Posts: 8,300
|
Another vote for trunking, its a tidy option and upgradable in the future. Comes in different shapes and colours these days too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#11 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 772
|
Make sure that the hdmi leads are not in the same cable run as the aerial RF lead . Keep the 2 at least 9 " apart .
Personaly I would go 3 x hdmi , 1 x network feed & 1 mains . Scart on a "state of the art " is a waste of time + if you need to feed Low resolution video feed you can plug it into a SKY receiver that will forward it to the TV , PS hdmi switches work but can get confused and require intervention to switch them over or they lock out , better to put the cables in correctly in the first place and do the swithcing with the TV . |
|
|
|
|
|
#12 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: North Derbyshire
Posts: 41,794
|
Quote:
Make sure that the hdmi leads are not in the same cable run as the aerial RF lead . Keep the 2 at least 9 " apart .
I've seen hundreds working perfectly OK, and fitted loads as well. I suspect it's yet another of these 'urban myths' which seen to appear from nowhere?. |
|
|
|
|
|
#13 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Redditch Worcs
Posts: 17,296
|
Quote:
Makes no difference- there aren't any concerns with running HDMI and aerial wires together - unless of course you're using crappy aerial wires and 'HDMI' cables that don't meet the HDMI specifications.
I've seen hundreds working perfectly OK, and fitted loads as well. I suspect it's yet another of these 'urban myths' which seen to appear from nowhere?. It's not a myth it's down to crap interconnects. The worst offenders seem to be the overpriced hdmi cables. Make RF interconnects from decent coax (ideally WF100 sat grade cable). If you use the crap thin (mostly white coax patch leads next to hdmi leads or unscreened rf wall plates expect problems ![]() HDMI uses frequencies that can easily wipe out a whole carrier frequency. You have not experienced I guess because you use decent interconnects. |
|
|
|
|
|
#14 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 772
|
Quote:
Makes no difference- there aren't any concerns with running HDMI and aerial wires together - unless of course you're using crappy aerial wires and 'HDMI' cables that don't meet the HDMI specifications.
I've seen hundreds working perfectly OK, and fitted loads as well. I suspect it's yet another of these 'urban myths' which seen to appear from nowhere?. |
|
|
|
|
|
#15 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Northern Scottish Highlands
Posts: 11,307
|
TIP
TEST the hdmi cables first before burying them in the wall. Based on experience once of pulling a 10 metre hdmi lead in for a ceiling mounted projector, only to find it was a duff lead. |
|
|
|
|
|
#16 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,008
|
Quote:
Not a problem. Stick a network cable in and as and when necessary either use a pair of Homeplug/Powerline adapters or a WiFi adapter.
Homeplugs/Powerline adapters plug into the mains and use the mains wiring to communicate between each other. Or you can get simple WiFi adapters that plug on to the end of the cable to give wireless access to the router. WiFi adapter is OK, and even better is running a CAT5 cable around the room. I can't see what is impractical about that. |
|
|
|
|
|
#17 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Redditch Worcs
Posts: 17,296
|
Quote:
NOT Homeplugs/powerline adapters. The mains wiring is not designed to be used in this way and to do so causes serious radio interference to your neighbours.
WiFi adapter is OK, and even better is running a CAT5 cable around the room. I can't see what is impractical about that. ![]() On your soapbox again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#18 |
|
Inactive Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Guisborough, North Yorkshire
Posts: 2,878
|
I have not done it myself but I would suggest using trunking also, as it makes the job a lot easier to replace cables if needed in the future.
Adding a second HDMI cable will also future proof your setup a bit too. It will allow you to have to HDMI devices without needing to swap the cables over from devices. |
|
|
|
|
#19 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,008
|
Quote:
Rubbish
![]() On your soapbox again. ![]() http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page22.htm#PLT Running CAT 5 cable around a room is no more impractical than running aerial, satellite, or phone cables. Is this not better than polluting the ether for your neighbours? It is cheaper and greener too as no additional power is required. So, I ask again which part of my post is rubbish? |
|
|
|
|
|
#20 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Redditch Worcs
Posts: 17,296
|
Quote:
Which part of my post is rubbish? Responsible retailers choose not to sell Homeplugs for the reasons I stated.
http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page22.htm#PLT Running CAT 5 cable around a room is no more impractical than running aerial, satellite, or phone cables. Is this not better than polluting the ether for your neighbours? It is cheaper and greener too as no additional power is required. So, I ask again which part of my post is rubbish? The technology is supported by all the major companies, recommended by Humax, provided free by BT for users of their Youview service for example.The main complainers cause significant problems for other users of the RF spectrum in close proximity to other users. Thankfully in a democracy, the majority prevails ![]() I am going to add a rider to every post mentioning homeplugs in future about the inevitable post from you. Face it there are millions in use, a tiny tiny minority cause problems, far less than finding a clear WiFi channel when all the close neighbours have WiFi routers. Running cable is not practical for everyone, neither is wireless. The technology is 100% legal and licensed, it's time you recognise technology changes, 4G will create far more problems than ever homeplugs will ever do, perhaps you ought to find a new soapbox ![]() Face it you have totally lost the argument, |
|
|
|
|
|
#21 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,008
|
Quote:
All of it, there are a massive number of these in use. The tiny minority they might cause a problem with is vanishingly small and getting smaller every day.
The technology is supported by all the major companies, recommended by Humax, provided free by BT for users of their Youview service for example.The main complainers cause significant problems for other users of the RF spectrum in close proximity to other users. Thankfully in a democracy, the majority prevails ![]() I am going to add a rider to every post mentioning homeplugs in future about the inevitable post from you. Face it there are millions in use, a tiny tiny minority cause problems, far less than finding a clear WiFi channel when all the close neighbours have WiFi routers. Running cable is not practical for everyone, neither is wireless. The technology is 100% legal and licensed, it's time you recognise technology changes, 4G will create far more problems than ever homeplugs will ever do, perhaps you ought to find a new soapbox ![]() Face it you have totally lost the argument, BT supplied Homeplugs are removed rapidly by BT when Ofcom get a complaint and an alternative technology provided. I assume you mean radio hams by the main complainers. They do not cause problems for other users, they would swiftly lose their licence if they did. All the hams I have met are very concerned about TVI and will go out of their way to help and provide filters even though the problem is poorly designed domestic equipment. Signals from the local taxi company can also swamp poor equipment. Sadly taxi companies are not so helpful. Running cable is no more difficult or impractical than running aerial or satellite cables. The problem is laziness. Being legal does not make it harmless. Tobacco and alcohol are both legal and they both cause immense harm. The best we can do is try to educate people to the problems, and the same applies to Homeplugs. No one really knows what problems 4G will cause but al least there is a mechanism in place to solve them. No free filters on peoples aerials can solve Homeplug problems so the best solution is to not use them, especially when there are so much better ways of getting ethernet around the home. |
|
|
|
|
|
#22 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Redditch Worcs
Posts: 17,296
|
Quote:
BT supplied Homeplugs are removed rapidly by BT when Ofcom get a complaint and an alternative technology provided.
. Telling everyone not to use them is totally pointless, It will have zero effect on the number fitted of which only a minute proportion will actually cause any problems to anyone else. Basically you massively exaggerate the impact for some weird personal campaign that's going to make no difference at all. Quote:
To put this into perspective we've shipped into the UK over half a million pairs of adaptors, and we've had 20 customers who've had interference issues – and we've managed to resolve all of those," says Lishawa, who adds that the solution is often to 'notch out' or block the offending frequencies via the adapter.
fromhttp://www.guardian.co.uk/technology.../2008/oct/20/1 |
|
|
|
|
|
#23 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: colchester
Posts: 15,352
|
Quote:
NOT Homeplugs/powerline adapters. The mains wiring is not designed to be used in this way and to do so causes serious radio interference to your neighbours.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#24 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,008
|
Quote:
That's about as meaningful as saying copper phone lines were never designed for broadband.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#25 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,008
|
Quote:
Which is fine, of the millions that are used, a tiny tiny percentage may cause a problem.
Telling everyone not to use them is totally pointless, It will have zero effect on the number fitted of which only a minute proportion will actually cause any problems to anyone else. Basically you massively exaggerate the impact for some weird personal campaign that's going to make no difference at all. from http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology.../2008/oct/20/1 |
|
|
|
![]() |
|
All times are GMT. The time now is 16:58.



