HDMI couplers - anyone have problems with them?

[W1GUH]

Wanted to extend an HDMI cable so I got a coupler and hooked it up. Worked just fine for a few hours, then the monitor on the end of two 10' cables coupled together got flaky.

Flaky = Monitor started going black when switching web pages or starting programs. Usually came back, though, but not always. Sometimes came back with random garbage on the screen. Computer didn't make the "monitor disconnected" sound.

Took out the coupler (again making an accident waiting to happen with the cable right at trip over height) and all's fine.

It seems ambiguous as to what's causing this. Could be overall length (20'), the coupler itself, or maybe I've got two different types of cables. Who knows about this? I'd like to think it's the coupler so a 20' single cable will be fine...but...

This is from the computer to my 3D monitor - needs lots of bandwidth. 1080p.

[N1LAF]

Extenders

An HDMI extender is a single device (or pair of devices) powered with an external power source or with the 5V DC from the HDMI source. Long cables can cause instability of HDCP and blinking on the screen, due to the weakened DDC signal that HDCP requires. HDCP DDC signals must be multiplexed with TMDS video signals to be compliant with HDCP requirements for HDMI extenders based on a single Category 5/Category 6 cable. Several companies offer amplifiers, equalizers and repeaters that can string several standard HDMI cables together. Active HDMI cables use electronics within the cable to boost the signal and allow for HDMI cables of up to 30 meters (98 ft). HDMI extenders that are based on dual Category 5/Category 6 cable can extend HDMI to 250 meters (820 ft), while HDMI extenders based on optical fiber can extend HDMI to 300 meters (980 ft).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI

[W1GUH]

The symptoms you listed are what I was seeing. But I left something out of my description. The coupled cables went in to an HDMI switch and then to the monitor. So now I'm trying two identical cables coupled together direct into the monitor. So far, that's fine. The switch is old and could be the most suspect link in the chain. So, for now, I'll do the "walk across the room to switch cables. I'll leave it like this for now and see how it behaves over time. If it's OK I'll get a better and more up to date switch.

Don't want to do the "swap cable" method very much. Not only is it a PITA, I don't want to stress the connectors any more than I need to.

Thanks for the info, Paul.

[edit] Doubt that 20' would need an active extender. Besides, given HDMI prices, they're probably outta site, cost-wise.

[kf0rt]

HDMI cables and stuff are one of those "very high profit margin" deals. It's reasonable if you know where to buy:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011012&p_id=8120&seq=1&format=2

Check out their prices on cables (of all sorts), too.

[W1GUH]

Thanks! Thirty bucks for and extender? Sounds good -- expected them to be a lot more. As it turns out, I don't really need one for the distance I'm using -- the evidence is pointing at the old switch I've got. I'll rummage around at that site to see what else they've got.

[kf0rt]

Thanks! Thirty bucks for and extender? Sounds good -- expected them to be a lot more. As it turns out, I don't really need one for the distance I'm using -- the evidence is pointing at the old switch I've got. I'll rummage around at that site to see what else they've got.


For $25, you could get a 30' cable. http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024005&p_id=3963&seq=1&format=2

Been buying from Monoprice for years - never a problem. I always point this out because buying Monster cables at BestBuy is such a ripoff. :yes::lol:

[W1GUH]

Ain't that the truth!!

I see at that link that they've got HDMI switches for really good prices, too. Will look at them in detail to see if they're good for high-speed HDMI. My switch was probably marginal for 1080p at 30HZ but has fallen apart at 60Hz (Hz? Fuck it. CPS!) or 3D. Everything's just fine after bypassing it. Sure wish this monitor had multiple HDMI inputs.

In the midst of all this I saw on Wiki that the spec for HDMI is 10.2 Gbits/sec. Wow. No wonder it can be fussy.

Thanks again.

[K7SGJ]

Ain't that the truth!!

I see at that link that they've got HDMI switches for really good prices, too. Will look at them in detail to see if they're good for high-speed HDMI. My switch was probably marginal for 1080p at 30HZ but has fallen apart at 60Hz (Hz? Fuck it. CPS!) or 3D. Everything's just fine after bypassing it. Sure wish this monitor had multiple HDMI inputs.

In the midst of all this I saw on Wiki that the spec for HDMI is 10.2 Gbits/sec. Wow. No wonder it can be fussy.

Thanks again.

If inputs are really an issue, perhaps a 4 port HDMI switch or auto/rc switch may work for you. Yes, they are a little pricey, but convenience don't come cheap.

[W1GUH]

It's more than convenience -- don't want to stress the connectors by frequent re-connection.

[K7SGJ]

It's more than convenience -- don't want to stress the connectors by frequent re-connection.

Yep, likely easier to replace an outboard switch than the internal connector. Fortunately, I have several olus one in front on the receiver. Newegg has some that are quite reasonable. Or try this place. I've bought a bunch of stuff through them over the years. They have some neat stuff, and very inexpensive. http://www.pimfg.com/Product/HDMI-Switches

[kf0rt]

Far from an HDMI expert here, but from what I've read, HDMI switches are problematical -- maybe not a huge problem, but better avoided if you can find a better solution.

We have two flat-screen TV's here and both are HDMI driven with Comcast HD set-top boxes. The HDMI runs are very short, so I've never played with long cable lengths outside of the RG coax stuff that feeds the cable boxes (installed all the coax m'self). In the living room, the HDMI switch is a Yamaha RX-1800 A/V receiver (4 in, 1 out). Love that thing.

The kids are now teaching me how to use it.

[K7SGJ]

Far from an HDMI expert here, but from what I've read, HDMI switches are problematical -- maybe not a huge problem, but better avoided if you can find a better solution.

We have two flat-screen TV's here and both are HDMI driven with Comcast HD set-top boxes. The HDMI runs are very short, so I've never played with long cable lengths outside of the RG coax stuff that feeds the cable boxes (installed all the coax m'self). In the living room, the HDMI switch is a Yamaha RX-1800 A/V receiver (4 in, 1 out). Love that thing.

The kids are now teaching me how to use it.

Ain't that a bite? I struggle with the manuals, videos, and all that crap, and my kid will walk over, do some voodoo, (sans manuals or anything else) and everything starts working. Problem is, the little twit goes so fast, I can't follow what this doing, and he doesn't have time to show me again. The little bastid.

[kf0rt]

Ain't that a bite? I struggle with the manuals, videos, and all that crap, and my kid will walk over, do some voodoo, (sans manuals or anything else) and everything starts working. Problem is, the little twit goes so fast, I can't follow what this doing, and he doesn't have time to show me again. The little bastid.


I was doing fine until they hooked up an X-Box. Er, or some other game crap (not sure?). Dammit, designed that system myself, then they took it over.

3 year old grandson helps me out (no kidding). I come upstairs, and he has it half reconfigured before I even sit down. 3 year old!!! Serious grandpa respect there I guess (because I'm an asshole). That rat bastid kid will be driving a car before he's ten, I swear. He's all about the buttons and KNOBS.

Little fucker reminds me a bit of myself. :lol:

[K7SGJ]

I was doing fine until they hooked up an X-Box. Er, or some other game crap (not sure?). Dammit, designed that system myself, then they took it over.

3 year old grandson helps me out (no kidding). I come upstairs, and he has it half reconfigured before I even sit down. 3 year old!!! Serious grandpa respect there I guess (because I'm an asshole). That rat bastid kid will be driving a car before he's ten, I swear. He's all about the buttons and KNOBS.

Little fucker reminds me a bit of myself. :lol:

Yeah, it's probably because of that, and the fact they are so cute, we don't take out and leave em in the middle of a cornfield somewhere. As far as driving goes, don't make wait till he's ten.

[kf0rt]

Yeah, it's probably because of that, and the fact they are so cute, we don't take out and leave em in the middle of a cornfield somewhere. As far as driving goes, don't make wait till he's ten.


Kinda makes me wish we could give them a better future.

Man, are we screwed.

[W1GUH]

Oh, that's right....get us all depressed about something we already know! Just kidding - I'm getting kinda used to it.

Back to the switch. I'll be checking the specs on switches carefully before I plunk down the $$$$$. Or...maybe that would be what Best Buy's extra cost would buy. First, to grill them about will it work. And then, if it dosn't, get a refund. I kinda think that it's worth a bit to cut down wear and tear on the connectors. Could go out and get another 3D Monitor or TV, too, but that would buy a whole bunch of switches.

[W1GUH]

An alternative solution, and probably what I'll do, is to do the cable swapping at the coupler.

[W1GUH]

Quick follow-up. Two 10' cables and a coupler have been solid with no problems. Case closed, lesson learned.