Do you need an HDMI Extender

Whether you game online or like to watch movies, you probably use an HDMI cable. However, what if you bought a HDMI cable that’s too short for your needs? HDMI cables often come in lengths of a few feet – though you might need more. Do you need to buy another one? An HDMI extender can solve your needs. Before we talk about why we need it though, let’s take a look at why you will be using a HDMI cable.

About the HDMI Cable 

HDMI is short for High Definition Multimedia Interface, first introduced back in 2002. Since that day‚ they have continued to revolutionize the world of entertainment. 

The HDMI cable has simplified the maze of electronic wires we have to use for entertainment systems. It’s an all-in-one cable that can transfer multichannel audio and video. HDMI can also transfer high definition video and high-resolution audio without a sweat. 

Did you know that HDMI is the only cable that can transmit audio formats like Dolby TrueHD‚ DTS-HD Master Audio and 3D Video? HDMI port is also available in almost every device. With HDMI‚ you need only one cable to connect every device. Simply saying‚ HDMI is the ultimate cable. 

Unfortunately, HDMI cables aren’t meant to be long. This is because the HDMI cable has a core made out of copper. Like any other copper cable‚ HDMI has to deal with noise and other electromagnetic interferences. When a copper cable faces interference‚ the signal it carries starts to deplete. 

For HDMI‚ shorter is better. As a rule of thumb‚ HDMI should never run longer than 40-50ft. Longer lengths result in signal depletion and loss of quality. If you span HDMI for a longer distance than recommended‚ you’ll start seeing flickering‚ pixelation or complete picture loss.

What does an HDMI extender do?

HDMI is still a great cable despite the lack of length. So‚ what can you do to fix this issue? It’s simple. You can use an HDMI extender. Like the name suggest‚ the HDMI extender extends the HDMI signal. It refreshes the signal and sends it to the device on the other end. The extender is made of either a single device or two devices. Extenders use 5V DC off your HDMI source or an external power source to operate. 

So what happens when you connect an extender? Let’s imagine that you are trying to connect a Blu-ray to a TV in the other room.

First‚ you connect the Blu-ray to the extender using the HDMI cable. The extender is connected to a cable like the cat5 or cat6. These cables carry the signal to the second device of the extender in the other room. Here‚ the HDMI cable picks up the signal from the extender and carries it to your TV. 

An HDMI extender can extend your HDMI signal to a length of up to 300ft. However‚ it all depends on the type of extender you have. There are so many devices you can choose from including HDMI over cat5 & cat6‚ HDMI over coax extenders‚ Wireless HDMI extenders and so on. Choosing the type of extender you need is up to you. If‚ for example‚ you don’t have much space for wires‚ you can use a wireless extender. (Want to know more about HDMI extenders? You can read over here)

Advantages of using HDMI extenders

Using an HDMI extender is the best solution to the length crisis of HDMI. If you are not using an extender‚ you will find yourself having to carry around your devices from room to room. It’s inconvenient and time-consuming. Did you know that constant plugging in and out is not good for your HDMI cable? It can wear out the connector. And that’s where extenders come in. When you use extenders‚ there’s simply no reason for you to unplug your HDMI cable again and again.

HDMI extenders also make it possible to view an HDMI source through multiple screens. To do this‚ you need a splitter extender. A splitter extender can copy an HDMI signal and output it to several screens. It also refreshes the HDMI signal and extends it. If you have more than one TV in your home‚ this extender can work wonders by making your life much easier. 

Do you need an HDMI extender?

So‚ would you need an HDMI extender? The answer depends on your situation. You can definitely benefit from the extender if you need to connect multiple devices located apart from each other. However‚ like I said‚ nothing is perfect. Some disadvantages come with the HDMI extender.

The HDMI extender only has a refresh rate of about 60Hz. This means that if you want your device to work at 120Hz and you have devices that support 120Hz‚ you’ll be missing out. This is especially important for hardcore gamers. But‚ if you aren’t into hardcore gaming‚ 60Hz is plenty enough for your regular requirements. Regular broadcast devices still only require 60Hz cables and it will be a long time before that would change. 

HDMI extenders can make your life easier. But do you really need it? The extender is not for you if‚

You don’t need an HDMI cable longer than 50ft to connect your devices.

You have devices that support 120Hz and you need your cables to work at the same rate.

Conclusion

To sum up‚ HDMI extender is an affordable point to point device that can extend the length of your HDMI cable. The extender has a refresh rate of 60Hz and you can use it for your everyday broadcast without a problem. 

There’s also the option to use an HDMI splitter extender which makes it possible for you to transmit duplicate HDMI signals for multiple devices. So‚ if you think your home or your workplace will benefit from this‚ you definitely need an HDMI extender.