HDMI Over 330 Feet Using CAT5 Cable

By Wolfgang Gruener
published

Gefen has upgraded its HDMI range extender and now enables 1080p full HD with 3DTV pass-through to be transmitted over just one CAT5 cable instead of two. The range remains at 330 feet or 100m.

Data input and output on both ends is provided via a USB 2.0 interface with the signal being transferred over a standard Ethernet cable. According to the manufacturer, the "HD KVM ELR" is primarily targeted at "post-production editing suites, where computers are isolated in machine rooms or closets, and hi-def video with keyboard/mouse peripherals are extended to the edit room."

The HD KVM ELR is not cheap at $1,000, but it is a unique solution given the fact that the longest HDMI cables with signal boosters currently reach just 100 ft in length. Those cables can be purchased for less than $100, but if you need to bridge greater distances than 100 ft, the HD KVM ELR may be an interesting solution.

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Wolfgang Gruener
36 Comments Comment from the forums
  • zero messiah
    Well, I always wanted to watch Children of The Corn in the middle of a corn field...and now i can.
    Reply
  • springhalo
    I wonder if these kinds of things work by amplifying the digital signal using higher voltages, then convert it back at the end of the cable. Considering it's transferring such a large amount of data through a few strands, it probably uses HF signals too. It's a tough job.
    Reply
  • memadmax
    I can't think of too many applications for this, one is high quality security cameras where the security station is a block away... in a bunker... deep underground...

    =D
    Reply
  • dingo07
    Crestron did this Years ago!!!
    Reply
  • NewbieTechGodII
    @memadmax:

    actually, there are lots of reasons for this type of solution (though no way for $1,000...go to monoprice.com and you will find similar items for far, far less).

    for instance, i have a closet under the stairs that i use as a centralized hub for all things audio/video/data. i use a 48-port CAT6 patch panel to route all of my telephone lines and ethernet cables from throughout the house to a central point. i am considering moving all of my directv boxes into this closet as well, and then use ethernet cable to not only transmit hdmi, but also signals for the remote control (plus an additional phone line or ethernet connection).

    of course, i am rebuilding a new server, which will house my audio and video collection.

    again, i would never pay $1,000 for this as there are many more solutions on monoprice.com that do the same and are far less expensive.

    btw- if you haven't been to monoprice.com, you owe it to yourself to check it out. patch cables are incredibly cheap (as in inexpensive); so much so that i don't even bother making my own anymore. to give you a hint about how good they are, i run a 25' hdmi cable from my pc to my plasma, and it only cost like $33.
    Reply
  • Mousemonkey
    9423636 said:
    Crestron did this Years ago!!!
    They certainly did, Geffen HDMI extenders have been around for a few years as well though and it seems a bit odd that it's taken them this long to bring out a single cable solution.
    Reply
  • lockhrt999
    I don't think production houses will use this one as it costs as much as the entry-mid level professional displays.
    Secondly, these devices will add some 50 ms lag for displaying the picture and it's noticeable on professional level.
    Thirdly, BoxX(who makes rigs for pros) already has such solution from a year or two. Their solution is even better than this as it not only serves the displays but also keyboard, mouse USB ports, speaker jacks, power/reset buttons everything over ethernet and that too for less than a grand.
    -----
    Nevertheless I did a few calculations a while back. Uncompressed 60Hz 1080p video data in RGB format can't be transferred over a gigabit ethernet connection as bandwidth is insufficient. So video compression is in the order (Yeah lossless compression will do, i suppose).
    Reply
  • madjimms
    How does this effect DHCP?
    Reply
  • madjimms
    DmadjimmsHow does this effect DHCP?EDIT!

    (HDCP)
    Reply
  • monkeysweat
    NewbieTechGodII@memadmax:actually, there are lots of reasons for this type of solution (though no way for $1,000...go to monoprice.com and you will find similar items for far, far less).for instance, i have a closet under the stairs that i use as a centralized hub for all things audio/video/data. i use a 48-port CAT6 patch panel to route all of my telephone lines and ethernet cables from throughout the house to a central point. i am considering moving all of my directv boxes into this closet as well, and then use ethernet cable to not only transmit hdmi, but also signals for the remote control (plus an additional phone line or ethernet connection).of course, i am rebuilding a new server, which will house my audio and video collection.again, i would never pay $1,000 for this as there are many more solutions on monoprice.com that do the same and are far less expensive.btw- if you haven't been to monoprice.com, you owe it to yourself to check it out. patch cables are incredibly cheap (as in inexpensive); so much so that i don't even bother making my own anymore. to give you a hint about how good they are, i run a 25' hdmi cable from my pc to my plasma, and it only cost like $33.
    Monoprice is my favorite site for any electronic accessories,, price is GREAT and quality is some of the best for the cables,, electronics I havent purchased from there yet, but I have bought phone cases, screen protectors, keystone jacks, all kinds of cables (DVI,HDMI,Ethernet,toslink) and adapters, most items are better than what you buy in the brick and mortar stores for a fraction of the cost.

    AND no I don't work for them,,
    Reply