G'day! We have all been there. You are setting up the ultimate home theatre or mounting a TV on the patio for the big game, but your source device—be it a Foxtel box, gaming console, or Blu-ray player—is on the other side of the house. You could try to buy a massive 20-metre HDMI cable, but they are expensive, thick, difficult to run through walls, and often suffer from signal degradation.

The professional solution to this common problem is hdmi over cat6. This clever technology allows you to transmit high-definition audio and video signals over standard Ethernet cabling, offering a reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality solution for long-distance runs.

What is HDMI over Cat6?

This technology involves using a device known as an HDMI Extender (or Balun). The kit comes in two parts: a transmitter and a receiver.

1. The Transmitter: Plugs into your source device (like your set-top box) via a short HDMI cable. It converts the AV signal into data that can travel over network cable.
2. The Cat6 Run: A standard Category 6 data cable connects the transmitter to the receiver. This cable can run through your walls, roof space, or under the floor.
3. The Receiver: Sits behind your TV or projector. It takes the data from the Cat6 cable, converts it back into an AV signal, and plugs into your display via another short HDMI cable.

Why Use Cat6 Instead of a Long HDMI Cable?

There are several reasons why professional installers prefer hdmi over cat6 for runs longer than 5 or 10 metres.

Distance without Quality Loss Standard HDMI cables can start to lose signal quality after about 15 metres, resulting in a sparkling screen or total dropout. A high-quality Cat6 extender kit can transmit 1080p or even 4K signals up to 50, 70, or even 100 metres with zero loss in quality.

Ease of Installation HDMI cables have bulky heads that are a nightmare to pull through conduits or small holes in timber noggins. Cat6 cable is thin, flexible, and easy to terminate. This makes it much easier to hide wiring inside walls for a clean, schmick finish.

Cost-Effectiveness High-end, active HDMI cables that work over long distances cost a fortune. Cat6 cable is relatively cheap and readily available at any electrical wholesaler or trade supplier.

Choosing the Right Cable

While the technology is compatible with older Cat5e, for the best results—especially if you are pushing 4K Ultra HD content—you really need to use Cat6.

Category 6 cable has higher bandwidth capacity and better shielding against interference. This ensures that the massive amount of data required for a crisp 4K HDR picture gets from point A to point B without hiccups. Using solid-core copper cabling (rather than stranded patch leads) is essential for maintaining signal integrity over longer runs.

A Note on Installation and Licensing

It is important to note that while plugging in the HDMI transmitter and receiver is a simple task, installing the fixed cabling inside your walls is regulated work.

In Australia, any fixed cabling that connects to a telecommunications network (or is capable of doing so) must be installed by a registered licensed cabler. Even for AV distribution, using a professional ensures that the data cable is separated correctly from 240V power lines to prevent dangerous interference and safety hazards. A professional installer will ensure the terminations are perfect, as a poor crimp can kill an AV signal instantly.

Get the Right AV Gear

To set up a reliable AV distribution system, you need components that are built for the job. Cheap extenders can introduce lag or heating issues.

Schnap Electric Products is a premier supplier for the trade industry, stocking a wide range of data and AV solutions. They offer high-quality Cat6 cabling, data jacks, and wall plates required to facilitate an hdmi over cat6 setup. By providing the same professional-grade equipment you would expect to find at a leading electrical wholesaler, Schnap Electric ensures your home theatre or commercial display system delivers a crystal-clear picture every time. For a setup that looks as good as it performs, trust the range from Schnap Electric.