If you need a long HDMI cable connected to your TV or other device, there are several options for connecting them.
Options include HDMI repeaters, extenders, boosters, wireless transmitters and more.
The best option will be different for each configuration with our picks for the best configurations below.
How long can an HDMI cable work?
A good, well-built HDMI cable should be able to extend up to 50 feet.
The quality of the signal transferring the data will depend on the quality of the cable and the transmitting device.
Most setups can send a good HDMI signal between 45 and 50 feet before a problem appears, and in some cases, further.
If you only need a cable length of 50 feet or less, a quality HDMI cable should be no problem.
The quality of the TV and sending device can also make a difference in how well the cable length can transfer data.
Most devices such as cable boxes or gaming units will not have a problem, but video quality may vary depending on budget equipment.
For example, a PlayStation 4 will have no trouble sending data over a well-built HDMI cable, while a low-cost Android TV box might have issues.
Cheap TVs can also vary in terms of receiving a signal, working great with a short cable run but problematic with a long cable run.
Each scenario will be different and will need a little thought to achieve the best results.
Below are some common methods to extend an HDMI video signal.
How to extend a TV's HDMI video signal over long distances
- HDMI extender repeater
- HDMI HDBaseT Ethernet Extender
- Wireless HDMI extender
Smaller HDMI extenders can often work well with distances of 50 to 75 feet.
These are small devices that simply extend a cable and give it a slight boost.
Often they are also necessary for many installations, as extending and connecting long distances sometimes requires more than one cable.
For very long distances, an HDBaseT HDMI extender kit can be configured to transmit very well over long distances.
An Ethernet cable (Cat 5e, 6 or 7) is routed to the unit which extends an HDMI signal.
This is a very good option since many homes have existing Cat 5e/6 cable built in or can be installed.
The Ethernet connection must be on its own cable and cannot be used in combination with an Internet connection.
If a wired Internet connection is required, another Cat 5e or higher cable will need to be installed.
Using an HDBaseT is a very good option and is used in many professional setups to extend HDMI.
For example, the unit above can extend HD 1080P at 60 Hz up to 330 feet, 4K at 60 Hz up to 230 feet using Cat5e/6 cable.
There are many other HDBaseT units available, the unit above being just one example.
Wireless HDMI extenders can also be a good option in certain scenarios.
The problem with any wireless signal is obstructions such as walls and other wireless signals.
If you have a clear line of sight to a TV, many wireless HDMI extenders work well, sending a signal between 100 and 400 feet.
For example, the unit above is designed to send a wireless HDMI signal 656 feet with a clear line of sight.
If a wall is in the way, the signal will start to drop significantly.
Busy wireless environments can also impact distance, such as WiFi, baby monitors, smart home devices, etc.
Summary
Extending an HDMI signal can be done with several options available.
Every situation and configuration will be different and any device purchased will need to match the scenario.
If you only need to go 50 feet or less, a quality HDMI cable should do the trick.
For runs up to 100 feet, small boosters will probably work well.
If you have a very long lifespan, the best option is an HDBaseT HDMI extender kit.
This will require the use of an already installed Ethernet cable or installed line.
In some cases, wireless HDMI extenders work well with varying results depending on line of sight and wireless environment.
Have you extended an HDMI signal and have a good option? Let us know in the comment below.