Like many audio, video, and data cables, HDMI cords can suffer from signal degradation at longer lengths—50 feet is generally considered the maximum reliable length. And it's rare to see an HDMI cable longer than 25 feet in a store. Even online, cables more than 50 feet long can be hard to find.
SDI can run up to 100m in cable length in 1080p50/60 (3 Gbit/s), while HDMI can stretch to a maximum of 15m in the same bandwidth. There are several ways of extending HDMI beyond that 15m.
For resolutions near 4K, it's recommended to use an HDMI cable that is no longer than 3 meters (10 feet). After that distance, the signal can start to degrade. For lower resolutions, the reliable distance is much longer, with the most common being 15 meters (50 feet).
For most home or office setups, a cable length of 6-10 feet (2-3 meters) is sufficient for connecting devices to displays or projectors. If you need to connect devices over longer distances, it is recommended to use a signal booster or HDMI repeater to maintain signal integrity.
Whatever the length of your HDMI cable, your HDMI cable can go bad. How you store your cable, such as coiling or bending it can damage the HDMI[1] over time. Maybe you unplug and plug in the HDMI cable too roughly, because that can also damage the inputs.
But you may need to replace them eventually
The one caveat to all this is that while HDMI cables don't simply go bad over time– they may need to be replaced one day. There are physical damage reasons that that might happen, such as extreme force shearing the cable in two, or damaging the internal wiring.
An HDMI cable may last five days or five years, depending on the person using them. In most cases, these cables are resilient and strong, so it's rare to see a case in which an HDMI cable breaks. One of the few reasons people throw away older HDMI cables is because they upgrade to new HDMI cables.
But, you may start to wonder if the length of HDMI cables is going to have an effect on the quality. Does the length of HDMI cables matter? The length of an HDMI cable does have a negative effect on signal quality, with manufacturers generally not recommending cables over 20 feet.
Yes, two HDMI cables can be connected together using an HDMI repeater. This does not only connect two HDMI wires but also boosts the quality of the data signal coming from the source gadget to the output. HDMI extender coupled with ethernet cables is also a possible way to connect two wires together.
HDMI over IP extender
The receiver receives this data signal through its ethernet port and processes it into a video signal that can be displayed on a TV or projector. This allows you to achieve a long-distance transmission with no loss of quality in image or sound.
HDMI cable length for active HDMI 2.1 connections can increase dramatically whilst retaining full bandwidth. An active HDMI 2.1 cable can measure up to 25ft without difficulty, giving you much more cable reach to play with.
There really is no difference between a cable marketed as 4K and one that is not. But there is a label that does matter, and that is the speed rating. Speed will dictate the maximum bandwidth allowed by the cable.
Accordingly, you'll need an HDMI cable that has adequate bandwidth. A Premium High Speed HDMI cable should cover the highest demands you'd ask of a 4K TV with a 60Hz refresh rate.
Summary: Information about the HDMI connector gives a maximum resolution that is limited to 1920x1080 or 1920x1200 on external monitors.
HDMI Standard cables are compatible with 1080i or 720p video and with surround sound.
High Speed HDMI Cable -
Designed and tested to support video resolutions of 1080p and more, including display technologies such as 4K UHD, 3D and Deep Colour. This is a recommended cable if you are using any of these technologies or connecting your 1080p display to a 1080p content source e.g. a Blu-ray Disc player.
Like many audio, video, and data cables, HDMI cords can suffer from signal degradation at longer lengths—50 feet is generally considered the maximum reliable length.
How does an HDMI splitter work? An HDMI splitter can split an HDMI signal and send it across multiple displays. All the display devices can receive the same picture in full-HD or Ultra-HD, with the same audio that the source device sends out.
Long distance support - The length of cable from the source device to the switch should be no longer than 25ft. The BEST possible HDMI cable should be used for this length. From the switch to a destination TV, the maximum recommend length is 50ft using conventional or REDMERE HIGH SPEED HDMI cables.
Standard cables are passive and long lengths degrade signal. While you should not have issues with 25ft (max theoretical limit is at around 50ft) if you want to go long you need an active (powered cable) or a converter box from hdmi to fiber/cat. Good luck.
In many cases, just checking to ensure your HDMI cable is entirely inserted into each connecting device can eliminate issues. If you note any frayed or exposed wires, your HDMI cable may have become damaged and will need to be replaced.
The port can wear out over time. Depends on quality of the HDMI cable for example if one was very hard to plug in it can damage the port quickly. Also take note that unplugging and plugging it while it is switched on a lot in short succession will kill the HDMI chip over time in my cases it took a few minutes.
Yes, there is a difference but whether or not you experience any difference depends highly on what you are using the HDMI cable for. When it comes to home theater equipment, you want to ensure that you are getting the highest quality sound and video from your system.