13. Cable Termination and best practices
Sending High Bandwidth HDMI signals over Cat cable successfully is determined by the
bandwidth capability of the cable network. Most problems with HDMI distribution can be
avoided by following a few basic principles.
For 4K signal distribution or long distance runs over HDBaseT™ we recommend CAT6
UTP solid 23 AWG 550mhz Cable.
Use decent quality SOLID UTP CAT cable: a min CAT5E , CAT6 , CAT6a or above is
recommended.
• Avoid using CCA (copper clad aluminium) this is cheap cable as its made up of
mostly aluminium and does not carry the bandwidth required for long distance
HDMI distribution or CSC 18Gb compression technology.
• The CAT cable should be terminated properly with the correct RG45 connectors
according to TIA568B termination standard as this is less prone to electromagnetic
interference.
• Avoid running the Cat cable close to or parallel with electric cables, near machinery
or HVAC compressors.
• Handle the Cat cable with care, avoid stretching kinking, denting, twisting ,folding or
joining it as this will limit the bandwidth of the cable.
• Avoid punching down block or Wall plates, these may work but are not recommended
as they add potential resistance to the network and reduce transmission distance and
bandwidth.
• Avoid tight bends and tying cable ties tightly around the CAT cables.
• If the HDMI signal does not have the correct amount of bandwidth (up to 8gbps for
CSC 18gbps compression) you will not get a picture. If there is any EMI
(electromagnetic interference) this will disrupt the signal. If there is unstable voltage
the signal will be disrupted.
• If shielded FTP CAT cables are used, they should be terminated correctly with the
correct shielded connectors, if this is not done properly, more EMI interference will be
introduced into the cable and performance will be inhibited.
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