HDMI over Cat Wiring Guide

HDanywhere 2K systems, such as the mHub 2K family, require a single network cable to be run from each HDTV location, back to a central point.

HDanywhere 2K systems use HDMI over Cat technology to transmit over a single Cat5e/6/7 cable up to a 50 metre distance.

What is HDMI over Cat?

• Uncompressed high-definition (HD) and 3D video
• Lossless digital audio formats 7.1
• Backward + forward IR control

What is the best type of cable to use?

Currently you can use Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6e, Cat6a, Cat7 or Cat7a with HDanywhere products.

DO NOT USE COPPER CLAD ALUMINIUM (CCA) Cat 5/6/7 CABLE. 

The baseline cable standard for HDanywhere systems is Cat5e. Slightly greater distances can be achieved by using Cat6, or slightly better still with the Cat7, which have thicker copper cores and shielding for easier signal transfer.

Whichever network cable type you choose, ensure that the main wiring architecture is ‘solid core’, not stranded ‘patch’ cabling. Patch cabling can be used for the last few metres of a run (say from a wallplate) but should be avoided over the longer runs as signal transfer over stranded cores is heavily reduced.

The use of pre-made leads is not recommended unless you can be absolutely sure of their construction credentials (i.e. solid core 568B)

Shielded cables

Unlike other systems, shielded FTP cable is not a stipulation. If however you preferred this type of cable please ensure compatible shielded accessories are used. Failure to terminate cable screen at all points can induce interference rather than eliminating it.

Best Practice

Best practice advice is to always use a straight piece of cable terminated directly at the transmitter and the receiver ends.

HDMI over Cat with patch panels and wall plates

If the patch panels are terminated correctly, there is minimal loss of distance, however the  use of wallplates and patch panels has the potential to cause increased resistance on the cable, introducing pinch points for signal transmission, and could reduce advertised transmission lengths.

TIP – instead of using RJ45 wallplates, use brush plates instead to maintain the neat finish. A search for “brush plates” will yield many results.

Can I use HDMI over Cat Extenders over PowerLine?

HDMI over Cat is not a signal type that can travel over powerline/homeplug network extension systems.

Connection termination

Terminate the cabling using RJ45 connectors to the 568B wiring standard (shown below).

General Troubleshooting Advice

Check that the Cat cable is not bent, knotted, kinked or distorted in any way that would prevent these high frequency signals from traveling throughout the intended length. Also ensure that the cables as far away from potential sources of EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference ? such as electrical cables, transformers, light fixtures, etc.) as possible. Cables should maintain a 12-inch separation from power cables.

Try re-terminating the RJ45 connectors again, making absolutely sure that every termination is perfect. Ensure that the RJ45 connectors are fully inserted and click locked into place firmly and securely to ensure perfect connector connection

Suggested Installation Do’s and Don’ts

DO maintain the twists of the pairs as close as possible to the point of termination, or no more than 0.5″(one half inch) untwisted.

DO make only gradual bends in the cable where necessary to maintain the minimum bend radius of 4 times the cable diameter or approximately 3cm radius.

DO use low-to-moderate force when pulling cable. The standard calls for a maximum of 25 lbf (pounds of force).

DO use cable pulling lubricant for cable runs that may otherwise require great force to install. (You will be amazed at what a difference the cable lubricant will make)

DO keep Category cables as far away from potential sources of EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference ? such as electrical cables, transformers, light fixtures, etc.) as possible. Cables should maintain a 12-inch separation from power cables.

DON’T allow the cable to be sharply bent, twisted, or kinked at any time. This can cause permanent damage to the geometry of the cable and cause transmission failures.

DON’T over-tighten cable ties or use plastic ties.

DON’T EVER splice or bridge Category cable at any point 4.

DON’T use excessive force when pulling cable.

DON’T use oil or any other lubricant not specifically designed for Category network cable pulling as they can infiltrate the cable jacket, causing damage to the insulation.

DON’T tie cables to electrical conduits, or lay cables on electrical fixtures

DON’T install cables taught. A good installation should have the cables loose, but never sagging.

DON’T use staples on Category cable that crimp the cable tightly. The common T-18 and T-25 cable staples are not recommended for Category cable. However, the T-59 insulated staple gun is ideal for fastening both Category and fiber optic cabling, as it does not put any excess pressure on the cable.

DON’T use patch cords (cables) or punch down blocks.